Middle of the World

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.

First stop: Middle of the World City. Stamp your passport here and also enjoy the different interesting cultural sites around the resort. Don't be surprised if you have a traditional celebration happening during this time. (VIP entry included). Suggested stop #1: Ethnographic Museum and equinoctial line. Ascend long stairs as you learn about the history and culture of Ecuador on each floor. Take magnificent photographs of the equatorial zone from the top of this beautiful monument, and also along the mid-world equinox line. Suggested stop #2: Typical Ecuadorian food and paila ice cream. Enjoy a delicious yahuarlocro, or simply a potato locro. If you want to try the delicious fritada or roast guinea pig, it is also the best time to do so. After enjoying a brief meal, try Rosalía Suárez's traditional Ibarra paila ice creams. A shop selling this traditional ice cream is inside the complex. (food not included). Suggested stop #3: Ancestral Houses. Learn more about the typical architecture of the provinces of Ecuador, and understand more about Ecuadorian culture and tradition. Enjoy a comfortable return to the central city. Disembarkation is on UN Boulevard.

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.

Our adventure to the Middle of the World begins, picking up our tourists in their respective lodgings and then we head through the streets of Quito, knowing its neighborhoods and its people, its mountains and snow-capped mountains, until we arrive at the Complex of the Middle of the World. This place has several restaurants where you can find roasted guinea pig, borrego, canelazo and many more traditional food. The Complex has several places such as museums, stores, a train for a short ride, the monument, a planetarium and many more places. We will visit the Mirador Ventanillas located in the crater of the Pululahua Volcano, the second volcano with an inhabited crater in the world. We finish our tour leaving the tourists in their lodging or in the place of their choice.

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.

Embark on a fascinating tour to Mitad del Mundo and its surroundings, just 26 kilometers north of Quito. The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel, and as you make your way to Mitad del Mundo, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes Mountains, while your tour guide shares interesting facts about Ecuador's history and culture. This is an iconic destination, and famous for its monument marking the equatorial line, but the adventure goes beyond this iconic site. This tour will take you to the Pululahua Volcano crater, one of the few inhabited craters in the world. Here, you will enjoy a light hike along its trails, surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking views. This place is ideal for nature and photography lovers, offering a unique blend of mountain scenery and tropical vegetation. You will then continue to Rumicucho, a fascinating archaeological site that reveals the rich history of pre-Inca cultures in the region. Explore the stone structures dating back to ancient times and understand the cultural importance of this site. Rumicucho is also believed to have functioned as an astronomical observatory, where indigenous people made observations of the stars and measured time. As you enter Rumicucho, you will enjoy a breathtaking natural setting, with beautiful Andean landscapes that complement the historical experience. This tour is ideal for archaeology lovers and those who wish to connect with Ecuador's cultural roots. Upon arrival at the Mitad del Mundo, you will be greeted by the impressive monument commemorating the French explorers who measured the Earth in the 18th century and have the opportunity to explore the museum inside, where you will learn about Ecuador's geography and the relevance of the equator. In addition, you can participate in fun experiments that demonstrate phenomena such as gravity and other effects of crossing the line. Inside this Middle of the World complex you will gain a deeper understanding of the science behind the equator. You will observe interactive exhibits and experiments that demonstrate phenomena such as Coriolis and gravity in different hemispheres. The complex includes a park with green areas and sculptures, as well as cultural events and recreational activities that highlight Ecuador's cultural diversity. You will find several options to enjoy local cuisine and buy souvenirs related to Ecuadorian culture. Finally, after a day full of discoveries and learning, you will return to Quito. This tour to the Middle of the World and its surroundings is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to explore the diversity and richness of this beautiful country. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this adventure and discover the fascinating geography of Ecuador!

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.

Mindo is located northwest of Quito, is known as one of the attractions par excellence full of lush beauty and biodiversity, on the tour we will pass by the famous monument to the Middle of the World, the cloud forest of Mindo has a warm humid climate for being on the border between two regions; the Andes and the Ecuadorian coast. In our tour the first visit will be to the hummingbird refuge and orchid house, then we will climb to the top and practice canopy through the cloud forest, if we are lucky we can observe some types of birds flying with us, after this extreme experience, we will cross the tarabita to the other side of the river and walk along the path to reach the river and we will have the possibility to swim. After this refreshing adventure we return to the village to go to the artisan chocolate factory to learn all the processes of its elaboration.

Go on an unforgettable triple adventure with our City Tour + Middle of the World + Teleférico de Quito tour. Immerse yourself in Quito's history, from UNESCO-listed Old Town to the modern charm of La Ronda. Discover the Equator's magic at the Intiñan Museum and Middle of the World Monument. Ascend to Cruz Loma on the Teleférico, witnessing breathtaking panoramic views at 4,100 meters. This comprehensive tour seamlessly blends cultural exploration, geographical wonder, and alpine adventure. Expert guides ensure a captivating journey, making it the perfect trifecta for those seeking a diverse and enriching experience in Ecuador's vibrant capital.