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Middle of the World City: Stand on the Equator

Experience the thrill of straddling the world's hemispheres at this iconic equatorial monument and cultural center just north of Quito.

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Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, or Middle of the World City, is a monument and complex marking theEquator near Quito, Ecuador. It's a popular tourist destination where visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and explore Ecuadorian culture and history. Despite modern GPS showing the equator is slightly off, it remains a symbolic and fun experience.

A brief summary to Middle of the World City

Local tips

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the equatorial sun can be strong, even on cloudy days.
  • Visit on a weekend for cultural events and a livelier atmosphere.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the complex and climbing the monument.
  • Consider visiting the Intiñan Solar Museum for interactive equator experiments, but note it's not the site of the main monument.
  • Get your passport stamped at the Equator Museum for a unique souvenir.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Quito, take the Metrobus-Q system (Trolebús) north along Avenida América or Avenida de la Prensa. Transfer at the Ofelia station to the bus labeled "Mitad del Mundo". The bus will drop you off just outside the complex. The total journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from northern Quito and up to 2.5 hours from southern Quito. The bus fare is approximately $0.25-0.30.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Cabify are readily available in Quito. A taxi ride from Quito's Old Town to Mitad del Mundo typically takes 40-60 minutes. Expect to pay around $8-$15 for a one-way trip.

  • Driving

    If driving from Quito, head north on Avenida Mariscal Sucre (also known as Avenida Occidental). Then, take Avenida Manuel Córdova Galarza (Km 13.5) until you reach the Middle of the World City. Parking is available at the complex. Be aware of city traffic.

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Discover more about Middle of the World City

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is a fascinating complex located approximately 26 kilometers north of Quito, Ecuador, marking the site where the equator is commemorated. The main attraction is a 30-meter tall monument built to honor the French-Spanish Geodesic Mission of the 18th century, who determined the equatorial line. Inside the complex, a painted yellow line symbolizes the equator, inviting visitors to stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. Though modern GPS has revealed the actual equator lies about 240 meters to the north, the monument remains a popular photo opportunity and a symbol of Ecuador's unique position. The complex also features an ethnographic museum inside the monument, showcasing Ecuador's diverse cultures, as well as shops with artisanal crafts, restaurants serving traditional cuisine, and cultural exhibits. Visitors can explore the history of the Geodesic Mission, learn about indigenous cultures, and even get their passports stamped. The nearby Intiñan Solar Museum offers interactive demonstrations of equatorial phenomena. The Middle of the World City provides a blend of scientific history, cultural immersion, and fun experiences for all ages.

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