Кронштадт. Музей подводной археологии и Солнечные часы.
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Quitsato Sundial

4.6
·669 reviews·Norte, Ecuador

Stand on the true equator at the Quitsato Sundial, a massive, functional timekeeper with stunning volcano views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Кронштадт. Музей подводной археологии и Солнечные часы.

Quitsato Sundial

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Stand on the true equator at the Quitsato Sundial, a massive, functional timekeeper with stunning volcano views.

4.6
(669 reviews)

"This is the actual equator, unlike other popular spots. Verified by GPS!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 True Equator Spot

This is the actual equator, unlike other popular spots. Verified by GPS!

⏰ Guided Tours are Great

English-speaking guides offer comprehensive and interesting facts. Highly recommended!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Quitsato Sundial

The Quitsato Sundial

Stand on the true equator line and witness a massive, functional sundial that accurately tells time.

Agave Garden

Agave Garden

Explore an impressive collection of agave plants, a unique botanical display on the equator.

Cayambe Volcano Views

Cayambe Volcano Views

Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Cayambe volcano from this unique location.

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Planning Your Visit

Authentic Equator Experience

Skip the crowded 'Mitad del Mundo' and head to Quitsato Sundial for a genuine equatorial experience. It's the real deal, verified by GPS, and offers a more peaceful visit with insightful explanations.

Getting There: Plan Your Journey

Public transport to Quitsato Sundial can be a lengthy endeavor. Buses are crowded, so aim for an early start. Consider a taxi or private tour for a more comfortable and direct route.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Optimal sundial function
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This Ancient Time-Telling Method STILL Works!
@27.zed
41.7K likes • 2.9M views

🎯 True Equator Spot

This is the actual equator, unlike other popular spots. Verified by GPS! Reddit

⏰ Guided Tours are Great

English-speaking guides offer comprehensive and interesting facts. Highly recommended! Reddit

Is this video valid lmk in the comments ⁉️🤔 #sundialbridge ##redding##shastacounty##530##california##miahmooooo
@miahmooooo
4K likes • 59.3K views
El reloj solar que mucha gente ignora y está en San Fransisco 😳⏰ #sanfrancisco #usa🇺🇸 #datoscuriosos #lugaresparavisitar #historia
@mentegeografia
1.8K likes • 33.6K views

🚗 Public Transport Effort

Buses are crowded and the journey is long. Start early if using public transport. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Great spot for unique photos on the equator line. Bring your phone compass! Reddit

reddit.com

3 Days in Quito in August: what goes on a must-see itinerary?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 True Equator Spot

This is the actual equator, unlike other popular spots. Verified by GPS! Reddit

⏰ Guided Tours are Great

English-speaking guides offer comprehensive and interesting facts. Highly recommended! Reddit

🚗 Public Transport Effort

Buses are crowded and the journey is long. Start early if using public transport. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Great spot for unique photos on the equator line. Bring your phone compass! Reddit

🌿 Botanical Beauty

Don't miss the impressive agave garden. A lovely place to wander. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(669 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Quitsato Sundial for its authenticity as the true equator and its educational value, often preferring it over more commercialized alternatives. The knowledgeable guides and the unique agave garden are frequently highlighted as major positives, though the journey via public transport can be challenging.

"Museum located on the equator line with some great explanations (including diagrams) of the related astronomical phenomena. Fun to play around with your phones compass too. There is also an agave garden with an impressive collection. Well worth a short stop whilst pasig through. Far less crowded and gimmicky than similar equatorial museums"

Mert Korkusuz

"Great spot that’s well worth the visit. As opposed to the commonly visited “middle of the world city” in northern Quito, THIS one is actually the legitimate equator (the other one is close, but off by about 70 meters).

We had an English speaking guide who explained everything."

Luke Gram

"We had a guided tour and it was excellent. We learnt quite a lot and we loved all the interesting facts given by Cristobal. Everybody was very friendly and we enjoyed wondering around the botanical garden and taking many pictures of the Equator Line. We bought the complete pack and it is amazing. We highly recommend visiting this place."

French tuition Virginie Pernot

What People Like

Authentic equator location
Informative guided tours
Impressive agave garden

What People Dislike

Challenging public transport

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Getting to Quitsato Sundial via public transport involves taking a bus towards Cayambe and then potentially another local bus or taxi. It can be a long journey, with crowded buses being a common experience. Many visitors opt for a taxi or a guided tour for a more direct and comfortable trip. Reddit

Yes, driving to Quitsato Sundial is generally easier than public transport. Following GPS directions is recommended. Parking is available on-site. Reddit

For a time-efficient visit, consider hiring a taxi or booking a tour that includes Quitsato Sundial. This bypasses the complexities and potential delays of public transportation. Reddit

There isn't direct public transport between the two equator sites. You would likely need to return to Quito and then arrange separate transport to Quitsato, or hire a private driver for a combined tour. Reddit

Travel time can vary significantly. By public bus, it can take several hours with transfers. By taxi or private car, it's typically around 1.5 to 2 hours from Quito, depending on traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Quitsato Sundial is an NGO and charges a modest entrance fee, typically around $5 USD. This fee contributes to the upkeep and educational programs. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Quitsato Sundial. You can purchase tickets upon arrival. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most current information before your visit. Reddit

Most visitors find the entrance fee well worth it for the educational experience, the unique equatorial location, and the well-maintained grounds, including the agave garden. Reddit

Yes, sometimes complete packages are offered that might include a guided tour and access to all areas. Inquire upon arrival for available options. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The primary attraction is the massive, functional sundial situated precisely on the Earth's equatorial line. It's a fascinating way to understand ancient timekeeping and celestial mechanics. Reddit

Yes, Quitsato Sundial is considered the legitimate equator, verified by GPS, making it an accurate representation of the equatorial line, unlike some other tourist sites. Reddit

Absolutely! Quitsato Sundial is a fantastic spot for photography, especially with the unique equatorial line and the backdrop of Cayambe volcano. Reddit

Beyond the sundial, you can explore an impressive agave garden and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Cayambe volcano. Reddit

Yes, basic facilities are usually available on-site for visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Sunny afternoons provide good lighting for the sundial and the agave garden. The views of Cayambe volcano are often clearest in the morning. Reddit

You can capture unique photos standing on the equator line, interacting with the sundial, showcasing the diverse agave collection, and framing the majestic Cayambe volcano. Reddit

The center of the sundial, the marked equator line, and various points within the agave garden offer excellent photographic opportunities. The viewpoint with Cayambe volcano in the background is also a must. Reddit

Yes, playing with your phone's compass on the equator line can lead to fun and interesting photo ideas. Reddit

Include a person in the frame to show the immense size of the sundial. Experiment with different angles to emphasize its grandeur. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Quitsato Sundial offers a fun and educational outing for families. The interactive nature of the sundial and the concept of the equator are engaging for children. The guided tours, often conducted in English, can make complex astronomical ideas accessible and exciting for younger minds. Reddit

Beyond the sundial itself, the agave garden provides a safe and interesting space for kids to explore. The open grounds allow for some freedom to roam after the main tour. While public transport can be challenging with children, a taxi or private tour makes the journey much more manageable and enjoyable for the whole family. Reddit

🌍 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Quitsato Sundial is an excellent option. The modest entrance fee of around $5 USD makes it an affordable attraction. Reddit While public transport requires an early start and can be crowded, it's the most economical way to reach the site. Packing snacks and water can also help keep costs down during your visit. Reddit

🔭 Science & History Enthusiasts

This is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by astronomy, ancient timekeeping, or geography. The precise equatorial location and the functional sundial offer a deep dive into scientific principles. Reddit The detailed explanations from guides and the educational diagrams enhance the learning experience, making it a rewarding stop for those who appreciate historical and scientific significance. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Science of the Sundial

The Quitsato Sundial is a monumental structure designed to accurately tell time using the sun's position. Unlike simpler sundials, this one is built on the equatorial plane, meaning its gnomon (the part that casts the shadow) is parallel to the Earth's axis. This design allows it to function as a precise timekeeper throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variation in accuracy. Visitors can observe how the shadow cast by the central pillar moves across the marked hour lines on the sundial's surface. TikTok

This scientific marvel is more than just a clock; it's an educational tool. Guides at Quitsato often explain the astronomical phenomena related to the equator, such as the unique experience of having equal daylight and darkness year-round, and how the sun appears to move directly overhead at noon during the equinoxes. It's a tangible way to connect with ancient methods of understanding the cosmos and the Earth's place within it. Reddit

Why Quitsato is the 'Real' Equator

Many travelers are drawn to the idea of standing on the equator, but there's often confusion about which location is the 'true' line. While the 'Mitad del Mundo' (Middle of the World) monument near Quito is famous, reviews and GPS data suggest it's off by about 70 meters. Quitsato Sundial, on the other hand, is verified by GPS to be precisely on the 0° latitude line. Reddit

This distinction is important for those seeking an authentic experience. The Quitsato site emphasizes its scientific accuracy, offering a more genuine encounter with the Earth's circumference. The NGO status of Quitsato also suggests a focus on education and preservation rather than pure commercial tourism, which many visitors appreciate. Reddit

Navigating to Quitsato: A Traveler's Perspective

Reaching Quitsato Sundial can be an adventure in itself, especially if relying on public transport. Reddit users often share tips about the crowded buses and the effort required to make the journey. Starting your day early, around 6 a.m., is frequently recommended to navigate the commuter rush and ensure a smoother trip. Reddit

While Google Maps directions are generally reliable for public transport, be prepared for a potentially packed experience. For those who prefer comfort and efficiency, taxis or pre-arranged tours are a popular alternative. These options, while more expensive, significantly reduce travel time and stress, allowing visitors to focus on enjoying the unique equatorial experience. Reddit

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