Best attractions and places to see in Calderon (Carapungo) is a parish located north of Quito, Ecuador, offering a blend of cultural richness and accessible natural spaces. Historically known as Carapungo, the area is recognized for its traditional mazapán artisanship. Visitors can explore a mix of cultural sites, ecological routes, and viewpoints.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
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Highlight • Monument
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Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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rideable without lights, but you have to trust no one laid out a log in the way!
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Wonderful ride. Quite steep and curvy, be careful of oncoming traffic. There isn't much but it can surprise you.
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Bring a flashlight, buff for your nose, mouth and water
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Take advantage of the early morning hours to ride, due to traffic and high temperatures.
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Popular route close to Quito. It’s an old railway track. Great path and views. We loved it! There’s a 20 km south of this, we didn’t cycled that part. We did cycle the track up to El Quinche, that’s almost 50 km. Last few kilometres are also nice.
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If you arrive to Culebrillas from Puéllaro, this is the last place where you can stock up on water before the 13.4km climb from the port, it is advisable to have enough water for the entire climb as it can be very hot.
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This route where I came from is very easy and to achieve at any level and what type of bicycle.
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Calderon (Carapungo) is renowned for its traditional mazapán artisanship. These unique figurines, made from a mixture of flour and water and colored with vegetable dyes, represent an ancestral tradition over 120 years old. You can find these crafts at the artisanal center near the local market, and even see urban art depicting them at the Intercambiador Carapungo.
Yes, the San José de Calderón Church is a symbolic landmark in the area, situated near the central park. Additionally, the Mitad del Mundo Plaza is a significant historical site nearby, offering insights into the equatorial line.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. The El Chaguiñán Ecological Route, an old railway track, is popular for both cycling and hiking. For more challenging rides, consider the Calacalí–Pululahua Dirt Road with its steep and curvy sections. For a comprehensive list of routes, explore the nearby Cycling in Calderon (Carapungo) guide.
Absolutely. The Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua is an excellent choice, offering walking trails, barbecue areas, and inclusive play structures. The Mitad del Mundo Plaza is also considered family-friendly, providing an educational and engaging experience.
The Mirador de Calderón offers spectacular vistas of the city and the Andes mountains. Additionally, the Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua features beautiful vantage points along its trails.
The El Chaguiñán Ecological Route is ideal for a pleasant walk along an old railway track with great views. For longer walks, Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua provides various walking trails ranging from 3 km to 9 km, allowing you to escape the city noise.
When visiting the Chaquiñán Tunnels, it's highly recommended to bring a flashlight. While rideable, caution is advised, and a buff for your nose and mouth can be useful. Be prepared for a unique experience in these other man-made features.
The Plaza Cívica de Carapungo is a representative spot in the neighborhood, frequently hosting artistic presentations and weekend fairs. The Parque Central de Calderón also serves as a key gathering point for the community.
The region features sandy and 'cangagua' soils, supporting native flora such as black agave, guarango, molle, and chilca. You can experience these natural elements along ecological routes like El Chaguiñán Ecological Route and within green spaces like Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua.
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic views and the opportunity to escape city noise, especially at places like Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua. The unique experience of cycling or hiking along old railway tracks, as offered by the El Chaguiñán Ecological Route, is also highly rated.
Yes, Calderon (Carapungo) offers several routes suitable for gravel biking. You can find challenging loops like the Chaquiñán River – Chaquiñán Tunnels loop. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, refer to the Gravel biking in Calderon (Carapungo) guide.


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