Visiting Ciudad Mitad del Mundo from Quito
Mitad del Mundo (also Middle of the World) is Ecuador's top attraction near Quito, best visited on a day trip from the capital city. Read our travel guide on how to visit Ciudad Mitad del Mundo and Monument to the Equator on a budget, what to expect, how to get there by bus. Includes information on travel costs, admission tickets, and opening hours.
It is impossible to visit Ecuador and not spend a few days in its captivating capital city, Quito. And it is not possible to visit Quito and not take a trip approximately 20 kilometers from the center to Mitad del Mundo.
What is Mitad del Mundo, and why should you put it on the list of the best things to see in this small South American country?
Mitad del Mundo, alias the Middle of the World, is a place where the GPS should show you these magical coordinates, 00°00’00” (well, it won't, but more about it later).
It is a place that sits right on the equatorial line (this is actually why the country got its name, Ecuador) and gives all travelers the option to stand at one moment on both hemispheres.
The Northern hemisphere and Southern hemisphere.
You can imagine then that Mitad del Mundo attracts visitors not only from Ecuador but worldwide. It is one of those things you simply don't see every day.
Even though the equatorial line is invisible, the part here is marked by a yellow color, so we actually can pompously say that we not only stood on the Middle of the Earth, but we also saw it.
If you are looking for more information on how to visit Mitad del Mundo, we are glad to share our tips.
This travel guide includes tips on how to get to Mitad del Mundo from Quito, how much things cost, when is the best time to visit, or where to stay.
Feel free to follow our footsteps and plan one of the essential stops on your Ecuador itinerary.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MITAD DEL MUNDO
Mitad del Mundo is one of the best tourist attractions in Ecuador. It is impossible to tell how many travelers took the must-have photo of a person standing/sitting/lying on two hemispheres.
But the story behind Mitad del Mundo is a bit more complicated.
The mission to find the equatorial line started back in 1736. The mission was successful, although later measurements with much more modern equipment proved that the real Middle of the World is about 240 meters from the originally marked line.
On top of that, it was also discovered later that the line is actually a strip that is 5 km wide, and the 0 latitude actually constantly moves within this strip.
But this is nothing that would stop people from visiting the 30-meter high monument of Mitad del Mundo.
Visiting Mitad del Mundo is not only about the unique location and experience. It is also about gaining knowledge, so make sure you explore the site thoroughly and not skip fascinating museums.
Lastly, visiting Mitad del Mundo is about paying tribute to all scientists who can often figure out things beyond our comprehension. Or it is at least how we feel about it.
HOW TO GET TO MITAD DEL MUNDO
There are a few alternatives to getting to Mitad del Mundo from Quito for every type of traveler.
It is possible to get there cheaply and independently, but you can also opt for a trip with a guide, or the easiest way even though the most expensive one is to take a taxi.
Make sure you choose the option that suits the best your needs and budget.
Public Bus | As backpackers, taking public transport was the way we had opted for. Obviously, we do not know where you will stay in Quito but assume it will be close to the city center.
Step number one is to take a bus to Ofelia station. We found the bus system in Quito easy to comprehend and well-marked, but ask the staff in your hotel if you need some help.
Ofelia station is a large bus stop, and you should not have a problem to get there. Once you get to Ofelia station, switch to a bus to Mitad del Mundo, which usually leaves from the first platform. The bus stops within walking distance to Mitad del Mundo.
To get back, retrace your footsteps, just remember that the bus stop is on your right-hand side when you leave the park. The advantage of getting to Mitad del Mundo by bus is the price.
The first ticket cost $0.25 and the second one $0.15.
The disadvantage is clear. This journey is time-consuming as the trip's first stretch takes an hour (the traffic in Quito is crazy) and another 40 minutes from Ofelia station.
Buses in Ecuador are infamous for pickpocketing. Make sure you have your valuables hidden in a safe place.
Organized Tour | Another way to get there, is to go with an organized Mitad del Mundo tour from Quito.
We think it is a great option for all travelers who do not want to arrange transport, plus want to get more information as the tour includes English and Spanish speaking guides.
Even though this option is more expensive than getting to the monument individually, it is still quite cheap for the US or European standards, and it saves time.
Taxi | Without any doubt, the best, most comfortable way to get from Quito to Mitad del Mundo is by hiring a cab. Taxi is convenient as it does not stop like the bus, plus you can enjoy the comfort and stress-free journey.
The ride can cost anything between $10 and $20, be prepared that you'll have to haggle. It might be the best option for visitors traveling as a group as you can share the cost.
QUITO - MITAD DEL MUNDO - MINDO
This travel tip is perfect for all budget travelers and backpackers.
If you plan on visiting the cloud forest in Mindo, you might want to visit Mitad del Mundo during the journey. This option saves you a lot of precious time, as the bus to Mindo is basically passing by this place.
We realized that too late (when we saw Mitad del Mundo from the bus window), but it might help you plan the trip.
We would probably visit Mitad del Mundo on the way back from Mindo, as it would be much easier to get a public bus back to Quito's city center.
When coming back from Mindo, ask the driver to drop you off at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo. Also, check Maps.me from time to time, as the drivers sometimes lose track of the instructions along the way.
OPENING HOURS
Mitad del Mundo is opened 365 days a year, which is perfect because you do not have to carefully plan your arrival. The site opens every day at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM.
It is good to know that tour groups usually arrive after lunch, so the best time to visit is in the morning.
ADMISSION TICKETS
The entrance fee costs $5, and we think it was well worth it.
These five dollars won't only allow you to see the equatorial line, but it also gives you access to the monument, planetarium, several pavilions holding exhibitions, squares, old train station, or a group of ancestral homes.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT MITAD DEL MUNDO
Mitad del Mundo is actually a park, where a traveler can spend several hours. Once you get in, your eyesight will be unmistakably caught by the towering Equatorial Monument.
This is probably where you would like to go first.
Walk around the monument, find the bright yellow line, and have some fun. At times it is hard to get a photo without others in the background, but it pays off to be patient.
After taking those must-have photos, we waited in a queue as we wanted to get to the top of the monument.
An elevator took us to the viewing platform, and then we had to walk down on foot, which was very interesting, as stairs and every floor were turned into a museum where we could learn more about this site and the research.
Then, we wandered freely around.
We went to Planetarium, Ecuador Pavilion that features an exhibition of pre-Columbian art, and France Pavilion that is dedicated to a French scientist who discovered the Middle of the World.
The other side of the park holds Cacao Square, Fish Square, several restaurants, Beer Museum, Central Plaza, which features the most famous unobscured view of the monument, Museum of the Virgins, old train station, or ancestral homes that represent original houses from different parts of Ecuador.
In case you collect stamps, it is interesting to know that you should not leave your passport in the hotel room, as you can get here the unique stamp proving you had visited Mitad del Mundo.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY IN QUITO
Quito, as the capital city, has many accommodation options for every type of traveler. The best way, at least according to our opinion, is to stay in the very center of the city.
Not only you'll be able to visit all the must-see sights in Quito, but you will also be close to public transport, that will take you either to Mitad del Mundo, to the airport, or one of the bus stations on the outskirts, from where you can get to other amazing destinations Ecuador has to offer.
We've handpicked the three best hotels in Quito for all budgets.
Budget | Hostal Juana de Arco - This well-run hostel was our base before and after our trip to the Galapagos Islands but also for exploring the Quito itself, and it had everything we needed. Breakfast is included, there is also a kitchen for guests' use, and we could safely leave our stuff there for a week.
Mid-range | Hotel Reina Isabel - This nice stylish hotel has air-conditioned rooms, modern facilities, bright rooms with city views, and an excellent Mariscal district location.
Luxury | La Casona de la Ronda Hotel - Set in a colonial-style house at a great location in Old Town, La Casona de la Ronda Hotel features comfortable beds, spacious rooms, a great restaurant, and it has all the amenities you need.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MITAD DEL MUNDO
As we've already mentioned, the best time of the day to visit Mitad del Mundo is in the morning when the whole site is slowly wakening up.
When it comes to the time of the year, we would say it does not matter when you decide to put this place on your itinerary.
Quito is a quite colder city as it sits over 2800 meters above sea level; its climate resembles a bit Bogota in Colombia.
The dry season usually lasts from June to September and then November to January, and you can expect higher precipitation during the rest of the year.
The rainiest is usually March and April, which is also the coldest month.
WHAT TO PACK
Well, take into account two things. First of all, the weather forecast for the day of your visit, the way of transport, and the fact that the average time for visiting Mitad del Mundo is about two to three hours plus the transport time.
This means you should arrive well-prepared.
We think it is never too warm in Quito, so you won't make a mistake when wearing a fleece jacket and long trousers.
Make sure you have comfortable shoes as well.
Your daypack should contain a water bottle, a snack if you do not plan on eating in a touristy restaurant on-site, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, and a travel umbrella or rain poncho, just in case.
Of course, a travel camera is a must.
In case you plan on getting to Mitad del Mundo by public transport, consider purchasing this travel pouch where you can keep your valuables, think of investing in an anti-theft daypack, or simply keep an eye on your electronics and money all the time.
IS VISITING MITAD DEL MUNDO WORTH IT?
When looking at the map, Mitad del Mundo almost seems like a theme park. From museums that reveal mysteries behind the search for the equator to an exhibition of indigenous homes and even a beer museum, there's so much to do.
But this mixture should not put you off visiting. We think it is really worth it to visit Mitad del Mundo.
After all, it'll take you only a half-day, and there's actually only a handful of countries where you could experience this similar 'sensation' of standing on two hemispheres at once.
This place is very important for Ecuador as a nation, it is something local people are proud of, and we are convinced that Mitad del Mundo should be on your Ecuador bucket list.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
