Ultimate Skateboarding Guide to Ecuador: Bring Your Stick!

1. La Carolina Skatepark, Quito

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: This expansive skatepark is located within La Carolina Park, one of Quito’s largest green spaces. It includes a variety of features such as bowls, ramps, ledges, and a full pipe connected by a snake run. The park is well-maintained and caters to all skill levels, making it a hub for the local skate community.

• Community: La Carolina Skatepark is the go-to spot for skaters in Quito, with a strong community presence. It’s common to find events, competitions, and informal meetups here.

Location: Centrally located in Quito, within La Carolina Park.

How to Get There:

• By Taxi/Uber: Easily accessible from anywhere in Quito by taxi or Uber.

• By Public Transport: Several bus routes pass near La Carolina Park, making it convenient to reach by public transport.

2. SPOT Skate & Bike Park, Quito

Details:

• Surface: Wooden ramps and features

• Features: SPOT is Ecuador’s first indoor skate and bike park, featuring a variety of wooden ramps, ledges, and other obstacles. It’s designed to cater to both skaters and BMX riders, providing a versatile environment for all kinds of tricks and skills.

• Community: This park is a hub for the local skate and BMX community in Quito, offering lessons, events, and open sessions. It’s a great place to skate year-round, especially during the rainy season when outdoor parks are less accessible.

Location: Located in the Pichincha area of Quito.

How to Get There:

• By Taxi/Uber: Easily accessible by taxi or Uber from anywhere in Quito.

• By Public Transport: Public buses and local transport options are available to get to the Pichincha area, where the park is located.

SPOT Skate & Bike Park is a great option for those looking to skate in a controlled indoor environment, offering a range of features that cater to skaters of all levels.

3. Parque de las Diversidades, Quito

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: Parque de las Diversidades is an action sports park that includes a modern skate plaza with street obstacles like rails, stairs, and ledges. It’s designed for both beginners and more advanced skaters who enjoy technical tricks.

• Community: This park attracts a mix of skaters and other action sports enthusiasts, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment.

Location: Located in southern Quito, within Parque de las Diversidades.

How to Get There:

• By Taxi/Uber: A quick ride from most parts of Quito.

By Public Transport: Buses serve the southern part of the city, with stops near the park.

4. Skatepark del Inca (Amagasi), Quito

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: This quieter skatepark offers a mix of street features and small hips, ideal for skaters looking for a more relaxed environment. It’s a good spot for practicing new tricks away from the busier parks.

• Community: The park attracts a local crowd, providing a more intimate skating experience.

Location: Located in the Inca neighborhood of Quito.

How to Get There:

• By Taxi/Uber: A short taxi or Uber ride from most parts of Quito.

By Public Transport: Buses run through the Inca area, with stops near the skatepark.

5. Manta Skatepark, Manta

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: Manta Skatepark includes standard features like ramps, ledges, and rails. It’s designed to cater to a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced skaters.

• Community: This skatepark serves as a central spot for Manta’s skateboarding scene. It’s a great place to meet local skaters and participate in occasional events.

Location: Centrally located in Manta, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.

How to Get There:

• By Plane: Fly from Quito to Manta’s Eloy Alfaro International Airport (approx. 1 hour). From the airport, it’s a 15-20 minute taxi ride to the skatepark.

• By Bus: A direct bus from Quito to Manta takes about 8-10 hours. Once in Manta, local taxis or buses can take you to the skatepark.
  

6. Canoa Skatepark, Canoa

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: The skatepark in Canoa is known for its half pipe, which is a popular feature among both locals and visiting skaters. The park also includes some basic street elements. The half pipe is well-suited for skaters of varying skill levels, offering enough challenge for experienced riders while remaining accessible for beginners.

• Community: Canoa is a small, coastal town with a laid-back vibe, and this is reflected in its skate scene. The skatepark is a central spot for the town's youth, surfers, and visitors looking to enjoy some casual skating in between surfing sessions.

Location: Located within the town of Canoa, close to the main beach area.

*Rumor has it: The Coconut Hotel in Canoa has a figure 8 pool they can drain to sk8 for the right occasion. Book out the entire hotel with your friends for the ultimate holiday.

How to Get There:

• By Bus: You can take a bus from Quito to Bahía de Caráquez, then a local bus or taxi to Canoa. The entire journey takes around 8-9 hours.

• By Car: Renting a car and driving from Quito is another option. The drive takes about 7-8 hours and offers scenic views of the Ecuadorian countryside and coast.

• By Plane: Fly from Quito to Manta, then take a bus or taxi to Canoa, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from Manta.

7. Kennedy Skatepark, Guayaquil

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: Kennedy Skatepark in Guayaquil is a well-known spot featuring a mix of street and transition elements. It includes banks, rails, ledges, and a small bowl, catering to different skating styles.

• Community: The park is a focal point for Guayaquil’s skateboarding community, with regular gatherings and a strong local presence.

Location: Located in the Kennedy neighborhood of Guayaquil.

How to Get There:

• By Taxi/Uber: Easily accessible by taxi or Uber from anywhere in Guayaquil.

• By Bus: Public buses run through the Kennedy area, making it convenient to reach by public transport.

8. San Cristobal Skatepark, Galápagos Islands

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: This skatepark on San Cristobal Island offers a mix of ramps, street elements, and an amazing bowl. It’s one of the few skateparks in the Galápagos, providing a unique skating experience amidst the natural beauty of the islands.

• Community: The skate scene here is small but passionate, with a focus on community and youth engagement.

Location: Located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of San Cristobal Island.

How to Get There:

• By Plane: Fly from Quito to San Cristobal Island (approx. 2 hours). From the airport, it’s a short taxi ride to the skatepark.

• By Foot/Bike: The town is small and easily navigable on foot or by bike.

9. Miranda Skatepark, Puerto Engabao

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: Miranda Skatepark is a community-built park in Puerto Engabao, a coastal town known for surfing. The park includes basic ramps and street features, providing a laid-back environment for skaters who enjoy a more rustic setting.

• Community: The skatepark is part of a broader community project, serving as a recreational space for local youth and visitors alike.

Location: Located in Puerto Engabao, Guayas Province.

How to Get There:

• By Car: Drive from Guayaquil (approx. 1.5 hours) or Salinas (approx. 1 hour).

• By Bus: Buses from Guayaquil to Playas, followed by a local bus or taxi to Puerto Engabao.

10. Parque de Patinaje, Guayaquil

Details:

• Surface: Concrete

• Features: This park features a well-maintained set of ramps, bowls, and street elements. It’s one of the larger parks in Guayaquil, offering ample space for skaters of all levels.

• Community: Parque de Patinaje is popular among both local skaters and those visiting from other parts of Ecuador.

Location: Centrally located in Guayaquil, making it accessible from various parts of the city.

How to Get There:

• By Taxi/Uber: Easily reachable by taxi or Uber.

• By Bus: Several bus lines pass near the park, making it convenient to access by public transport.

Conclusion

Ecuador’s skate scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering something for every type of skater. Whether you’re exploring the bustling parks of Quito and Guayaquil, skating in coastal towns like Manta and Puerto Engabao, or even carving the bowls on the Galápagos Islands, there’s no shortage of exciting spots to discover. So don't forget your board! Explore the best skateparks Ecuador has to offer while you make your way to The Coconut Hotel in Canoa.

*Know of any other spots to check out? Please tell!