Where is, in fact, the Middle of the World?

This seems to be a contentious topic in the surroundings of Quito and I still came back not knowing the answer, or if I was actually in la mitad del mundo. But it’s okay! At least I know I was close…hopefully?

There are a few different places claiming to be located in the equatorial line, marking the so called middle of the world. This “confusion” has both historical and geographical origins, that have become even more complex when you add tourism into it.

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo – one of the most iconic landmarks with historical significance

Located relatively close to Quito, just 26 Km north of the city, this is the place where tourists go, even knowing how innacurate it is. I took an Uber ride there, and the moment I left the car, I had people coming to me warning me about this “scam” and offering me rides to the “real” mitad del mundo. I knew what they were talking about, I had made my research… and I wasn’t about to take a ride with strangers, by myself, when I had also made up my mind that I wanted to go inside the famous Ciudad Mitad del Mundo.

This monument was built in the late 18th century to commemorate the work of the French Geodesic Mission, which attempled to determine the Earth’s equatorial line. However, modern GPS technology revealed that the monument is actually about 240 meters south of the true ecuator line. To be fair with the the French, for the limited technology they had at the time, they were not far off… and this is now the most popular place to come and take a picture of yourself in the middle of the world (as I did).

I would argue though that the fact this isn’t the real middle of the world doesn’t take away it’s significance and meaning – that of humankind constant chase of the truth. In the scientific world, you’re quite often proven wrong. What matters is that you keep seeking for answers, or an answer. And this being the first place where it was thought some sort of truth was found, makes it symbolic in its own right.

Now I am not going to lie – the place is a bit run down, and a lot of the exhibitions are more geared towards children. There are a few shops and overpriced restaurants. They created a “theme” park around it, of course, for touristic purposes. But it’s still worth it. You can climb of top of the monument, a tower 30 meters tall, and from there you have some beautiful views of the surrounding volcanic mountains. Inside the monument, you’ll also be greeted with some interesting exhibitions about Ecuador’s cultures and indigenour groups.

Intiñan Solar Museum – theatrical interactions to prove a scientific point

Intiñan is incredibly close to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo andthe access isn’t great (no paved road) – but I have to say it’s a pretty cool place to go, even though, scietifically speaking, it’s once again not where the true ecuatorial line lies, and I am also suspicious of some of the experiments we did there. Still, it was quite fun… and I just wanted to allow myself to fall for the illusion, like a silly tourist.

It’s a guided visit and if you take your passport with you, you may get a stamp stating that you were in the middle of the world. I am a sucker for stamps, so I got it done, proudly!

It was overall a very interesting visit, and I’d recommend. I quite liked the cultural exhibits where the guide told us about Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage and some indigenous traditions and lifestyles. I learned about the Amazonian practice of shrinking human heads, and there was also a replica of a traditional hut, to showcase how the indigenous Amazonians live and the science behind the materials they use to ensure they are protected from the elements. I have to say this really made me want to visit the Amazon some day… but I am not sure if I can, knowing the scary stuff that inhabitits it (eight legged creatures)!

The interactive part of the visit was quite fun – we were made to try to balance an egg on the head of a nail, which is said to be easier on the equator due to gravitational forces. There were also some water drainage demonstrations that I’ve heard are innacurate, as the Corialis effect doesn’t operate on such a small scale – these are supposed to show water draining in different directions depending on whether you’re in the Northern or the Southern Hemisphere.

Quitsato Sundial – the scientifically accurate one

This is where some people intercepted when arriving to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo wanted to take me to. According to our more sophisticated GPS technology, it prides on being the scientifically accurate place. There is a huge sundial a the site, which shows the movement of the sun throughout the year. When the equinox happens, and the sun passes directly overhead, there is no shadow – a phenomenon many visitors are eager to witness!

I didn’t get to go there, but I was very close by when taking a tour of the Otavalo Market. We stopped at the Cafe Ecuatorial to try some traditional Bizcochos, which were amazing and something you must try… and then as we kept driving north, we passed the Ecuatorial line. The driver and the guide kepts us informed so we could capture it on our phones.

Conclusion…

If you want scientific accuracy and little time, skip Ciudad Mitad del Mundo or the Intiñan Solar Museum and go straight to Quitsato. I’m glad that my tour to Otavalo passed by it, and the tour guide made a stop to explain to us a little more about the science and the history behind this dispute. If I ever go back to Ecuador, I’ll make sure to go to Quitsato. Something sadly I didn’t have the time to go this time.

Love, Nic