Cayambe Equator Sundial and Pambamarca Archeological Ruins!

This Solar Clock built by the Quitsato Project is a few kilometres south of Cayambe, the snow capped mountain lying exactly on the equator.  Guides give an excellent explanation of the project which encompasses astronomy, geodesy, archaeology and history as well as the social and cultural implications of the equator.  A visit to this sundial might cause you to question your whole view of the world.

After the Equator Expo, we will head up in to the paramo, the high Ande region to visit a Pre-Columbian archeological ruin called Pambamarca.  Sitting at 13,000 feet above sea level, you will have quite the view of the vallies, Cayambe Mountain and Quito off in the distance.  We will observe the Indigenous women of the area harvest honey from the Agave plant.  We will have a picnic lunch next to the ruins eating beans, corn and ancient grains from a large leaf.

Photos by Richard Vega