Although Quito is not the only city lyingon the equator, its Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument reminds usthat it is certainly the most famous. This monument marks the spot where aFrench explorer calculated the line of the equator in 1736, splitting the citybetween the earth’s two hemispheres. Take this unique opportunity to visit the 30-metre (98-foot) monument and stand with one foot in either half of theworld.
The location of the equator isrepresented at the monument by a painted line down the middle of the structure. Although recent technologies have located the actual equatorial line about 240metres (784 feet) north of this line, it still tributes this distinct earthboundary. Be sure to bring your camera to snap a photo while straddling themiddle of the world. Enter the monument and take the elevator to its lookout, whereyou’ll get views onto both hemispheres of Quito.
Within the monument, point out famouslandmarks in the equatorial village, a small scale-model of colonial Quito. Explorethe Ethnography Museum and the Planetarium to learn about local indigenoushistory, the Spanish colonisation and Ecuador’s unique location on the globalmap.
Nearby, a number of restaurants andcafés offer beverages with views of the equatorial site. As you leave, passthrough the gift shop where you can buy an official certificate documentingyour visit to the Mitad del Mundo Monument. Pay a moment’s respect ata nearby monument to the Ecuadorian soldiers who lost their lives in war.
Find the Mitad del Mundo Monument nearSan Antonio de Pichincha, approximately 30.6kilometres (19 miles) northof central Quito. The monument is open daily, though its hours depend on the season. Asmall admission fee to the site includes entry to the monument. Visitors overthe weekend can follow their stay with a drink in one of many lively bars andfolk music clubs in the area.
