Just a few minutes north of Quito, Nayón feels like a small, hidden village surrounded by nature. Its plant nurseries offer a wide variety of flowers and plants, making it popular with gardening lovers. You can also enjoy fun activities like zip-lining and horseback riding. Food lovers will enjoy the tasty local dishes served in Nayón’s restaurants, featuring traditional Ecuadorian flavors.
In short, Nayón is a place that mixes natural beauty with fun and good food, making it a great spot for a quick trip near Quito. Known as the Garden City, this rural area is full of plants, lined with nurseries, and offers highland food alongside adventure parks and scenic views.
For many years called the Garden of Quito, this area combines growing ornamental plants in its nurseries with village life and an increasing number of tourist attractions like adventure parks, hikes to waterfalls, and natural springs.
Nayón is an ideal place for a half-day or full-day trip. It’s perfect if you want to buy plants from the nurseries, enjoy delicious local food, or try exciting adventures—all without leaving the Metropolitan District.
Why is it called the “Garden of Quito”?
Nayón is a rural area in the northeast part of Quito, about 15-20 minutes from the city when traffic is light. Officially named Santa Ana de Nayón, it became a parish on December 19, 1935. Every year on July 26, they celebrate their patron saint, Santa Ana, at the church in the central park. The many plant nurseries and garden shops, along with its lively village atmosphere and beautiful plants, are why it’s known as the “Garden of Quito.”
From Farming Village to Ornamental Plant Hub
For much of the 20th century, Nayón was a rural area focused on growing food for families and small farms. But by the late 1900s, it started becoming known for producing ornamental plants. Today, most people in Nayón work directly or indirectly in growing, selling, and designing gardens. This change has made Nayón an important spot for plant nurseries in Quito.
Because of this shift, Nayón earned the nickname “Garden of Quito.” The biggest variety of ornamental plants in the city is found here: along the main road and throughout the village, dozens of nurseries offer more than 500 types of plants including fruit trees, medicinal herbs, flowers, shrubs, and decorative trees. Many greenhouses in Nayón have a wide selection to meet every gardening need. For many people in Quito, visiting Nayón means “going to get plants”: filling their cars with pots, soil, and supplies to create a full garden at home.
Nursery owners do more than sell plants; they also give advice. They help customers pick plants based on space, sunlight, and care time, suggest combinations, and show how to set up planters, terraces, or flower arrangements. This personal service is common at garden stalls throughout the area. This close connection is part of what makes Nayón special and why it’s a go-to place for landscapers, decorators, and plant lovers.
Parish Life and Traditions
At the heart of Nayón, the main park and the Santa Ana church set the pace for community life. Every July, they celebrate patron saint festivals with processions, religious ceremonies, cultural activities, and food events. These local celebrations draw visitors from Quito and highlight the area’s rich traditions and strong community spirit beyond just religious observances. In 2016, the church was named the Sanctuary of Santa Ana de Nayón, strengthening its important role in parish life.
Even with recent urban growth and more people moving in—thanks to its mild climate, closeness to Quito, and a rise in ornamental plant businesses—Nayón still feels like a village: quiet streets, friendly neighbors who know each other, and a mix of old traditional homes alongside new tourist spots and housing developments.
Things to Do in Nayón: Plant Nurseries, Nayon Xtreme Valley, Waterfalls, and Great Food
Nayón is more than just a spot to buy plants. It offers a special mix of nature, adventure, and tasty food that makes it perfect for all kinds of travelers—families, friends, couples, or anyone wanting a break from their daily routine. Whether you want thrilling activities or peaceful scenery, Nayón provides a unique experience among the best places to visit near Quito.
Tour of Nurseries and Plant Boulevard
The main highlight is visiting the nurseries. From the entrance to the parish along the main road, you’ll find many nurseries—some focus on roses and flowers, others on bonsais, palm trees, cacti, fruit trees, or indoor plants. The “boulevard of plants” groups several nurseries together, creating a lovely walk through tunnels of leaves, flower-filled paths, and patios full of pots.
You can easily spend a couple of hours here: browse around, ask questions, compare prices, and get advice. Shopping in Nayón is usually cheaper than in city garden stores and offers a much wider selection. It’s also a great way to support local growers and family businesses.
Nayon Xtreme Valley Adventure Park Near Quito
If you want some excitement, Nayón has a popular adventure park called Nayon Xtreme Valley. It’s located in the Nayón valley in the San Pedro parish, about 15 minutes from Quito and 20 minutes from the airport.
The park covers about five hectares and offers activities like zip-lining, high ropes courses, extreme swings, bungee jumping, suspension bridges (including one of Latin America’s largest Tibetan bridges), paintball, swimming pools, barbecue areas, and glamping accommodations with jacuzzis. Many visitors spend a full day here—perfect for company team-building events, university groups, farewell parties, or friends looking for an adventurous day in nature.
The Ministry of Tourism praises Nayon Xtreme Valley as a model of sustainable and community-based tourism because it involves local people in caring for the environment responsibly.
While in Nayón, you can also try other outdoor activities like hiking trails with amazing views of the Andes and lookout points over the valley. There are eco-tourism options that let you enjoy nature while helping local communities.
Waterfalls, Springs, and Rural Tourism
Besides the nurseries and adventure park, the area has other hidden gems like a waterfall, springs, inns, and small rural lodgings mentioned by locals and visitors. Many farms offer orchard and farm tours, short hiking trails near Quito, horseback riding, and peaceful spots with views of the green valley hills.
This type of tourism is still low-key, mostly shared by word of mouth rather than big promotions, but it’s very appealing for those who want to enjoy nature through rural tourism in Ecuador without traveling far.
Food: from empanadas to Nayón crabs
A trip to Nayón usually ends with a meal. Local restaurants serve traditional dishes like hornado, empanadas de viento, churrasco, broths, and especially the famous Nayón crabs, which are a local specialty. Other popular dishes unique to Nayón include llapingachos (potato pancakes) and fritada (fried pork), which visitors should definitely try.
Many places to eat are found in the upper part of the parish or at natural viewpoints, offering views of the valley and nearby mountains. One well-known spot is El Mirador de Nayón, famous for its tasty traditional food and beautiful panoramic views. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy lunch or dinner after visiting nurseries, just minutes from the city but feeling like a peaceful escape.
How to get to Nayón from Quito and tips for your visit
Getting to Nayón is simple, which is why it’s a popular spot for quick trips.
Here are some ways to get there from key places in Quito:
- From Parque La Carolina: Take Av. 12 de Octubre east, then turn left onto Av. Eloy Alfaro. Keep going until you reach Av. Simón Bolívar, where you can catch a bus to Nayón.
- From Basílica del Voto Nacional: Go north on Calle Cuenca, then turn right onto Av. 24 de Mayo. Continue straight until you reach Av. Simón Bolívar and take a bus that goes straight to Nayón.
By Public Transport and Private Vehicle
The parish has good public transport options. The Metropolitan Public Company of Passenger Transport runs the RÍO COCA – NAYÓN line, which connects the Ecovía corridor with the parish. Other routes like RÍO COCA – COLLAQUÍ and nearby urban lines also serve Nayón. The trip from the Río Coca interchange takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic, making it a convenient choice for those using a Quito trip planner.
By private car, traveling from northern or central Quito takes around 15-20 minutes. You can reach Nayón via Av. Simón Bolívar by following signs to Nayón, or from areas like Monteserrín and Granados. Central spots such as Parque La Carolina or Basílica del Voto Nacional are good starting points. According to Rome2Rio, the distance between downtown Quito and Nayón is about 16-17 km, with a driving time of roughly 16 minutes when traffic is light.
Helpful tips for your visit
- Plan ahead: Visit nurseries early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds.
- Dress smart: Bring a light jacket and sunscreen since Nayón has mild weather.
- Full-day plan: Start at the nurseries, try local dishes like hornado for lunch, then visit Nayon Xtreme Valley adventure park in the afternoon.
- Be respectful: Follow traffic rules and pay attention to signs on private property.
With a little planning, Nayón is a must-see spot—a lively place where nurseries, adventure, and great food near Quito come together for an unforgettable trip.
