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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.
The area traversed by the Equator line is home to several interesting destinations...
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.
