High above Quito at 2910 meters lies a park. This is Itchimbia Park. From here we have a stunning 360-degree view. Can you smell that? Honeysuckle mixes with eucalyptus. Birdsong fills the air. It is so peaceful here.
Itchimbia is a hill in Quito. The Machángara River flows to its east. This river starts in southern Quito. Itchimbia is on the eastern border of downtown Quito. It also marks the southeast edge of northern Quito.
To the west, Itchimbia connects to San Juan hill. La Alameda Park is just west of Itchimbia hill. You’ll find Quito’s old astronomical observatory there. It is now owned by Escuela Politécnica Nacional. Iglesia de San Blas is southwest. It is a well-known historic church. A creek flows south of Itchimbia. Its water goes into the Machángara River.
The hill boasts Parque Itchimbia. It was once a municipal park. Now, Consorcio Ciudad-Ecogestión runs it. This private group focuses on the environment. The park features a glass house. It sits atop the hill. It’s called Centro Cultural Itchimbia. It serves as an exhibition center. There is also a conference room and museum. The Centro Cultural Metropolitano de Quito owns the exhibition center.
Did you know the hill forms a municipal parish? It’s an administrative division of Quito.
Itchimbia Park spans 54 hectares. There are 6489 square meters of green space. Plus, there are 1200 square meters of equipment for the community. The families who lived here were moved before the reconstruction.
Inside Itchimbia Park you can discover 400 flower species. Forty bird types also live here. You will even find a wetland area. Trees include arrayan, quishuar, pumamaqui, alamo and capuli.
The Crystal House is a major attraction. It is also known as the Itchimbia Cultural Center. It has a metal framework and glass panels. Many events take place here. You can find shows, painting workshops and yoga classes. It also shares cultural information. An art gallery displays permanent and seasonal exhibits.
There are 146 parking spaces here. You can meander along 2.4 kilometers of pathways. If you enjoy sports, you can visit Itchimbia Park. It has sports courts and forestry. Jog or trek around here. Don’t worry about getting lost. Signage and information centers are everywhere.
The Crystal Palace is impressive. Its large windows offer views of downtown Quito. The structure came from Belgium in 1899. It was Quito’s first closed market. It was transported to Guayaquil. Then it came here.
Itchimbia is used for events. These include artistic events and conferences. There’s also an esplanade. People fly kites here. It is a popular family activity. You can cycle here too. There is a forest for rest.
The indigenous locals dedicated the Itchimbia hill to the moon and sun. They saw it as a center for vigilance and wisdom. The park is also known as La Botica de Quito. This is because of the variety of medicinal plants. It was also home to Quito’s first TV channel.
Today, a brick path connects the main attractions. It is for people in wheelchairs.
The Itchimbia offers activities. In the mornings and afternoons, children play sports. People walk their pets. They enjoy ceviche de chochos. They also drink natural juice. You can try medicinal herbs with aloe extract. You can play basketball or football. You can hike or cycle. Aerobics and dance therapies are available.
Enjoy the breathtaking landscape. See the historic center full of lights.