La Carolina Park – Quito, Ecuador - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

La Carolina Park

Quito, Ecuador

This huge green space packed with activities will make you forget you're in the middle of the Ecuadorian capital. 

View all photos
inside Jardín Botánico de Quito - Carolina Park vasconcelloscynthia (Atlas Obscura User)
inside Jardín Botánico de Quito - Carolina Park vasconcelloscynthia (Atlas Obscura User)
123
99
Top Places in Quito
Garcia Moreno Prison Museum
Quito, Ecuador
Museo Franciscano del Padre Almeida
Quito, Ecuador
La Plaza Grande
Quito, Ecuador
 See All

La Carolina Park (Parque La Carolina) is one of the most prized gems of Quito. This remarkable urban space boasts a wonderfully diverse collection of activities spread out over its 165 acres, all within the heart of the city.

Among the park’s attractions are the gorgeous botanical gardens, a small lake, a children’s library, an auditorium, playgrounds, bike paths, a skatepark, tennis courts, numerous food stalls, and yes, even a defunct 1940s Douglas DC-6 Ecuadorian Air Force plane turned into a printmaking museum. (What city park would be complete without one?)

Although it receives upwards of 50,000 visitors a weekend, the park never feels too crowded, as there are plenty of activities to keep visitors occupied. If you have a lazy afternoon to spend in Ecuador’s capital, there’s something bound to pique your curiosity at this wonderful urban park. 

Know Before You Go

Entrance to the botanical garden is a very reasonable $3.50 for non-Ecuadorians. Other than that, the park is free and open to all visitors from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Wild Galapagos: An Ecological Wonderland

Darwin's legacy, snorkeling, volcanic landscapes & conservation insights.
Book Now
public botanical gardens sports parks museums
Community Contributors
micahspangler
Added by
micahspangler
knoxium
vasconcelloscynthia
Edited by
knoxium, vasconcelloscynthia
Published
May 8, 2019
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Teleférico Quito
2.78 miles
Basílica del Voto Nacional
3.04 miles
El Panecillo
3.51 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
A Teleférico cable car hovers over Quito.
Quito, Ecuador

Teleférico Quito

The gondolas let you glimpse a bird's-eye view of one of the world's highest capital cities.
Basílica del Voto Nacional.
Quito, Ecuador

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Legend says if this neo-Gothic basilica is ever officially completed, the world will come to an end.
Quito, Ecuador

El Panecillo

A short volcanic hill in Quito doubles as a stellar observation point of an iconic statue.
Quito, Ecuador

La Plaza Grande

Quito's historic, main square dates back to the 16th century.
Related Places
Morgedal, Norway

Norsk Skieventyr

This small museum celebrates the father of modern skiing, as well as Norway's other notable contributions to skiing.
Taghazout, Morocco

Taghazout Community Skatepark

A home for skateboarders with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean in Morocco.
Isles of Scilly, England

Valhalla Museum

Around 30 ship figureheads are housed at this 11th-century abbey and gardens.
Montevideo, Uruguay

Museo Andes 1972

Curated with the cooperation of the passengers and their families, this museum tells the story of the 29 victims and 16 survivors of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web