The Mitad del Mundo is a fascinating site that stands on the equator with a planetarium and a museum. The site distinguishes Quito as one of the few large cities worldwide that lie in both the southern and northern hemispheres. A 30-metre (98-foot) monument is erected where a French explorer calculated the exact position of the equator in the 18th century. Most visitors enjoy standing with a leg on either side of the line.
Gaze up at the towering monument to the equator and walk along the painted line that shows its course. Although more recent calculations shows the actual divisive line lies about 240 metres (787.4 feet) to the north, the monument remains a fun and informative destination. Capture photos of your family or friends balancing along the line. Ride the lift up to the summit of the towering monument to see unobstructed views of the rocky landscape in both hemispheres.
Take a look around the equatorial village, which is a scaled-down model of Quito in colonial times, complete with a church, bullring and many homes. Make sure to see the Ethnography Museum and the Planetarium in order to find out about the district’s indigenous past and the country’s place on the map.
There are several bars and restaurants serving fresh drinks and snacks on site. Peruse the gift shops for souvenirs of your trip. Get an official certificate proving you have been to the monument in the middle of the world. Visit the charming monument nearby that pays tribute to the Ecuadorian soldiers who died in wars. Arrive at the site on the weekend to relish the party atmosphere with folk music and dance performances.
You can find the Mitad del Mundo near to San Antonio de Pichincha, about 30.6 kilometres (19 miles) to the north of Quito. It opens every day with varying hours depending on the season. There are entrance fees for the monument, the museum and the planetarium sections.
