2 Best Sights in Quito, Ecuador

One of Quito's largest parks, El Ejido is popular for its extensive playgrounds and courts for ecuavoli (three-person volleyball). Theater groups regularly hold impromptu performances here, and there are often open-air art exhibitions on Saturday. You can also usually find a handicraft market in progress on weekends. As pleasant as it is by day, Parque El Ejido should be avoided once the sun goes down.

The elongated triangle of La Alameda Park lies between the Old and New cities, near the Asamblea Legislativa, a large, modern building that houses the nation's congress. This is a pleasant, shady park where pedal and row boats can be hired and Quiteños enjoy cycling and jogging. At the center of the park stands the handsome, yellow El Observatorio, the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, though it's rendered useless by the bright city lights. Within is a small, free museum showcasing vintage astronomy equipment. A monument to Simón Bolívar dominates the southern apex of the triangle.