Background

Avión de la Carolina: A Quirky Landmark in Quito's Green Heart

Discover Quito's quirky side! A retired DC-6 aircraft turned vibrant graffiti art in the heart of La Carolina Park. A must-see!

4.4

Avión de la Carolina is a decommissioned Douglas DC-6 aircraft located in La Carolina Park, Quito's largest urban park. Once a functional aircraft, it now serves as a unique piece of public art, attracting visitors with its colorful graffiti and unusual history.

A brief summary to Avión de la Carolina

  • RGC8+3FC, Quito, La Carolina, 170135, EC

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekend to experience the park's lively atmosphere, but be prepared for larger crowds.
  • Bring your camera! The graffitied plane offers a unique photo opportunity.
  • Explore the rest of La Carolina Park, including the botanical gardens and sports facilities.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From within La Carolina Park, the Avión de la Carolina is centrally located and easily accessible by foot. Follow the main paths towards the center of the park; the colorful plane is easily visible.

  • Public Transport

    From the Quito city center, take the Trolebús to the Estadio station. From there, walk east into La Carolina Park; the plane is a short walk from the station. A single Trolebús fare is $0.35.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Ask your driver to take you to 'Avión de la Carolina' inside Parque La Carolina. From Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport, a taxi to La Carolina Park costs approximately $25-$30 and takes about 30 minutes. From Quito city center, a taxi ride will cost $6-$8 and take around 15 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Avión de la Carolina

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Avión de la Carolina

Avión de la Carolina is a distinctive landmark within Quito's expansive La Carolina Park. This Douglas DC-6, formerly of the Ecuadorian Air Force, now stands as a vibrant, graffitied monument, offering a quirky contrast to the park's green spaces. Originally serving with the US Air Force in the mid-1940s, the plane was later purchased by the Ecuadorian government in 1971. For decades, it flew under the Ecuadorian flag until its decommissioning in 1975. Rather than being scrapped, it was moved to La Carolina Park, where it has remained ever since. For a time, the aircraft even housed a stamp museum. In 2019, the aircraft was transformed into a public art canvas. Local artist Carlos Villavicencio, inspired by a design contest winner Miguel Yumisaca, painted the plane with Amerindian motifs and modern Quito imagery, making it a popular photo spot. La Carolina Park itself has a rich history. Before becoming a park in the mid-1970s, the land was part of the Hacienda La Carolina, donated to the city by María Augusta Urrutia Barba. Today, the 64-hectare park is a hub of recreational activity, offering sports fields, gardens, and a lagoon. The Avión de la Carolina adds to the park's appeal, embodying a blend of history, art, and recreation.

Popular Experiences near Avión de la Carolina

Popular Hotels near Avión de la Carolina

Select Currency