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- Destinations
- South America
- Ecuador
- Quito
- El Mitad del Mundo
El Mitad del Mundo
El Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World) is a purpose-built
complex of museums and shops that was constructed to mark the
equator, the line that gives the country its name. The 96-foot
(30m) high Equator Monument is the focus of the square, topped by a
brass sphere representing the world, from where a painted line
stretches out on either side marking the equator that divides the
world, and the complex, into northern and southern hemispheres.
Also on the square is a set of weighing scales to illustrate the
fact that one loses a bit of weight on the equator, being subject
to a lesser force of gravitational attraction than usual. An
anthropological museum has interesting displays of Ecuador's
indigenous populations and their customs, and there is a scenic
lookout at the top.
Information & Facts
Address
The site is 12 miles (20km) from Quito
Admission
Language
Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is the main
language spoken among the indigenous people.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. In 2000
the sucre was replaced by the dollar as the legal currency, but
despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist in rural areas
for a while longer. It is recommended that travellers bring both US
dollar notes and travellers cheques as other foreign currencies are
difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Small
denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside
of the main cities. In the main centres most currencies can be
exchanged at banks and exchange houses (
casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are
available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in
tourist areas and large hotels although a commission of 6-8% is
often charged.
Opening Times
Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, and Saturday and
Sunday from 9am to 7pm