Attraction Guide: Middle of the World, Quito, Ecuador

Middle of the World Guide

Stand with One Foot in Each Hemisphere: La Mitad del Mundo Guide

Visit La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), a popular tourist attraction located just north of Quito, Ecuador. This site marks the approximate location of the Equator, the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Here, you can straddle the line and have one foot in each hemisphere, a truly unique experience. The complex features a monument, museums, shops, and restaurants, making it a fun and educational destination for all ages. The original monument was built in 1936 based on calculations by the French Geodesic Mission in the 18th century. However, modern GPS technology has revealed that the actual Equator is located about 240 meters (790 feet) north of the marked line. Despite this discrepancy, the site remains a significant symbol of Ecuador's geographical location and a popular tourist destination. The Intiñan Museum, located nearby, claims to be on the true Equator and offers interactive exhibits demonstrating the effects of being on the Equator. At La Mitad del Mundo, you can take the iconic photo of yourself straddling the Equator line. Explore the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which showcases Ecuador's diverse cultures and traditions. Visit the Kakaw Museum to learn about the history and production of Ecuadorian chocolate. Participate in demonstrations of equatorial phenomena, such as the Coriolis effect (though its effect is minimal at the Equator). Enjoy traditional Ecuadorian cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the complex. Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse, with regional variations. Common dishes include locro (a potato and cheese soup), ceviche (seafood marinated in citrus juice), and fritada (fried pork).