Here in El Condado, history whispers from the very ground beneath our feet. El Condado is one of Quito’s 32 urban parishes. It sits in the northwestern part of the city.
Imagine El Condado decades ago. The 1960s saw the old Hacienda El Condado parceled out. This division favored the “huasipungueros,” the workers of the land. From this, the San José del Condado neighborhood was born. Today, it forms part of the Ponceano parish.
El Condado’s layout was defined by this split. One area became a working-class neighborhood. The other remained as stables and golf courses. Then, in 1993, the Urbanización El Condado arrived. It catered to a high socioeconomic level. This boosted the area’s prestige.
El Condado has grown significantly over time. The Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia’s construction in the late 90s was a key moment. It led to the creation of a parish in the area. The Quito Tennis & Golf Club’s move to El Condado’s east side further aided its growth.
El Condado stretches across 54.76 square kilometers. As of 2019, over 110,000 people called it home. It’s bordered by several other parishes. These include Pomasqui to the north and Cotocollao to the south. Carcelén lies to the east. Nono is to the west.
El Condado enjoys a temperate climate. Days range from 10°C to 24°C. Nights are cool around 8°C. Expect rain between October and May. Clear skies prevail from June to September. Humidity is high and winds are moderate.
The Urbanización El Condado is a high-end residential zone. Here, you’ll find the Quito Tennis & Golf Club. Several exclusive schools also call this area home.
Don’t miss the Centro Comercial Condado Shopping. This popular spot offers diverse shops and dining.
El Condado boasts a mix of architectural styles. Buildings from the 1990s and 2000s dominate. The Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia stands out. The 20th-century “casa de hacienda” now serves as an event center.
El Condado is easily accessible by bus from central Quito. One line runs from San Diego to La Delicia. It stops in El Condado.
Remember the Hacienda El Condado workers when you are in El Condado. They laid the foundation for the community we see today. Their legacy lives on in the streets and stories of El Condado.