Perhaps you have heard of New York’s Central Park. Well, Parque La Carolina is Quito’s version of that famous green space. Spanning 165 acres, Parque La Carolina is a vibrant hub in the heart of Quito. It is known for its recreational activities.
Imagine this park in 1939 as the hacienda “La Carolina”. It belonged to Mrs. Maria Augusta Barba de Larrea. The city acquired it that year. In 1976, the Municipality’s Planning Department designed the modern park we see today.
Parque La Carolina offers something for everyone. You can enjoy botanical gardens and a small lake. There is also a children’s library and an auditorium here. Playgrounds, bike paths, and tennis courts are available too. A skatepark provides space for skateboarders.
Locals often play soccer on the fields. You can join them or watch a friendly game. You can rent a paddleboat on the pond. This lets you enjoy unique views of the park from the water.
In the southern quarter, explore the Jardín Botánico de Quito. It is a lush garden with native plants. They come from the Andes and Ecuadorian highlands. The garden boasts an orchid collection. It features over 1,200 species. Educational studies focus on local ecosystems. A small café offers refreshments.
To the west of Parque La Carolina, you can find the Vivarium. Meet some of Ecuador’s local snakes and lizards there. Also, visit the nearby Ecuadorian Museum of Natural Science. Learn about the country’s natural past, present, and future.
Pope John Paul II visited Ecuador in 1985. He met with people in this park. A giant cross commemorates this event. It stands at the site where the ceremony took place.
La Carolina covers 64 hectares. This park is located in Quito’s commercial center. It is like Central Park in New York City. Every week, 40 tons of garbage are collected here. The city estimates that 50,000 people visit each week. This makes it the most visited park in the city.
You will find sports courts for soccer and basketball in Parque La Carolina. There are also volleyball and tennis courts. Visit the ice-skating and acrobatics rink. You can also explore the exhibition center.
La Laguna is in the southeastern part of the park. Here, you can enjoy a boat or bicycle ride. If you want to enjoy theater and puppets for children, visit the airplane. Inside an old device, you will find new suggestions for children’s fun.
Whether relaxing or exploring, visitors find exciting things to do in La Carolina. An old Douglas DC-6 Ecuadorian Air Force airplane stands as a printmaking museum. Its relaxed atmosphere and plenty of activities make this park a popular spot. So, take a stroll through Parque La Carolina and discover the green heart of Quito.