Equator Line Monument.

Its location and climate

All it takes is a single step to pass from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere. Here, in the Middle of the World, at zero latitude, the shade vanishes with the vertical midday sun.

The first inhabitants carefully followed the course of the stars. The Incas were so fascinated with this energy center that they incorporated it into their empire.

In 1736, the Frenchman Charles-Marie de la Condamine embarked on a scientific journey to Spanish America to prove the width of the earth in Ecuador. Today, the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) is one of the most visited, and largest scientific, and cultural centers in the country. Along the main entrance path, 13 statues of the scientists from the French Geodesic Mission who participated in measuring an arch of the meridian of the earth have been erected.

Panoramic view of the Middle of the World, on the right side is Cayambe volcano, a unique place in the world with glaciers at latitude 0º.

Due to its prime location along the equator line, Ecuador is also the country of eternal springtime. The country’s great geographical diversity has produced a variety of climates and microclimates, ideal environments for the flourishing of flora and fauna.