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Mitad del Mundo: Stand in Two Hemispheres at Once

Experience the thrill of straddling the world's hemispheres at the Middle of the World City, a monument to science and Ecuadorian culture near Quito.

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Visit the 'Middle of the World City' in Ecuador, where you can stand on the equator, explore museums, and learn about the landmark's historical significance. While GPS technology has determined the equator is actually a bit north, it remains a must-see for its cultural and scientific importance.

A brief summary to Middle of the World City

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends, and allow ample time to explore the entire complex and its various attractions.
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat, as the equatorial sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
  • Visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, a short walk from Mitad del Mundo, to see the 'real' equator and experience interactive demonstrations.
  • Check out the cultural events and musical performances often held in the central plaza on weekends.
  • Get your passport stamped with a special 'middle of the world' stamp as a unique souvenir.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Quito, take the Metrobus-Q system towards the north to La Ofelia station, the final stop. From there, transfer to the bus labeled 'La Mitad del Mundo,' which will drop you off just outside the city. Buses on the 'Mitad del Mundo' line also run along Avenida Mariscal Sucre. The first bus ticket costs $0.35 USD and the second is $0.25 USD one way. The journey to Ofelia station can take an hour depending on traffic, and another 40 minutes to Mitad del Mundo.

  • Taxi/Uber

    A taxi or Uber from Quito's old town to Mitad del Mundo typically costs around $10-$20 USD and takes approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Negotiate the price with the taxi driver beforehand.

  • Driving

    From Quito, head towards Avenida Mariscal Sucre, also known as Avenida Occidental. Then, take Avenida Manuel Córdova Galarza Km 13.5 until you reach the city. Parking is available at Middle of the World City for $2.

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Discover more about Middle of the World City

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, or 'Middle of the World City,' is a popular tourist complex located approximately 26 kilometers north of Quito, Ecuador. This iconic landmark marks the approximate location of the equator, offering visitors the unique experience of standing in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. The site commemorates the 18th-century Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission, which set out to determine the Earth's shape and measure the length of a degree of latitude at the equator. Led by Charles Marie de La Condamine, the mission confirmed that the Earth is slightly flattened at the poles. In 1936, a smaller monument was erected to honor the expedition, later replaced in 1979 by the current 30-meter-tall monument. The main attraction is the Monument to the Equator, a towering structure topped with a metallic globe. A yellow line runs along the ground, symbolizing the equator. Inside the monument, the Ethnographic Museum showcases Ecuador's diverse indigenous cultures with artifacts, garments, and exhibits. The complex also features a planetarium, a miniature model of Quito, shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits. Cultural events and musical performances are often hosted in the central plaza on weekends. While modern GPS technology has revealed that the actual equator lies approximately 240 meters north of the monument, the Mitad del Mundo remains a significant historical and cultural landmark. Nearby, the Intiñan Solar Museum claims to be on the 'real' equator and offers interactive exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Catequilla Archaeological Site, a pre-Columbian site that precisely sits on the true equator.

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