We made our way to Mitad del Mundo, which literally translates to “Middle of the World.” It’s located just 26 kilometers north of Quito. This spot is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the area, and I have to say, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Quito.
“Middle of the Earth”, Quito, Ecuador
If you’re familiar with Ecuador’s geography, you’ll know that the country is positioned directly on the Earth’s equator. In fact, the word “Ecuador” literally means “equator” in Spanish. That’s the reason behind the country’s name!
Mitad del Mundo is a spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador, which is why it’s aptly named the “Middle of the World City.”
We’ve visited this place on our second day of Ecuador’s mainland travel adventure, you can also check in my video:
In this article, I will be sharing all you need to know before your trip to the Middle of the World.
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo: The Middle of the World City
The main attraction at Mitad del Mundo is undoubtedly the iconic monument, but it’s surrounded by an entire complex known as Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, or “Middle of the World City.”
Right in the heart of this place, you’ll find the large equator monument and the famous yellow line marking the equator itself. This line is a must-visit spot for tourists looking to capture that perfect photo of standing in both hemispheres at once.
How to Get to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo
Middle of the Earth from the top, Quito, Ecuador
Mitad del Mundo is about a 40-60 minute drive from central Quito. Many Quito day tours include a stop at Mitad del Mundo as part of their package, so if you’re taking a tour, it’s often already covered.
For those going on their own, the site is accessible by bus, taxi, or Uber. We took an Uber from Quito’s old town, and the 45-minute ride only cost us around $10.
Here is some information about the buses going to the Middle of the World:
If you are coming from the South of Quito:
- Route 1: Take the Corredor Sur to the height of La Gasca (Av. Mariscal Sucre) or the bus station Mitad del Mundo in the Hospital del Seguro (Avenida 18 de Septiembre and América). You may catch the bus right to the Middle of the World from here.
- Route 2: Take the San Carlos bus to El Condado Shopping and then transfer to the Mitad del Mundo bus.
Tip: If you use San Carlos buses, make sure you only take the ones that go down to El Condado Shopping. Do not take any other routes.
If you are coming from the North of Quito:
From Avenida la Prensa or Avenida América, take a Metrobus to the Ofelia station, then transfer to the Half of the World – Kartodrome feeder.
Tip: Do not ride the Middle of the World feeders that stop in La Pampa and Bicentennial City before reaching the Middle of the World.
I would still recommend use Uber for a more comfy and safer ride because prices are cheap.
Entrance to the Middle of the World
Entry to Mitad del Mundo is quite affordable at $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids under 12. When buying tickets, the kiosk may try to upsell you a more expensive combo ticket that includes various attractions. However, we found that the standard $5 ticket is perfectly sufficient, as it grants access to the “Equator City” and the main monument—more than enough to enjoy the experience!
Attractions in the Middle of the World
Middle of the World Monument
The iconic Middle of the World Monument was originally thought to mark the exact location of the equator, as identified by the Franco-Spanish Geodesic Expedition back in 1736. But here’s the kicker—thanks to modern GPS technology, we now know that the actual equator is about 250 yards (230 meters) south of the monument.
Despite this discovery, the monument and the surrounding Mitad del Mundo Museum have remained popular. Built in 1935 to honor the French mission led by local geographer Luis Gudio, it still draws crowds. We couldn’t resist taking some classic photos along the famous yellow equator line, even if it’s not the “true” line—it’s still a fun, symbolic spot to mark your visit!
Cocoa Museum
This area is also fondly known as the Cocoa Square, a must-visit if you’re a chocolate lover. Here, you can find some of the most exquisite chocolates crafted using Ecuador’s finest cacao, renowned for its rich aroma and flavor. We couldn’t resist sampling a few treats ourselves—it’s the perfect spot to indulge in a little taste of Ecuador’s chocolate heritage!
Museum Huts
Museum Part of “Middle Of the Earth”
In this section, you’ll find ancestral dwellings that truly transport you back in time. Walking through these replicas, we had the chance to learn more about the customs and traditions of Ecuador’s indigenous communities. It felt like stepping into another era, offering a deeper appreciation of their way of life and cultural heritage.
Train Station
The train in Mitad del Mundo stands as a tribute to Ecuador’s rich history. Ecuador’s railway system played a significant role in shaping the nation’s prosperity and was a key symbol of National Unity. Seeing it here reminded us of how these tracks connected the country, both geographically and culturally. It’s amazing to think of how the train was once a catalyst for Ecuador’s development.
Museo Solar Intiñan
The Museo Solar Inti Ñan might not be as famous as the main Mitad del Mundo monument, but honestly, we found it way more intriguing! Located closer to the actual GPS-confirmed equator, this smaller museum offers a more interactive experience.
We had fun trying out the quirky gravity experiments—they let you balance an egg on a nail, which is surprisingly challenging, and you can even feel the difference when walking along the equator line. I don’t know if it’s a trick of the mind or genuine science, but standing with one foot in each hemisphere definitely felt different.
Travel Tips
As a traveler, always be wise and cautious with your belongings. There are pickpockets anywhere in the world and they are particular with tourists. Here are some quick tips that you should take as a reminder form a fellow traveler:
- Do not bring any flashy valuable items during your tour.
- Keep you bag in front of you especially when you are in crowded places.
- Bring only your essentials for the tour.
- Because the sun hits differently in Ecuador, it is important to always put on sunscreen.
- Wear a visor or hat and bring your compact umbrellas with you.
