WATER PARK AND MUSEUM “YAKU”

WATER PARK AND MUSEUM “YAKU”

HISTORY

-Where was it built?

Yaku means "water" in Kichwa, indigenous ancestral language. The Water Park and Museum was built on the first tanks of water collection and purification of Quito which catered water to the city since 1913. Built in the neighborhood of “El Placer. Some researches tell us that in this area was located the rest Palace of Inca Huayna Capac. It is supposed that it consisted of yards, ponds, pools and gardens. And is quite possibly both the Spanish Conquest and the "progress" of the city destroyed the complex using their materials for other buildings or simply building on it.

-What makes the Yaku?

Yaku, Water Park and Museum in Quito is a place that seek for the visitor’s education about the importance of the resource and collective heritage that water is. In addition to be a fundamental element of nature is non-renewable source of life; has a historical and mythical load, and is fundamental and absolutely important for humanity.

"Yaku" is the place to learn about this liquid and everything it does in the world.

-Beginnings of the Museum

Since opening its doors to the public on 6 December 2005, the Water Park and Museum has received thousands of visitors who have come to appreciate more fully just how essential clean water is in every day life. By means of the history-related displays, younger generations have come to appreciate the history of the area they live in, as school groups are guided through the museum. Visitors are also given a deeper understanding of each and every person’s responsibility to preserve the natural resources of, not only the area we live in, but the planet in general.

ATTRACTIONS

This museum-park offers three permanent exhibitions, which are not only educational but also interactive and recreational activities.

-Living Water

The first exhibit is called "Agua Viva" and teaches about the different natural and chemical characteristics of water, the second is called "Agua que crea" and explains the biological significance of this liquid to the creation and existence of life, and the third called "Nuestra agua" which demonstrates the relationship between water and humans.

-Water comes to my house

Another exhibit is called "Agua llega a mi casa," which shows the entire process of collection, purification, distribution and disposal of water with emphasis on the responsibility that citizens have with this resource.

 -Bubble Room

One of its most attractive exhibits is the Bubble Room, where fun and interactive demonstrate physical and chemical properties of water enveloping the participant in creating giant soap bubbles,  walls  bubbles, even you have the opportunity to enclose a participant into a bubble.

MORE INFORMATION

To go to Yaku you can take the bus: Sistema Integrado Metrobus Q. At the station "Seminario Mayor" in America and Colon Avenue, you have to take the feeder bus route "El Pleasure", this will drop you off right at the door.

Location: Oe11 – 271 El Placer Street.

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 09:00 to 17:30 (you can access the exhibitions until 16:30).

Admission: $3 adults, $2 students, $1 children up to 12 years old and seniors. Family package: for the purchase of two adult tickets, you get free admission for three children or teenagers.

Phone: (593 2) 2511100.

Website: www.yakumuseoagua.gob.ec.

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