Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At 1,376 acres Metropolitan Park is the largest one in South America, perched on the Bel-
lavista hills overlooking the Cumbaya and Chillos suburbs of Quito. The park is a wood-
land retreat from the busy sprawl of Quito, where running, trail hiking, dogwalking, bik-
ing and barbecues take place. Metropolitano also serves as a sculpture park, accommodat-
ing massive works of surreal art that dot the Eucalyptus forest. On clear days, views of
Antisana and Cotopaxi Volcanoes can be seen from the park's eastern side.
Mercado Artesanal
Jorge Washington and Juan León Mera
If you can't make it to Otavalo or other indigenous market towns, the
Mercado Artesanal
right by La Mariscal is your best bet. Some argue it's even better, as the sprawling block-
long center houses handicrafts from all over Ecuador, not just one region. About 100 out-
door stalls make up the market, selling goods like woven tablecloths, carved animal
statues, Andean pillow covers, crystal, silver and palm nut jewelry and handmade cloth-
ing. It's a good one-stop-shop to get all your souvenir shopping done at dirt-cheap prices.
Café Culture
As Ecuador's cosmopolitan capital, Quito has always been home to its own bohemian café
scene, so whether you're looking to get some work done on your laptop or just want to en-
joy a good cup of coffee on a balcony overlooking the city, dip into one of these cafés for
a cultured ambience that's truly Quiteño.
In the heart of La Mariscal is
Café Kallari
(Wilson and Juan León Mera)
,
a cozy nook ad-
orned with natural materials (benches and tables are made of sleek slabs of repurposed
wood) serving organic drinks and meals. The Kallari Association itself is made of up of
over 850 families from the Oriente who harvest the cacao sold in bars and pastries at the
café. In the back, a small showroom of handicrafts made by villagers as well as organic
shade-grown coffee can be bought to support the organization. The iced
Guayusa
tea is
especially good.
Around Kallari's corner is
El Español
(Juan León Mera and Wilson) a popular chain that
carries artisanal Spanish sandwiches as well as the customary coffee and tea drinks and
wines from around the world. Their outside seating at the Plaza Foch locale is perfect for
people-watching, but keep in mind that children will ask to shine your shoes or women
