carlsoncreates's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Quito, Ecuador

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

It took 160 years to complete the most ornate church in Ecuador.
San Antonio de Pichincha, Ecuador

Intiñan Solar Museum

Home of the "true" equator.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Pukará de Quitor

The ruins of a pre-Columbian fortress city so secure it held off the Spanish conquistadors for over 20 years.
Quito, Ecuador

El Panecillo

A short volcanic hill in Quito doubles as a stellar observation point of an iconic statue.
Quito, Ecuador

Cementerio de San Diego

One of the most historic cemeteries in Quito is an eclectic mix of architectural styles and famous tombs.
Quito, Ecuador

Calle García Moreno

This historic street in Quito is known for its seven stone crosses—and one presidential assassination.
Quito, Ecuador

La Plaza Grande

Quito's historic, main square dates back to the 16th century.
Quito, Ecuador

La Virgen de Quito

This 12-inch-tall wooden sculpture of a winged Virgin Mary has inspired much devotion and countless replicas.
Quito, Ecuador

Teleférico Quito

The gondolas let you glimpse a bird's-eye view of one of the world's highest capital cities.
Blackfoot, Idaho

Idaho Potato Museum

This museum glorifies the humble potato.
Idaho City, Idaho

Idaho City

A former gold rush boomtown has managed to stay in business for over 100 ramshackle years.
Washington, D.C.

Cuban-American Friendship Urn

The only National Monument ever to go missing for nearly 50 years then resurface in a dump.
McLean, Virginia

CIA Museum

A secretive collection featuring objects that were designed specifically for U.S. intelligence operations.
Hyattsville, Maryland

Vanadu Art House

An intricately designed junk art house with four extravagant junk art cars hidden in the suburbs.
Washington, D.C.

Darth Vader Grotesque

The sci-fi villain is a little-known inhabitant of the U.S. capital's largest cathedral.
Washington, D.C.

Museum of Unnatural History

Giftshop catering to cryptozoologists and anyone with a sense of humor.
Washington, D.C.

National Capitol Columns

The United States Capitol's former columns still stand.
Washington, D.C.

USNO Master Clock

The most accurate timepiece in the world.
Washington, D.C.

The Brewmaster's Castle

This grand gothic brewery has been pumping out suds for over a hundred years.
Washington, D.C.

Civil War Nurses Memorial

A bas relief commemorates the "Nuns of the Battlefield" who cared for soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
Washington, D.C.

The Old Patent Model Museum

During the Industrial Revolution this “Temple of Invention” was full of intricate miniature machines and gadgets.
Washington, D.C.

Summerhouse

A hidden gem on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Washington, D.C.

The Portrait Monument

Rumor has it the uncarved lump behind the three famous suffragists is reserved for the first woman president.
Alexandria, Virginia

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

An original apothecary from 1792.