4. Middle of the World city – the area surrounding the Middle of the World Monument/Museum is a small “city”, a replica known as the “colonial city. “ It contains craft and souvenir shops, restaurants, and galleries.” The central plaza is often host to various special events – traditional concerts and dances, civic presentations, holiday celebrations, etc. – on weekends and holidays. Additionally, this replica of a city has a church, a municipal building, a market and houses of a traditional style where Ecuadorian crafts are sold and restaurants are located. The city also contains miniature replicas of the Quito Historic Center and the Malecon 2000 in Guayaquil. It is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

5. Intiñan Solar Museum – located just down the road from the “official” Middle of the World, this museum claims to mark the actual location of the equator as given by later GPS measurements. The fun and highly interactive museum allows visitors to perform tricks supposedly only possible at the exact equator, such as balancing eggs on their end and watching water spiral down different directions on each side of the equator. Other attractions include a collection of totem poles and the chance to blow a blowpipe. Admission is $2 and is open on Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, and on Friday to Sunday from 9 am to 7pm.

6. The Geodesics Avenue- on the way to the monument of the Middle of the World are 13 stones representing the scientists that arrived to the site to measure the one quadrant of the earth in 1736. Charles Marie de La Condamine was in charge of the French Mission. Pedro Bouger along with other scientists, as well as Jorge Juan and Anotonio de Ulloa from Spain were part of this mission. Additionally, the Ecuadorian, Pedro Vicente Maldonado is included.

7. Pucara de Rumicucho- located only 5 km from the Middle of the World the name of this site is translated to the “corner of stone”. The site was a construction for Inca military use with its fortresses raised over a strategic elevation to defend this part of the Tahuantisuyon territory. Scholars believe that an ancient religious astronomic center of Pre-Incan cultures existed at the top of this hill. During the summer solstice people from different ethnicities visit Pucara de Rumicucho to receive and enjoy the energy that the sun gives out. The cost of admission is $1 and hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am to 4pm

8. Inti Ñan Museum- an educational strategic spot through which the Equator passes by, this museum demonstrates various experiments, designed to demonstrate the energetic forces that occur in this place. Among those experiments is the test of balancing an egg on a nail. The museum offers the opportunity of becoming closer to the Ecuadorian cultures. One can find indigenous Andean style homes, animal exhibits, and the tools utilized by ethnic groups of other regions of this country. The cost is $2 and it is open Monday through Sunday.

More about "Ecuador Equinoccial Line, part 1"

Middle of the World Monument

The area in the north of the province of Pichincha has been the object of a number of studies attempting to measure the exact shape of the Earth. The first result was obtained in 1743 by the Geodesic Mission of the French Academy of Sciences, led by Louis Godin, Pierre Bouguer and Charles Marie de La Condamine. From 1899-1906, General Georges Perrier, also with the backing of the French Academy of Sciences, was sent to lead a mission to verify that result. Later, in 1936, with the support of the French American Committee, the Ecuadorian geographer Dr. Luis Tufiño built a 10-meter monument in San Antonio de Pichincha to commemorate the first Geodesic Mission.

In 1979, the monument was moved 7 km to the west, to the town of Calacalí. Today, a new and much larger monument, Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo, constructed between 1979 and 1982, stands in San Antonio de Pichincha.

The exact specification of the equator is, somewhat variable and depends on the chosen mathematical datum.

Currently, there is a project, which develops extensive work, studies and revalues the concept of the Middle of the World, considering it as the base of the cultural identity of Ecuador. The project’s name is Quitsato.

Located about 15 km (1/2 hour) to the north of Quito, the area traversed by the Equator line is home to several interesting destinations:

1. Enthonographic Museum – the interior of the Middle of the World monument houses a nine-level museum topped by a lookout from which the various surrounding hills may be observed on a clear day. It was on these same hills that the natives of the region used to conduct worship and healing ceremonies Each level of the museum is devoted to a different Ecuadorian ethnic group: the cultures of the coast, the Oriente, and the sierra. The displays cover the groups found in each region and province. The interactive displays include traditional clothing, crafts, photos and information about the traditions, history and lifestyles of each of the groups. Guides are available and can be requested. The museum has a $3 entrance fee and is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

2. Planitarium – located within the Middle of the World city, the planitarium presents two 35-minute programs suitable for all ages: “the earth and the solar system” and “contemplating the sky from the middle of the world” (please note that both programs are presented partially in Spanish). The programs both make special note of the unique location of the planitarium and include presentations of the night sky as seen from the middle of the world. It is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

3. Insectarium – also located within the Middle of the World city, this fascinating center is home to a large collection of both preserved and live insects collected from around the world. The preserved insect collection has forty display cases and emphasizes butterflies and beetles. The live insect display strives to establish the best and most extensive collection in Latin America, with a variety of insects arranged in 35 specially designed habitats. The center is aimed at both the scientific community and the casual visitor, is suitable for all ages, and includes clear descriptions in both English and Spanish. It is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

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