Parque La Alameda
Quito's historic Parque La Alameda offers an astronomical observatory, a lake with boat rentals, and a statue of Simón Bolívar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Parque La Alameda
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Quito's historic Parque La Alameda offers an astronomical observatory, a lake with boat rentals, and a statue of Simón Bolívar.
"A timeless park for all locals, with a man-made lake that has fun water vehicles and an insane amount of goldfish."
🛶 Boat Rental Fun
Rent a variety of water vehicles on the lake for a fun afternoon. :rowboat:
🔭 Stargazing Opportunity
Visit the astronomical observatory for a unique educational experience. :star2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Astronomical Observatory
Within the park
Gaze at the stars and learn about the cosmos at the oldest planetarium in Quito.
Boating Lake
Central lake
Rent a variety of fun water vehicles and enjoy a leisurely paddle on the man-made lake.
Simón Bolívar Statue
Prominent location in the park
Admire the imposing statue of the South American liberator, a key landmark.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Boat Rental Fun
Rent a variety of water vehicles on the lake for a fun afternoon. :rowboat:
🔭 Stargazing Opportunity
Visit the astronomical observatory for a unique educational experience. :star2:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk and soak in the local atmosphere. :walking:
🐠 Goldfish Pond
Don't miss the pond teeming with goldfish, often fed by visitors. :fish:
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Boat Rental Fun
Rent a variety of water vehicles on the lake for a fun afternoon. :rowboat:
🔭 Stargazing Opportunity
Visit the astronomical observatory for a unique educational experience. :star2:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk and soak in the local atmosphere. :walking:
🐠 Goldfish Pond
Don't miss the pond teeming with goldfish, often fed by visitors. :fish:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parque La Alameda is a well-loved city park offering a peaceful escape with its lake, observatory, and green spaces. Visitors appreciate it as a nice place to stroll and enjoy the local atmosphere, with many highlighting the fun of boat rentals and the unique goldfish pond. However, some reviews mention issues with service and portion sizes at specific food vendors, suggesting a varied experience with dining options.
"Awful experience!
First of all, I waited over 15 minutes in line to place my order and I was just 4 persons away from the cashier. Then, when I ordered I was literally forced to provide my ID number otherwise I couldn't be served. When my complained, the cashier stated that it's the management policy to request the ID, address, phone number and email address from all customers. I definitely don't agree with this shady policy.
When I got my ordered items, the portions were small and not in accordance with the prices. I don't plan to go back to this place."
Sergio Estrella
"Beautiful medium-sized park with food vendors in some areas. A nice place to stroll and enjoy the weather."
Evelyn Anne
"Another timeless park for all locals, the oldest planetarium in Quito is located there, and there is a man made small lake that has not only row boats, now you can rent all kinds of fun water vehicles, and pay special attention to the pond, it has an insane amount of GOLD fish, that are fed by locals and tourists alike, do not be surprised if you see a SMALL SHARK there. This is the home of the first "caracol" or snail building that used to give a great overview of the parks areas including the adjacent ones, Banks, A.T.M.'s and eateries make this a convenient and fun park to spend your time in."
P. Flores
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parque La Alameda is centrally located in Quito. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Public buses also serve the area, making it accessible for budget travelers. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes.
While the park itself is pedestrian-friendly, there is parking available outside the park, particularly near the 'Parque de Los Niños' section.
Walking is the best way to experience Parque La Alameda. You can also rent boats on the lake for a different perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parque La Alameda is a public park and generally free to enter. However, there might be fees for specific activities like boat rentals or entry into the astronomical observatory.
The park is typically open from morning until evening. The astronomical observatory may have specific operating hours, so it's advisable to check in advance.
Information on online booking for the astronomical observatory is not widely available. It's best to check their official website or inquire locally upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a stroll, admire the Simón Bolívar statue, rent boats on the lake, visit the astronomical observatory, and observe the goldfish in the pond. It's a great spot to relax and people-watch.
Parque La Alameda is generally considered a safe place for a walk, especially during daylight hours. As with any urban park, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Yes, there is a children's park area known as 'Parque de Los Niños' or 'Barbara De Achille' within or adjacent to Parque La Alameda, offering play structures for kids.
Locals and tourists often feed the goldfish in the pond. While not explicitly prohibited, it's good practice to use appropriate fish food if available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food vendors in some areas of the park, offering various snacks and meals.
While the park has vendors, for more extensive dining options, you might explore nearby neighborhoods. Some TikToks mention restaurants in the 'Alameda' neighborhood of Cali, Colombia, but for Quito's Parque La Alameda, explore surrounding streets for local eateries.,
Expect typical park fare, which can include snacks, local treats, and quick meals. The variety can depend on the day and specific vendors present.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake with the boats, the Simón Bolívar statue, and the surrounding architecture offer great photo opportunities. The astronomical observatory can also be a unique subject.
Yes, Parque La Alameda offers opportunities for street photography, capturing daily life, local interactions, and the park's ambiance.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting for photography, with softer shadows and a warm glow. Early mornings can also be peaceful and less crowded.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Astronomical Observatory: A Glimpse into the Cosmos
While specific details about current shows or booking might require local inquiry, the presence of this observatory adds a distinct educational and scientific dimension to the park experience. It's a feature that sets Parque La Alameda apart from many other city parks, appealing to curious minds of all ages.
Lake Activities: Paddling and People-Watching
Beyond the boat rentals, the lake is also a prime spot for people-watching. Locals and tourists alike gather around its edges, enjoying the views and the lively atmosphere. The pond is also notable for its abundance of goldfish, which are often fed by visitors, creating a charming scene.
Navigating the Park: Accessibility and Atmosphere
While the park is a public space, it's important to note that some online discussions about 'Alameda' might refer to different locations, such as the Alameda Flea Market in California
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