Quito's Largest Urban Ecological Park

Parque Bicentenario

Bicentennial Park of Quito

Explore the Park
4.4
★★★★☆
23,529 reviews · Google Reviews

01

Overview: From Dangerous Airport to Urban Green Lung

Quick Facts

Location: Antigua terminal aerea, Av. Río Amazonas, Quito, Ecuador
Area: 125 hectares (Quito's largest urban park)
Former Use: Old Mariscal Sucre International Airport (1930s-2013)
Highlights: 3km runway cycling, aerospace museum, Andean wetland bird watching
Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 – 18:00 (Open year-round, free admission)

📖 Legendary History: The Runway to Freedom The Origin of the Name: Why Bicentennial? The name "Parque Bicentenario" pays tribute to the 1822 Battle of Pichincha, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Ecuador's independence. This land has witnessed the nation's rise and now guards the tranquility of its citizens. A Miracle Refusing Commercialization Imagine decades ago, massive Boeing airliners roaring just meters above your head, navigating through the Andes mountains and dense city high-rises. With the rapid expansion of Quito, the old airport was eventually completely surrounded by the city. On February 19, 2013, the last flight took off, and this thrilling high-altitude airport completed its historical mission. The city government faced a huge temptation: this 125-hectare prime location in the city center would be worth a fortune if sold to real estate developers. But Quito made a decision for future generations—to completely preserve it and transform it into a free public ecological park. Just two months later, on April 27, 2013, it miraculously opened as an ecological park. On opening day, the mayor led tens of thousands of citizens to symbolically "reclaim" this land, creating an exemplary "upcycling" miracle in global urban planning history.

🗺️ Explore the Park: Must-Visit Highlights 🚲 Cycling on the 3km Runway The preserved 3,000-meter-long, 46-meter-wide original asphalt main runway has now become the world's widest cycling and skating track. ✈️ Ecuadorian Air Force Aeronautical and Space Museum The park retains some aviation elements, and visitors can see retired fighter jets and aviation history exhibitions here. 🏛️ Metropolitan Convention Center of Quito (CCMQ) Built on the site of the old terminal, it is now Quito's core landmark for hosting large international exhibitions and cultural events. 🌿 Yellow Forest (Bosque Amarillo) and Wetlands The park not only preserves industrial heritage but also has thousands of endemic Andean plants, creating an excellent micro-ecosystem for bird watching.

Historical Timeline

1930s

Mariscal Sucre International Airport officially opened at the current site

February 19, 2013

The last flight took off, and the old airport officially closed, completing its historical mission

April 27, 2013

Parque Bicentenario miraculously opened to the public, with tens of thousands of citizens "reclaiming" the land

Present

The park continues to expand, adding the Metropolitan Convention Center and ecological wetlands, becoming Quito's largest green lung

Park Management and Official Authorities

Parque Bicentenario is directly managed and maintained by the Public Space and Works Agency of Quito (EPMMOP). As one of Quito's most important urban parks, the park's daily operations include green space maintenance, security services, event venue rentals, and the implementation of ecological conservation projects. The park has a visitor service center that provides park maps and basic consulting services. It is recommended to check the official website or call to confirm opening status and special event information.

02

Visitor Information

Operating Hours
Daily: 06:00 – 18:00 The park is open year-round, including holidays
The opening hours of some facilities (such as the visitor center and restrooms) may vary slightly. It is recommended to confirm via official channels before departure.
Ticket Information
Free Admission Some special events or facilities may require separate tickets
The park is free and open to the public. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners must clean up after them.
Recommended Duration & Climate
Recommended visit duration: 2 - 4 hours
Quito is located at an altitude of approximately 2,850 meters. The climate is mild but the UV radiation is strong. It is recommended to wear comfortable sneakers and prepare for sun protection.
Park Residents: Diverse Ecological Environment

As an ecological park, Parque Bicentenario is home to a variety of birds and small animals. You may observe various Andean highland bird species in the wetland conservation area. Please respect wildlife, and do not feed or disturb them. Pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Preparation
  • High-SPF sunscreen and sun hat (extreme high-altitude UV exposure)
  • Comfortable sneakers (the park is large and requires a long time to walk)
  • Drinking water and light snacks (there are snack stands in the park, but it is recommended to bring your own)
  • Camera or smartphone (the park has beautiful scenery and is great for photography)
  • Pet owners should bring pet waste clean-up bags

03

Getting There: How to Reach Parque Bicentenario

✈️

From the New Tababela Airport (UIO)

Parque Bicentenario is located in the northern part of Quito, about 40 km from the new airport, about a 1-hour drive. Here are the detailed transportation options:

Option A: Taxi/Ride-hailing (Most Convenient)
$25 - $35 USD⏱️ About 1 hour
Step 1: After claiming luggage, take a taxi or ride-hailing service from the official taxi counter or ride-hailing pick-up area in the airport arrivals hall.
Step 2: Tell the driver the destination is "Parque Bicentenario" or "Antigua terminal aerea".
Step 3: The trip takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Step 4: The park has multiple entrances. It is recommended to ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance closest to the area you want to visit first.
Option B: Airport Express Bus (Budget-Friendly)
$2 - $3 USD⏱️ About 1.5 hours
Step 1: Take the airport express bus to the Quito city center (Centro Histórico) or the northern business district (La Carolina) from outside the airport.
Step 2: Get off at the "Río Amazonas" or "La Carolina" stop.
Step 3: Transfer to a taxi or walk about 15-20 minutes to reach the park entrance.
Option C: Quito Metro System (Newest and Coolest Option)
$0.45 USD⏱️ About 1 hour
Step 1: From the airport, take a shuttle bus or taxi to the nearest metro station (e.g., Estación La Magdalena).
Step 2: Take the Quito Metro (Metro de Quito) to "Estación El Labrador" or "Estación Jipijapa".
Step 3: After exiting the station, transfer to a taxi or walk about 10-15 minutes to reach the park.
🚇

Self-Drive from Quito Downtown

If you rent a car in Quito, the route to Parque Bicentenario is very clear.

Navigation: Enter "Parque Bicentenario Quito" or the address "Av. Río Amazonas, Quito" in Google Maps or Waze.
Driving Route: Depart from Quito city center or the northern business district, drive along "Av. Río Amazonas" or "Av. de la Prensa", and follow the signs to the park entrance.
Parking: There are multiple parking lots around the park, but parking spaces are tight on weekends and holidays. It is recommended to arrive before 10:00 AM.
🚗

Traveling from Other Cities to Quito

If you are coming from other major cities in Ecuador, you usually need to arrive in Quito first, then transfer to local transportation to the park.

From Guayaquil: Take a long-distance bus or domestic flight to Quito, then transfer to a taxi or the metro to the park (total trip about 10-12 hours).
From Cuenca: Take an overnight bus or domestic flight to Quito, then transfer to a taxi or the metro to the park (it is recommended to arrange at least a two-day one-night trip).
Navigation reminder: Quito city traffic is heavily congested. It is recommended to use a navigation App to avoid congested road sections in real-time.

04

Travel Tips

  • 01Best Time to Visit: Early morning 06:00 - 09:00 or late afternoon 16:00 - 18:00, when the temperature is cool and pleasant, suitable for walking and jogging.
  • 02Photo Ops: The old terminal ruins and the wetland conservation area are the most popular photo spots in the park.
  • 03Family Outing: The park has children's play facilities and pet activity areas, making it very suitable for family outings.
  • 04Respect Nature: Parque Bicentenario is an important ecological conservation area. Please stay within designated areas and do not pick plants or disturb wildlife.

06

Visitor Reviews

Real reviews from Google Maps

CM
Carlos Mendoza
2024-05-15
★★★★★

Un parque increíble. Lo que antes fue un aeropuerto ahora es un pulmón verde maravilloso para la ciudad. Ideal para correr, caminar en familia o pasear con mascotas.

Google
SJ
Sarah Johnson
2024-04-20
★★★★★

Amazing transformation! The former airport runways are now beautiful green spaces. Perfect for jogging, cycling, or a family picnic. A must-visit urban park in Quito.

Google
张
张伟
2024-06-10
★★★★☆

非常漂亮的城市公园！以前是机场，现在变成了绿地。适合跑步、骑车、野餐。空气很好，视野开阔，是基多市民休闲的好去处。

Google
MG
María González
2024-03-28
★★★★★

Hermoso parque para caminar, correr o andar en bicicleta. Tiene amplios espacios para mascotas y niños. Muy recomendado para un día de sol en Quito.

Google
JW
James Wilson
2024-05-05
★★★★★

What a fantastic urban park! The transformation from airport to green space is impressive. Great cycling paths, walking trails, and picnic areas. A true gem in Quito.

Google
IR
Isabella Rossi
2024-04-15
★★★★☆

Bellissimo parco urbano! Ex aeroporto trasformato in spazio verde. Perfetto per correre, andare in bici o fare un picnic. Consigliato per una giornata all'aria aperta.

Google
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07

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about Parque Bicentenario

08

Map Location

Antigua terminal aerea, Av. Río Amazonas, 170104 Quito, Ecuador

View Location on Google Maps