Parque La Carolina

The Ecuador Chronicles - 2009-13

Saturday in the Park, It Must Have Been...Wait;

This is Quito, so Bicycles, Boats, Giant Hot Dogs;

What More Could You Want - Maybe a Ceviche Stand

Most large cities have a large park in a central location. London has Hyde Park and Greenwich Park; In Chicago it's Lincoln Park; Atlanta has Piedmont Park - and of course Central Park in Manhattan. In Quito, Parque La Carolina serves this purpose. It is located in a very upscale part of New Town just north of the Mariscal area. I had occasion to go there on a Saturday a few weeks ago with my partner Matt and his family.

Parque La Carolina - A Beautiful Sunny Day

The grass, normally a rich green, had a worn, almost yellow cast - it has been a long dry season; the rainy season was past due. But the park was full of people enjoying a warm sunny day.

Surrounded by Upscale Condos and Retail Areas

Regular readers of the Ecuador Chronicles will know that I enjoy the Old World ambience of Quito Old Town; but I have to say I can see the appeal of the area around Parque La Carolina. Condos overlooking the park can be had for $80,000 to $120,000 - compare that to something similar in London, Manhattan or Atlanta. El Jardin is a giant shopping mall located at the south end of the Park - it would easily compare to counterparts in North America or Europe. This is modern urban living at a fraction the cost.