On the east side of Quito is Parque Metropolitano, the largest urban park in South America clocking in at nearly twice the size of Central Park in NYC.  It’s on a ridge so it overlooks the city to the west and then down the next valley to the east.  The park is full of trails, playing fields, picnic areas with grills and covered structures, as well as large pieces of art.  It’s also home to horses and alpacas.  The topography consists of rolling hills and cliffs covered with Eucalyptus trees, bushes, vines, and grasses.

There is an east entrance to the park a very short bike ride from our front door.  I was excited with what I found; great trails with endless loop choices that will get my heart rate going and feed my soul.  I also got my first glimse of Cotopaxi, the 19,347′ volcano to the East of the Parque.