What is the Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World in Quito?

Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a sprawling vibrant city full of history, culture, and an unparalleled colonial charm. It is nestled at the foothills of the Andes Mountains and is the second highest capital in the world. The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a plethora of cultural attractions to explore.

The Middle of the World is a monument located about 30 kilometers north of Quito, on the Equator. It marks the exact spot of latitude 0°0′ 0″ N and longitude 0°0′ 0″ E, or the centre of the world. This is a site that you do not want to miss when visiting Quito and Ecuador. Not only does it offer a unique look into the geography of our planet, but it also provides an array of entertainment and souvenirs.

History of Quito

Quito was founded in 1534, making it one of the oldest cities in South America. The city was built by Spanish conquistadors on the ruins of an Incan settlement, but remnants of both civilizations can still be seen today in the Historic Center. Quito quickly developed into a main trading center of the Spanish empire and its economy soon relied on its prime position between Lima and Bogota.

Over the centuries, the city faced numerous attacks, plundering, and sieges, but it eventually grew into a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy. In 1978, Quito’s Historic Center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique architecture and colorful streets. It has been dubbed one of the best-preserved cities in Latin America and continues to be an incredible Caribbean melting pot.

The Middle of The World

The Middle of The World was commissioned by the French government in 1736 to commemorate the work of French geographer Charles Marie de La Condamine. He was sent to Ecuador to measure the circumference of the Earth and proved it was indeed round. The area around the monument was deemed to be on the Equator’s exact center point and hence became known as “The Middle of The World”.

Today, visitors from all over the world can take a tour of The Middle of The World to learn more about its history and geography. You’ll find a museum and planetarium full of interactive exhibits as well as an Ethnographical Museum featuring artifacts from indigenous cultures in Ecuador. The complex also includes an astronomical observatory, restaurants and souvenir shops.

One thing visitors should note before visiting is that there are actually two Middle of The Worlds: one within two minutes’ drive from The Middle of The World complex and another at La Mitad del Mundo National Park. While The Middle of The World complex is great for its museums and planetarium, La Mitad del Mundo National Park is great for its natural beauty and traditional activities, like visiting native villages and touring Incan archeological sites.

What Activities Are Available?

At The Middle of The World complex visitors can choose to take guided tours or explore on their own and learn more about local astronomy, indigenous people, culture, history, and geography at their own pace. There are also plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained such as traditional dances, musical performances and interactive shows in the planetarium. As for kids, there’s a playground and puppet show area where they can explore the interactive exhibits with their parents or guardians.

If you’d rather go outside there are plenty of activities available as well such as biking on various trails or horseback riding through lush natural terrain. You can even visit local indigenous communities in traditional costumes or take part in archery or traditional sports like llama polo or pulque fights.

The ultimate way to explore La Mitad del Mundo National Park is to book a sightseeing tour. There are plenty of tours available, including day tours, private tours, and night tours. You can even book a VIP tour that includes all the attractions, interesting facts about this historic spot, plus transportation and onboard guide service for your convenience! To book your sightseeing tour head over to GetYourGuide, which has plenty of options that will suit your budget and interests.

In conclusion, Quito’s Historic City center is a vibrant colonial city brimming with history and culture while the Middle of The World Monument offers an unparalleled look into our planet’s geography. It also provides an array of entertainment options that everyone in the family can enjoy whether it’s exploring interactive exhibits or engaging in traditional activities like horseback riding and llama polo. Make sure to book a tour with GetYourGuide on your trip so you can make sure you don’t miss out on any of the amazing experiences that await you!