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.
Quito, Ecuador
La Carolina Park
This huge green space packed with activities will make you forget you're in the middle of the Ecuadorian capital.
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.
Contributed by
micahspangler
