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Middle of the World City: Stand on the Equator

Experience the thrill of standing on the Equator at this iconic monument and cultural complex just north of Quito, Ecuador.

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Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, or Middle of the World City, is a monument and complex marking theEquator, located just north of Quito, Ecuador. It's a popular tourist destination where visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and explore exhibits about Ecuador's culture and the science behind the Equator.

A brief summary to Middle of the World City

Local tips

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the equatorial sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the complex and exploring the various exhibits.
  • Consider visiting on a weekend for cultural events and activities.
  • Be aware that the painted equatorial line is not the exact location according to modern GPS.
  • Visit the nearby Intiñan Solar Museum for a more hands-on experience with equatorial phenomena.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Quito's city center, take the Metrobus-Q system towards the north to La Ofelia station, the last stop. From there, transfer to a bus labeled "Mitad del Mundo". This bus will drop you off near the entrance to the complex. The journey can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. The first bus ticket costs around $0.35 USD, and the second is approximately $0.25 USD.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Cabify are readily available in Quito. A ride from Quito's city center to Mitad del Mundo typically costs between $8 and $20 USD, depending on traffic and the specific service. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Make sure to negotiate the price with the taxi driver before starting your trip.

  • Driving

    If driving from Quito, head towards Avenida Mariscal Sucre or Avenida Occidental. Then, take Avenida Manuel Córdova Galarza Km 13.5 until you reach Mitad del Mundo. Parking is available at the complex for $3 USD.

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Discover more about Middle of the World City

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is more than just a monument; it's a celebration of Ecuador's unique position on the Earth. The site commemorates the 18th-century French Geodesic Mission, which confirmed the planet's shape and helped accurately locate the Equator. While modern GPS has determined the exact equatorial line is slightly off from the painted line, the monument remains a symbolic and historical landmark. Visitors can explore the 30-meter-tall monument, which houses a museum detailing the history of the mission and Ecuador's indigenous cultures. The complex also features interactive exhibits, cultural displays, restaurants, and shops selling local crafts. You can also get your passport stamped. Don't miss the opportunity to take the classic photo with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. While at the Middle of the World City, visitors can explore a chocolate museum, a beer museum, and other attractions. The location also houses the country's first planetarium with virtual reality. Nearby, the Intiñan Solar Museum offers a more hands-on experience with equatorial phenomena, though it's also not precisely on the Equator.

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