Quito’s botanical gardens, nestled within one of its largest metropolitan parks – La Carolina – offer an impressive look into the floral diversity of Ecuador. From their highland and cloud forest exhibits, to the orchid and carnivorous plant green houses, you are sure to be dazzled by towering trees, brilliant colors, and uniquely shaped flowers of all sizes.
The gardens offer a fantastic way to spend the morning or early afternoon, and to see more plant diversity in a few hours than you probably will during your entire trip. Listed as one of the 10 great gardens of the world by The Guardian, and recommended across dozens of travel blogs, this is a must-see for nature lovers. The garden is also involved in conservation, preservation of native plants, and research, so each visit helps to preserve native biodiversity in Ecuador and fuel educational programs.
The diversity of cacti, roses, and other native plants also bring in all kinds of pollinators, from buzzing bees to butterflies and even hummingbirds, so make sure you keep an eye out for quickly darting figures between the blossoms. Other than the impressive diversity, the most popular attractions here are likely the orchids. Ecuador has an incredible diversity of orchids, especially endemic ones (meaning from here and nowhere else), and though the bloom seasonally in nature, the temperature controlled rooms here at the gardens allow you to see a great number of orchids any time of the year.
The north-central location of the gardens make it a great activity to pair with many other exciting things to see and do in Quito. Ask us about how we can make your trip to Quito unforgettable!