Mitad del Mundo in Ecuador: Everything You Need to Know
Quito is often overlooked when visiting Ecuador, and I don’t think it should be. Yes, there are many more adventurous activities outside the city, but it’s a great place to start. One of the most popular day trips when visiting Quito is to the Mitad del Mundo.
Mitad del Mundo is considered the “Middle of the World” because it lies directly on 00°00’00”, or so we thought. But more on that later.
We planned this activity during our “off” day from hiking. While it might not have been that adventurous, it was still nice to go and see.
It’s located 45 minutes North of Quito but easily accessible by bus, cab, or tour!
In this guide, I’ll review everything you need about visiting Ciudad Mitad del Mundo In Ecuador from Quito.
What is Mitad del Mundo: Why is it Special?
Mitad del Mundo is an attraction 26km away from the Capital of Ecuador, Quito. This attraction was built to signify where the equatorial line runs through. The 30-meter-tall monument that you see in many photos started construction in 1979 and finished in 1982.
This monument was built to commemorate the French for their work in the 18th century on the Geodesic mission. This mission aimed to measure the length of a degree of latitude near the equator.
I loved starting in Quito because it allowed us to acclimatize while doing hikes like Cruz del Ilalo and Rucu Pichincha.
If you’re looking for more adventurous activities to do in Ecuador, below are some of my favorites:
How to Get There
After my second visit to Ecuador, I encountered more people renting a car here. If this is you, then driving here is obviously the best option. You will find parking lots just past the roundabout on your left.
As for myself and many others, we have to find other modes of transportation. Thankfully, it’s one of the most popular activities in the entire country, so finding a ride isn’t difficult.
Quito to Mitad del Mundo
While staying in Quito, you’ll most likely visit the Middle of the World. But it’s possible to stop here either on your way to Mindo or back to Quito. The bus going to Mindo drives right past this.
Below are some of the most popular ways of getting here without a car:
Uber/Taxi
- Ubers and taxis are everywhere in Quito. We often used an Uber during our stay and on our way to La Mitad del Mundo. It costs us around $12 USD.
- Getting a taxi here is also very easy as many drivers know where it’s at. The price may vary but it should cost around $10 to $20 USD.
- Always make sure to ask the price first thing when getting in the Taxi.
Group Tours
- The most popular way to visit Mitad del Mundo is via a tour. The tour is a fantastic price for only $19 USD because it also comes with an entry ticket ($5).
- This tour leaves from Quito and a bilingual guide’ll accompany you. The tour does not include food, so pack a lunch or go to one of the many on-site restaurants.
- If traveling with two or fewer people, then this actually a deal.
Public Bus
- I normally take the public bus everywhere when traveling in South America. It’s easy and affordable. The main reason we didn’t this go around was because of time.
- If you want to take the public bus, you must go to the Ofelia bus station. This is the same bus station that takes you to Mindo.
- Go around the bus station’s first platform and ask for Mitad del Mundo. I’m not entirely sure about the price of the bus but I’ve read it shouldn’t be more than $1.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Mitad del Mundo is most likely on your list of things to do when visiting Quito. Hundreds of travelers visit this site daily, if not more.
It’s a great place to get that center-of-the-world Instagram pic standing between two hemispheres. Unfortunately, that isn’t actually the case but more on that later.
Below are some things to know before visiting the equatorial line.
Entrance Fee
The entry fee to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is affordable and easy to obtain! You can purchase your ticket before coming, but the line moves quickly, so it didn’t seem too important.
Below are the prices for all age groups:
- Ages 6 – 12: $2.50
- Ages 13 – 64: $5
- Ages 65+: $2.50
- Those with disabilities: $2.50
Mitad del Mundo Facts
- French scientists set out to find the equatorial line in 1736. This location was discovered and said to be directly on the equator during this time.
- With technological advancements, it was later discovered that the true equator line is 200+ meters from where it was originally thought to be.
- You can go on tours to the actual equatorial line, but it didn’t seem worth it.
Ethnographic Museum
When visiting Mitad del Mundo, there’s more to see and do than take your photo at the iconic equatorial line. There are many museums to check out, too, included in your ticket price!
The first museum you’ll likely visit is the one inside the tower. This ethnographic museum goes over the history of the indigenous people who lived in Ecuador.
After purchasing your ticket, you will see other museums on your left. There’s also a planetarium, which was unfortunately under construction when we visited.
Hours of Operation
Mitad del Mundo is open year-round, which is great for travelers! The site opens up from 9 am to 6 pm.
I suggest arriving as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Not having to fight for photos is a game-changer.
Other Activities To Do When Visiting
There’s more to do here in the Middle of the World than simply taking photos! You can visit the handful of museums, eat at one of the many restaurants, or balance an egg!
Some of these activities may seem gimmicky but you’re only here once, right?
Are There Restaurants Here?
If you’re looking for something to eat, then fear now. There are multiple restaurants inside. We chose to sit outside at a restaurant located around the square.
They served traditional meals for a more reasonable price than I expected. I don’t normally choose to eat at a touristy spot, but this wasn’t bad.
Other Fun Activities in Ecuador:
- Cajas National Park: A unique experience located right outside of Cuenca.
- Ruta de las Cascadas: During this epic bike ride, you’ll see up to six waterfalls!
- Things to do in Baños: This is the adventure capital of Ecuador and is a MUST on your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Quito
Quito is the perfect launching point for your trip to Ecuador. Explore the old town and visit popular locations like the Middle of the World City.
Below are some great options for accommodations during your visit to Quito.
- La Casona de la Ronda Hotel: This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Quito. Enjoy your stay here with an American Style buffet breakfast included.
- Dakani Hotel Boutique: A new hotel in Quito that is recently gaining a lot of buzz. Stay at this stunning boutique hotel for a startlingly great price!
- El Patio Hostel: This is one of my favorite hostels in Quito because of the great prices for private rooms ($25) and dorms! You won’t be disappointed when staying here.
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo in Ecuador Review
When traveling, I like to do the most adventurous things possible—take the path less traveled. So, traveling to the Middle of the World wasn’t extremely high on my list. I knew it was a tourist trap, but I still decided to go.
We decided to take an Uber to save time with buses and got a ride almost instantly. This is a popular route, so nobody minds taking you.
When we arrived, we were instantly approached by someone trying to sell a tour to the “real” middle of the world. We politely declined, bought our tickets, and went in.
Our first order of business was to take photos at the equatorial line. I will admit these photos looked pretty cool. Afterward, we went up the tower to get better area views.
We took our time going up the stairs as we read about the history of the indigenous people of Ecuador. Everything was insightful but lasted only a few levels before we reached the top.
You can take photos from the top looking North, South, East, and West.
After this, we decided to see what else this place offered. We tried some local beer samples and they were fantastic, to say the least.
We went straight to the planetarium but it was closed. Maybe next time. After that, we walked around to the different exhibits.
They were neat and some honored the scientists working to find the equatorial line. But everything took very little time to go through.
All this discovery and hopping from the Northern to Southern hemisphere really built up an appetite for us! So we finished off this trip here with a meal and then got a ride back to Quito.
Final Thoughts
Mitad del Mundo is one of the most unique places to visit in the world. Even if you’re like me and prefer more adventure, I think it’s still worth visiting. It’s a nice, budget-friendly activity and a great day trip from Quito. You can do this while getting acclimated to Ecuador’s high altitude.
