Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Outside of the museum, wander around the park, which was modeled
after a “typical” colonial town. In addition to restaurants, gift shops,
and other tourist facilities, there is a huge model of colonial Quito, as
well as a planetarium with regular shows. Note that the church
within the park also has the yellow paint line running down its mid-
dle. Busloads of school children regularly visit the monument and
park.
Solar Museum
In the nearby town of San Antonio is a small but impressive solar mu-
seum full of equatorial and solar exhibits. The showpiece is a solar
chronometer that shows the precise time, day, and month of the year.
Inquire with
Nuevo Mundo Expeditions
in Quito, as the museum
is open only by appointment or as part of a prearranged tour.
To get there, head to San Antonio, less than an hour north of Quito on
the highway to Mitad del Mundo. Ask at a tourist office for specific
bus lines and schedules, as theymay change (see
Visitor Information
,
page 77). The museum is open Mon-Fri, 10-4, and weekends, 10-5.
Admission is under $2.
A great way to visit El Mitad del Mundo is in
conjunction with a trip to Pululahua Reserve
(see page 98). Visit the ancient volcanic crater
first for the best chance at good weather and
great views - then see the equatorial monument
on the way back.
Adventures near Quito
On Foot
Pasochoa Reserve
Less than an hour southeast of Quito, is a wonderful re-
treat within the nearest intact Andean humid forest re-
serve. Administered by one of Ecuador's most prominent
conservation organizations, Fundación Natura, Pasochoa
offers hiking opportunities at various levels of physical activity and a
diverse range of interests for the birder and general nature enthusi-
Search WWH ::
Custom Search