Parque La Carolina

This park has an area of 67 hectares, which makes it one of the biggest parks not only in Quito, but the whole of South America. Athletes take to the grounds on week days; you can see them training in their various disciplines. During weekends as many as 50,000 people descend upon the quiet and tranquil place to make use of the park.

There are many facilities and services. For example, there are football courts, basketball courts, skating paths, cycle trails, exercising areas, walking trails and a small man-made lagoon where you can hire boats. There is also a BMX track, a children's playground, an exhibition area, five car parks, and several places to purchase drinks and snacks.

Other highlights include Quito's Botanic Garden. Here, you can observe a variety of orchids and other types of flora native to the slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Also not to be missed is the Fantasy Airplane, located in the centre of the park. This is a favourite with kids, and features a variety of different entertainment.

There are also two museums to explore; the Ecuadorian Science Nature Museum, which was created to showcase the natural richness of Ecuador; and the Dinosaur Museum, which features life-size, moving models of the prehistoric beasts.