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Middle of the World City: Stand on the Equator

Experience the thrill of standing in two hemispheres at once at this iconic equatorial landmark just outside Quito, Ecuador.

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Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, just north of Quito, marks the supposed location of the equator. It's home to a towering monument, museums, and cultural exhibits, offering visitors a chance to stand in both hemispheres at once.

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Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the equatorial sun can be strong.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the complex.
  • Visit the Intiñan Solar Museum nearby, which claims to be closer to the 'real' equator.
  • Get your passport stamped at one of the gift shops as a unique souvenir.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Quito's city center, take the Metrobus to Ofelia station, located in the north of the city. At Ofelia station, transfer to the 'Mitad del Mundo' bus. The bus will drop you off just outside the Middle of the World City. The first bus ticket costs around $0.35 USD, and the second is about $0.25 USD. The journey to Ofelia station can take up to an hour depending on traffic, and the bus from Ofelia to Mitad del Mundo takes approximately 40 minutes.

  • Taxi/Uber

    Taxis and Ubers are readily available in Quito. A ride from Quito's city center to Mitad del Mundo typically costs between $10 and $20 USD. The journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Negotiate the price with the taxi driver before starting the journey.

  • Driving

    From Quito, head north on Avenida Mariscal Sucre, which becomes Avenida Manuel Córdova Galarza. Follow Avenida Manuel Córdova Galarza for approximately 14 km until you reach the Middle of the World City. Parking is available at the location for $3 USD.

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Discover more about Middle of the World City

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) is a popular tourist attraction located about 26 km north of Quito, Ecuador. It's built to commemorate the spot where the equator is believed to pass through the country. The site allows visitors to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. The main attraction is the 30-meter-tall Monument to the Equator, topped with a metallic globe. Inside the monument, a small museum delves into Ecuador’s indigenous cultures and the history of the equator line. Although modern GPS technology has determined that the actual equator is about 240 meters south of the monument, the site remains a significant symbol and a celebration of scientific achievement and Ecuadorian cultural heritage. The complex includes an interactive museum, restaurants, souvenir shops, and cultural exhibits. Visitors can explore representations of colonial-era architecture and learn about the French Geodesic Mission of 1736, which aimed to measure the Earth's shape and confirm its flattening at the poles. The city also houses a planetarium, museums, squares, and ancestral dwellings. You can even get your passport stamped to commemorate your visit to the Middle of the World.

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