Intiñan Site Museum

The "Middle of the World" refers to a location in Ecuador where the Equator, the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, passes through. Ecuador, as the name suggests, is one of the few countries in the world that is named after an equator line. There are two main places in Ecuador associated with the Equator: Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World Monument): This is one of the most famous sites related to the Equator and is located about 26 kilometers (16 miles) north of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The Mitad del Mundo complex includes a monument marking the Equator, as well as a museum and various other attractions. The monument is a large structure that serves as a popular tourist spot for visitors to take photos and participate in various experiments demonstrating the effects of being at the Equator. However, it's important to note that modern GPS technology has determined that the actual Equator line is a few hundred meters north of the monument. Still, it's a fun and educational place to visit. Intiñan Solar Museum: Located nearby the Mitad del Mundo complex, the Intiñan Solar Museum claims to be situated precisely on the Equator line, as determined by GPS technology. It offers a range of interactive exhibits and experiments, such as balancing an egg on the head of a nail and demonstrating the Coriolis effect, which supposedly shows water swirling in different directions on either side of the Equator. While some of these experiments have been criticized for not being entirely accurate, the museum provides an entertaining and educational experience. The Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is a unique natural attraction located in Ecuador, near Quito. It is known for its stunning volcanic crater, which is one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world. Here's some information about the Pululahua Crater: Formation and Geography: The Pululahua Crater was formed by the collapse of a volcano approximately 2,500 years ago. The resulting crater has a diameter of about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and is characterized by its steep, fertile walls. The name "Pululahua" is derived from the Kichwa language and means "cloud of water," which is a reference to the frequent cloud cover that blankets the crater.

Get ready to live a unique adventure in the Middle of the World. Our tour is a hop on hop off service, which means you can get off at each stop, enjoy as long as you want, and then continue your tour. All with a single ticket. Stops: Naciones Unidas Boulevard - Quito Tour Bus first stop Departing from the United Nations Boulevard, you will be able to see the northern part of the city of Quito, the old airport, the traditional neighborhood of Cotocollao, Pomasqui and San Antonio de Pichincha. Intiñan Museum: Explore ancient cultures and be amazed by experiments that only work on the equator. Here, science and fun meet. Middle of the World City: Discover the famous equator line, where you can be in two hemispheres at the same time. Take a photo in this iconic place and feel the magic of being in the center of the planet. Finally return to Naciones Unidas Boulevard

Twenty minutes from the northwest of Quito you will find this amazing “Middle of the World” experience. You will visit the current equatorial line and straddle the two hemispheres. In addition you’ll have a chance to participate in several experiments on Intiñan Museum (such as watching water go down a drain in a different direction only inches away from either side of the equator, or balancing an egg on a nail, or using an ancient sun dial, etc…) In The Middle of the World city´s complex, you will be able to visit a fascinating ethnographic museum that gives a great overview of the many distinct cultures of this small country. You will also enjoy of the amazing landscape in Pululahua inhabited crater just 5 minutes from the latitude zero inside of the Pululahua Geo-botanical Reserve.

Embark on a thrilling ascent via Quito's Cable Car, soaring to 4200 meters for breathtaking vistas. Begin your journey at the iconic Teleférico, the highest cable car in South America. Gondolas provide a thrilling ride, surrounded by the majestic Andean peaks. Upon reaching the summit, step into the ethereal Cruz Loma sector. Take a leisurely walk, absorbing the awe-inspiring views and connecting with the natural beauty that surrounds you. The crisp mountain air and the vastness of the scene make this a truly unforgettable experience. Descend to the historical Mitad del Mundo, a site commemorating the French Geodesic Mission's 18th-century measurement of the equator. Delve into Ecuador's rich history and the significance of being at the crossroads of the northern and southern hemispheres. Explore the interactive Intiñan Museum, where quirky experiments showcase the equator's unique attributes. Wander through the city built straddling the equator, offering a unique perspective of standing in both the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. Marvel at the iconic monument marking the precise location of the equator, capturing memorable photos in this symbolic spot. Gain insights into the indigenous cultures that thrived in this region long before the equator's discovery. Discover the harmonious blend of traditional and modern influences that shape Quito's vibrant cultural tapestry. Tailor your experience with optional add-ons like local culinary tastings or artisanal crafts shopping. Customize your adventure to suit personal preferences, ensuring a truly unique and personalized journey. This immersive tour seamlessly blends natural wonders, historical significance, and cultural exploration, promising an unforgettable experience in the heart of Ecuador.

From your hotel, the tour starts with a visit to the old town visiting Plaza Grande, and La Compañia de Jesús, San Francisco and La Basilica Churches. You then continue onto Panecillo Hill, a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the city. Leaving the old town, head to the cable car Teleférico, traveling to 4,200 meters above sea level to view all of Quito. Following a 45-minute drive, you will find yourself in the middle of the world, visiting the equator line monument and Intiñan museum. Another 45-minute will have you back at your hotel. The tour itinerary is very flexible and lunch could be provided in either the middle of the world or in the old town.

See the wonderful city of Quito at your own pace with your personalized self-guided GPS tour at the time you please. From the beautiful plazas in the colonial old city, to the museums and monuments at the Equator, hop on a scooter and off you go! In Quito, buses and taxis can be unreliable and unpredictable and guided tour buses don't always fit your schedule and can be expensive. The best way to experience the city and get the most out of it is by Self-Guided GPS Scooter tour. See it all without losing your breath in the city's high-altitude and low oxygen environment, and do it all at your own pace. The complete tour covers over 75 km (or 46 miles) and takes you to the best sights in Quito including the museums and monuments at the Equator as well as all the historic museums, monuments, churches, and plazas in between. The motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle is fitted with a GPS with a pre-programmed route. The GPS brings you from one point of the city to the next using optimized routes that bring you to great places while avoiding dangerous parts of the city. No other tour gives you more things to see and do!

Explore the best of Quito on a tour that combines history, architecture and traditions. Start your day by visiting the Church of the Company of Jesus, an example of architecture in South America with its interior decoration bathed in gold leaf. We will continue to the Basilica of the National Vow, where you can admire its impressive architecture and climb its towers for panoramic views of the city. Then, we will go to Panecillo, from where you will enjoy a spectacular view of Modern and Old Quito as well as its northern and southern areas. Afterwards, explore the Plaza de la Independencia, the historic heart of the city, where the Government Palace is located. We will take a car trip to the Middle of the World, where you will visit its Monument and learn about the equatorial line that divides the world. in two hemispheres at the Intiñan Museum, in addition to participating in unique gravity experiments and astronomical observations.

This Quito city sightseeing tour is a full-day tour which includes a visit to The Panecillo Hill where you will have a panoramic view of the city. The tour will then continue to the Basilica Church, where you will make a brief stop to have a beautiful view of The Colonial Center of Quito. After walking through the colonial streets, you will then stop at the Independence Plaza to admire the Cathedral and the Government’s Palace. We continue up to The Company Church, The Sagrario's Church and San Francisco's Church, which was built during the 17th century. After visiting the historical site, you will go to the cable car. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the city with views of beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains and the capital Quito. From a point of more than 13,000 feet (4000 m) high, you will enjoy magnificent views.  In the afternoon, you will go to Mitad del Mundo which is located fifty minutes from the northwest of Quito. In addition you'll have the chance to participate in several experiments at the Intiñan Museum. Things like watching water go down a drain in a different direction only inches away from either side of the equator, or balancing an egg on a nail, or using an ancient sun dial are some examples of what you can experiment with here.

Explore a neo-Gothic Catholic church in Quito, built in 1884 .Its towers offer stunning city views, and it houses the National Pantheon of Heads of State, catacombs, chapels, and the Oblate convent. Enjoy the Historic square in the heart of Quito. Enjoy A Jesuit Catholic temple in Latin America with a volcanic stone facade and a gold leaf interior. Ascend to the Panecillo Hill to encounter "The Panecillo’s Virgin," a towering 41-meter sculpture that grants breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Explore the Ruco Pichincha volcano on a 15-minute cable car ride to enjoy a panoramic view of Quito, go hiking, mountain climbing. Discover the Museo Inti Ñan Museum: Explore Ecuador's indigenous history and celestial knowledge in an interactive museum.

Your tour guide will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel, due to the viewpoint of the volcano Pululahua, one of the two inhabited craters in the world. This volcanic complex consists of a main boiler, a central volcano with two craters and the remains of a third party, and several volcanic domes within the caldera located on the edge and outside of it. Then we head to the Intiñan Museum, geographically located at 0 degrees, 0 minutes and 0 seconds, that marks the division between northern and southern hemispheres as established by the French Geodesic Mission in the eighteenth century, you will see beautiful displays of different ethnic groups in Ecuador, plus the story of their lifestyles, explained by a specialist tour guide! This is an opportunity to be photographed with both of your feet on the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time! On the way back to Quito, you will see from the road the Equatorial Monument. In the afternoon you go to the colonial town of Quito, officially considered the first world cultural heritage site (UNESCO 1978). During your walk, you will pass through the Independence Square, scenery of many dramatic battles of revolution in the history of the Republic of Ecuador. And you will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Church of the Society of Jesus of Quito, summit of the Latin America Baroque style, the charming neighbourhood of La Ronda, and the Church and Convent of San Francisco, built in 1540. Finally you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city from "El Panecillo" hill. Then you will be back in your hotel approximately at 3:30 p.m. End of your first fantastic experience in Quito!