Quitsato Solar Clock: A Journey to the Center of the World

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Explore the Quitsato Solar Clock, standing precisely on the Equator, where ancient astronomy meets breathtaking Andean scenery.

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Quitsato Solar Clock

The Quitsato Solar Clock, located precisely on the Equator, offers a unique blend of ancient astronomical knowledge and stunning Andean landscapes. This meticulously constructed sundial and calendar showcases the ingenuity of pre-Hispanic cultures and their deep connection to the cosmos.

A brief summary to Quitsato Solar Clock

Carr. Panamericana, Norte, EC
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Monday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Quitsato Solar Clock.

Visit early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the exhibits and history.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Quito, take a bus from the Flor del Valle Cooperative at the Ofelia Station towards Cayambe. Buses depart frequently, approximately every 10-15 minutes. The journey to La Bola de Guachalá, where the Solar Clock is located, takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Bus fare is approximately $3 USD. From the drop-off point, the Quitsato Solar Clock is a short walk away.
Car

If driving from Quito, head north on the Pan-American Highway (Carr. Panamericana/E35). The Quitsato Solar Clock is located directly off the highway, approximately 47 km north of Quito. Look for signs indicating 'Quitsato Solar Clock'. Ample parking is available at the site. Aproximate cost for fuel is $3-$5 USD.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are available from both Cayambe and Quito. A taxi from Cayambe to Quitsato should cost around $10-15 USD. From Quito, the fare could be $30-40 USD, depending on traffic. This is a more direct and faster option.

Discover more about Quitsato Solar Clock

The Quitsato Solar Clock, situated 47 km north of Quito near Cayambe, is more than just a monument; it's a testament to the astronomical prowess of Ecuador's ancient civilizations. Inaugurated in 2007 as a non-profit project, this site lies exactly on the Equator, offering visitors the unique experience of standing in both hemispheres at once.The main feature is a large circular platform, 54 meters in diameter, adorned with a mosaic of light and dark stones. This mosaic forms an eight-pointed star, which marks the solstices and equinoxes, key dates in the Andean agricultural calendar. A 10-meter high cylindrical orange tube stands at the center, acting as a gnomon that casts shadows to indicate the time of day and months of the year. The colors of the stones demonstrate the concept of albedo, the reflectivity of a surface, and its importance in astronomical study.Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the clock's design, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Cayambe volcano, the only place on Earth where the Equator intersects with snow. The site offers guided tours and workshops to deepen understanding of the solar clock and its cultural significance. The Quitsato Solar Clock is open daily, providing ample opportunity for visitors to engage with this fascinating aspect of Ecuador's heritage.