Quito Botanical Garden
A serene botanical garden within Quito's Parque La Carolina, featuring diverse themed areas like orchids, bonsai, and Japanese gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Quito Botanical Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene botanical garden within Quito's Parque La Carolina, featuring diverse themed areas like orchids, bonsai, and Japanese gardens.
"A lovely little gem hidden in the middle of bustling Quito, offering a peaceful escape."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Orchid House
Orchid House
A vibrant display of diverse orchid species, often considered the highlight of the gardens.

Bonsai Garden
Bonsai Garden
An unexpected and impressive collection of meticulously shaped bonsai trees.

Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
A serene and beautifully designed space offering a tranquil retreat.
Cacti and Desert Garden
Cacti and Desert Garden
Showcasing a fascinating variety of cacti and succulents from arid regions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Value for Your Visit
Timing Your Orchid Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
💰 Affordable Entry
Admission is very reasonable at around $4, making it a great value for a botanical garden quito visit.
Looking for all sorts of advice about Quito
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Well-marked paths make it simple to explore all sections of the garden.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
A quiet cafe inside offers a pleasant break amidst the greenery.
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.
💰 Affordable Entry
Admission is very reasonable at around $4, making it a great value for a botanical garden quito visit.
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Well-marked paths make it simple to explore all sections of the garden.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
A quiet cafe inside offers a pleasant break amidst the greenery.
🌵 Cactus Collection
The desert garden with its diverse cacti is surprisingly impressive.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Advance booking is usually not required for the Quito Botanical Garden. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance upon arrival.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the entry fee is already very low, making it accessible for most travelers.
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.
🎫 🌿 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.
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.
Information on official guided tours is limited. However, the garden is well-signed, and you can explore at your own pace.
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.
Yes, there are restrooms located throughout the grounds, and plenty of benches for resting and enjoying the environment.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a quiet cafe located within the gardens that offers a place to relax and enjoy refreshments.
The cafe typically offers light snacks, coffee, and beverages, providing a pleasant respite during your visit.
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.
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.
Information on specific dietary options at the cafe is limited. It's best to inquire directly upon arrival.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional shoots or commercial photography might require special permits.
Morning light can be softer and less harsh, offering beautiful conditions. However, the garden is picturesque throughout the day.
Yes, taking photos of plants for personal identification or reference is perfectly fine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Themed Gardens
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. 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
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit