Quito: Mitad del Mundo, Monumento, Museodel Sol, and Cráter

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.