A visit to Quito wouldn’t be complete without exploring its equatorial landmarks. While the Middle of the World City and its towering monument often steal the spotlight, there’s a fascinating history behind Ecuador’s equatorial explorations. On our journey, we visited the original equator monument and the true equatorial line, experiencing science, culture, and history in one memorable day.
The Original Equator Monument
The original equator monument, built in the 1930s, stands as a testament to early geodetic exploration. Located a short distance from the newer Middle of the World City, this smaller, modest structure was constructed to honor the French Geodesic Mission of the 18th century. This mission aimed to pinpoint the exact location of the equator, advancing global understanding of Earth’s shape.
Though groundbreaking in its time, this monument, like the larger one that succeeded it, is slightly off the true equatorial line. Standing here, however, felt like stepping into history. The area is less crowded, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling tourist hub of Ciudad Mitad del Mundo. The original monument captures the pioneering spirit of those who first set out to map the equator.
Standing on the Actual Equator
After exploring the original monument, we headed to a nearby street where the actual equator is marked. We were able to use our phone GPS to validate the location. Here, we were able to straddle the actual equator and capture some great photos. While the area was nearly unmarked, with zero other people present, it was more impressive to me than the monument.
Reflections
Visiting both the original equator monument and the real equatorial line provided a richer understanding of the region’s scientific and cultural significance. From the historical miscalculations to the modern-day experiments, each stop along the way offered something unique. While there is virtually nothing there than a short line across the road and markings on a wall, the real equator location was my favorite. Plain and nondescript. I am adding a map that shows where we were standing to make it easy to find for anyone interested.
If you’re in Quito, we highly recommend exploring all three sites. Together, they create a comprehensive and engaging experience that highlights the equator’s enduring intrigue. Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or a curious traveler, these landmarks are sure to leave you inspired. The new monument is super touristy. The original monument was in a quaint town and was located in a nice park, with no tourists. The actual equator runs around the world, so there are plenty of places you can locate it with GPS. But the map above show a place where it is marked so you can take photos.
Read about our exciting two-week Ecuadorian adventure!
