Parque Metropolitano

Metropolitan Park is located in Loma de Guanguiltagua, in the north-eastern part of Quito. Traversing a diverse landscape including a beautiful forest, the park encourages public involvement in nature and the practise of sustainability. It has also been described as the 'main lung' of Quito, thereby making one it one of the most important - not to mention stunning - parts of the whole city.

The natural ecological reserve is made up of no less than 574 hectares and receives an incredible 20,000 - 30,000 people a year, who visit the park for camping, picnics, cycling, martial arts, yoga, or simply to just enjoy tours of the wonderful environment. There is also an exceptional viewpoint, offering a panorama of the city.

The park's owners seek to promote awareness of Quito's native flora and fauna, which includes 10 species of hummingbird and seventy species of other birds that roost here. Some of these birds are endangered; several to the point of near-extinction.

Unsurprisingly then, one of the main activities that takes place here is bird-watching. The main aim of any keen bird-watcher is to spot all the different species endemic to the park; as well as hummingbirds, these include robins and tanagers. Metropolitan Park in Quito is a place to not only connect with nature, but to help preserve it, too.