Quito Botanical Garden - a lush green park filled with lots of trees
1 / 10

Quito Botanical Garden

4.6
·9k reviews·Quito, Ecuador

A serene botanical garden within Quito's Parque La Carolina, featuring diverse themed areas like orchids, bonsai, and Japanese gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Quito Botanical Garden - a lush green park filled with lots of trees

Quito Botanical Garden

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene botanical garden within Quito's Parque La Carolina, featuring diverse themed areas like orchids, bonsai, and Japanese gardens.

4.6
(9k reviews)

"A lovely little gem hidden in the middle of bustling Quito, offering a peaceful escape."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Don't Miss the Orchids!

The orchid house is a must-see, even if you visit outside peak blooming season.

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is very reasonable at around $4, making it a great value for a botanical garden quito visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Orchid House

Orchid House

Orchid House

A vibrant display of diverse orchid species, often considered the highlight of the gardens.

Bonsai Garden

Bonsai Garden

Bonsai Garden

An unexpected and impressive collection of meticulously shaped bonsai trees.

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

A serene and beautifully designed space offering a tranquil retreat.

Cacti and Desert Garden

Cacti and Desert Garden

Cacti and Desert Garden

Showcasing a fascinating variety of cacti and succulents from arid regions.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Best Value for Your Visit

For just $4, the Quito Botanical Garden offers a diverse collection of plants. Plan for a leisurely 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the themed areas, including the popular orchid house and bonsai collection. It's a peaceful escape within the city.

Timing Your Orchid Experience

While the orchid house is a highlight, some visitors note that visiting too late in the year might mean fewer blooms. Check local flowering seasons if orchids are your primary interest for the best botanical garden quito experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Cafe offers a nice respite
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for an ID ! Spotted at the botanical garden of Quito. Has small pseudobulbs with no smooth surface/no wrinkles. TIA

🎯 Don't Miss the Orchids!

The orchid house is a must-see, even if you visit outside peak blooming season. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is very reasonable at around $4, making it a great value for a botanical garden quito visit. Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for all sorts of advice about Quito

🚶‍♀️ Easy to Navigate

Well-marked paths make it simple to explore all sections of the garden. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

A quiet cafe inside offers a pleasant break amidst the greenery. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Don't Miss the Orchids!

The orchid house is a must-see, even if you visit outside peak blooming season. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is very reasonable at around $4, making it a great value for a botanical garden quito visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy to Navigate

Well-marked paths make it simple to explore all sections of the garden. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

A quiet cafe inside offers a pleasant break amidst the greenery. Reddit

🌵 Cactus Collection

The desert garden with its diverse cacti is surprisingly impressive. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Quito Botanical Garden to be a charming and well-maintained green space offering great value. Highlights include the impressive orchid and bonsai collections, and the peaceful Japanese garden. Some wish for a larger selection of native Ecuadorian flora, but overall, it's considered a delightful escape within the city.

"Small but well laid out gardens. The main purpose of the visit was to see the orchids. However, I was disappointed with the display. Could have been a bit too late in the year."

Roger Van Gramberg

"It’s a garden inside a garden/park. Small but very well laid-out plan and lots of exotic native plants. A quiet cafe inside gives one a respite from the buzzing traffic around the Carolina park. A surprise for me is the Bonsai garden - never thought I would see something like this in Ecuador. Fantastic!"

L L

"Lovely little gem hidden in the middle of bustling Quito. $4/person in 2025. The orchid house is not to be missed and is honestly the highlight of the gardens. Other things that you don’t want to miss: the cacti garden, the rose garden, and the Japanese garden."

Robert Eversole

What People Like

Affordable entry fee
Diverse plant collections
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited native plants
Orchid blooms vary

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Quito Botanical Garden is located within the larger Parque La Carolina. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Many locals also use public buses that frequent the area around the park. It's a convenient spot to access for a botanical garden quito experience. Reddit

While there isn't dedicated parking for the botanical garden itself, there is parking available within Parque La Carolina, though it can get busy. Taxis and ride-sharing are often more convenient options. Reddit

Depending on your exact location, walking might be feasible but it's a significant distance. Taking a taxi or bus is generally recommended for most visitors to reach the botanical garden quito. Reddit

Several bus routes pass by Parque La Carolina. It's advisable to check local transit apps or ask your accommodation for the most direct bus lines serving the park area for your botanical garden quito visit. Reddit

The garden has well-laid-out paths, but some areas might have slight inclines. It's generally accessible, but it's good to be aware of the terrain. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very affordable, typically around $4 per person. This price offers excellent value for the diverse plant collections and well-maintained grounds of the botanical garden quito. Reddit

The garden generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not required for the Quito Botanical Garden. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the entry fee is already very low, making it accessible for most travelers. Reddit

Information on whether a Quito tourism pass covers entry to the botanical garden is not readily available. It's recommended to check the specifics of any pass you might have. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The orchid house is a major highlight, along with the impressive bonsai collection and the serene Japanese garden. The cacti and desert garden also offer unique displays. Reddit

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the different sections and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. You can easily extend your visit if you wish to relax at the cafe. Reddit

Information on official guided tours is limited. However, the garden is well-signed, and you can explore at your own pace. Reddit

Yes, the diverse plant life, themed gardens, and tranquil settings make it a great spot for photography. The orchid house and Japanese garden are particularly photogenic. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms located throughout the grounds, and plenty of benches for resting and enjoying the environment. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a quiet cafe located within the gardens that offers a place to relax and enjoy refreshments. Reddit

The cafe typically offers light snacks, coffee, and beverages, providing a pleasant respite during your visit. Reddit

The botanical garden is situated within Parque La Carolina, which is surrounded by various dining options in the surrounding city. You can find more substantial meals outside the park. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated picnic areas if available, or outside the main garden paths. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options at the cafe is limited. It's best to inquire directly upon arrival. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The orchid house, Japanese garden, and the diverse cacti in the desert garden offer excellent photographic opportunities. The overall greenery provides a beautiful backdrop. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in public gardens and parks for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless otherwise stated. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional shoots or commercial photography might require special permits. Reddit

Morning light can be softer and less harsh, offering beautiful conditions. However, the garden is picturesque throughout the day. Reddit

Yes, taking photos of plants for personal identification or reference is perfectly fine. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Quito Botanical Garden can be a delightful outing for families. The well-marked paths make it easy for children to explore without getting lost, and the variety of plants, especially the unique cacti and the colorful orchids, can spark curiosity. The Bonsai Garden often fascinates younger visitors with its miniature trees. Pack some snacks and water, and consider a visit to the cafe for a treat. It’s a safe and engaging environment for kids to connect with nature. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Quito Botanical Garden is an excellent choice. With an entry fee of around $4, it offers significant value for money. It's a peaceful and beautiful place to spend a few hours without a hefty price tag. Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Parque La Carolina for an affordable day out in Quito. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find plenty of inspiration at the Quito Botanical Garden. The Orchid House offers vibrant colors and intricate details, while the Japanese Garden provides opportunities for serene landscape shots. The Bonsai Garden and the diverse Cacti Garden also present unique subjects. Aim for morning light for softer shadows and richer colors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Themed Gardens

The Quito Botanical Garden is thoughtfully laid out with distinct themed areas, offering a diverse horticultural experience. The Orchid House is a standout, showcasing a remarkable variety of these delicate flowers, though bloom times can vary seasonally.Reddit For a touch of the East, the Japanese Garden provides a tranquil escape with its meticulous design and serene atmosphere. Don't miss the Bonsai Garden, a surprising and impressive collection that delights visitors with its miniature artistry.Reddit

Beyond these popular spots, the Cacti and Desert Garden presents a fascinating array of succulents and arid-climate plants, demonstrating the resilience and diversity of flora from different environments. Other sections include a rose garden and areas dedicated to native Ecuadorian plants, though some visitors note that the focus isn't exclusively on indigenous species.Reddit The well-defined paths make it easy to navigate between these distinct zones, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the botanical garden quito.

A Peaceful Oasis in the City

Nestled within the bustling Parque La Carolina, the Quito Botanical Garden offers a welcome respite from the urban energy of the capital. Its relatively small size, combined with its thoughtful layout, makes it an accessible and enjoyable destination for a few hours of calm. Visitors often praise the garden's tranquility, noting it as a 'lovely little gem' hidden amidst the city's buzz.Reddit

The presence of a quiet cafe within the grounds further enhances this sense of peace, providing a perfect spot to relax with a coffee or light snack while surrounded by greenery. Ample benches are scattered throughout, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and simply soak in the natural beauty. This makes the botanical garden quito an ideal location for a leisurely stroll or a moment of quiet contemplation.