A Gringo in Quito

When it comes to the equator, there are 2 primary options to explore. The largest and most obvious one is the Mitad Del Mundo which was thought to be the site of the equator until the early 2000s when GPS showed it was actually nearby, where the Intiñan Museum is today.

Mitad Del Mundo

This is the requisite location for photos spanning the line with the monument in the background. The facility is large and includes multiple small museums such as the Ecuador museum where you can learn about all of the provinces in Ecuador, the museum of cerveza where you can enjoy a cold one in their beer garden, and even a planetarium.

There is a playground for the kids and multiple small shops selling souvenirs, though these can be purchased for far less money elsewhere. While you are there, take a train ride around the compound.

Make sure to check out the exhibit on ancestral living near the opening. I always enjoy walking through and seeing how the ancestral Ecuadorians lived.

There is free wifi throughout and plenty of bathroom facilities. Prices are in the photo below:

Intiñan Museum

This is truly a hidden gem that many locals don’t know about. It is located past the Mitad del Mundo compound on the left.

This museum teaches about the history of the Ecuadorian people as well as other Amazonian peoples. You will learn about food practices, burial practices, and hunting. You will learn about chocolate making and finally on the equatorial line, they have several experiments to demonstrate the peculiar effects that can be found on the equatorial line itself.

Balance an egg on the nail and you will be an Egg Master and will receive a certificate to prove it. At $5 usd per person, well worth a visit.