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Global Positioning System was introduced in the 1970’s. With this launch, it was determined that the Equator line in Quito, Ecuador was not where originally thought after the eighteenth century Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission first determined its location.
That’s a big problem, especially when the city invested millions of dollars to build a tourist attraction so that tourists could photograph themselves straddling the imaginary line, marked with yellow, which divides the globe into the northern and southern hemispheres!
Visiting Mitad del Mundo first, we understood the complexity of the situation but took it all in stride. After all, the entire complex was quite charming and entertaining and we could have stayed for much longer if we would have had the time.
After a bit of research, I had found that the Intinan Solar Museum was located a short distance from Mitad del Mundo’s entrance gates and was highly recommended from past visitors.
Guiding my husband along the sidewalk and following the marked location on my iPhone map app, we took a turn onto a gravel drive leading uphill. There didn’t appear to be much here aside from a couple of rundown buildings and the occasional vehicle that passed us by, stirring up the dust on the roadway. My husband, a little skeptical, insisted we turn back, even though a sign at the main road had pointed the way. I, ever the adventurer, insisted we keep going.
Soon, cresting the hill (and much to my husband’s relief), we found the raised walkway leading to the entrance built into the hillside. Greeted by one of the workers, we were directed to the ticket booth and instructed to wait until an English speaking guide became available.
The whole complex was fairly small but well appointed with Ecuadorian decor including totem poles that were gifted by other countries and re-creations of cultural villages. As we waited, we inspected the gift shops and grabbed some water from the restaurant.
Our guide soon introduced himself and began his job of escorting us through the village explaining its history and offering a look into Ecuadorian life through exhibits showing daily life including homes, tools and dioramas. Authentic items displayed included a shrunken head, a stuffed anaconda and a burial chamber with a re-created mummy. A demonstration of how chocolate is made from its cacao beginnings was quite compelling, especially when we were offered delicious samples.
The best part of the complex was the interactive demonstrations which took place on the Equator line, marked in red, running through the entire village. These presentations depicted the pull of the equator’s force…trying to walk the equator line with my eyes closed (unsuccessfully, of course), balancing an egg on a nail and draining a basin on the equator line and in both hemispheres. Many reviews refer to these as parlor tricks, but I guess I am quite gullible…I thought they were quite believable, though I could never balance that egg on the nail!
Our entire visit lasted about an hour but was time well spent. Although both equator sites were vastly different, we enjoyed our time at each and I would recommend that anyone visiting Quito make time in their day for a visit to both sites.
But, if someone insisted that I pick a favorite…
The Intinan Solar Museum, by a mile! I loved it for its more intimate feel and the personalized experience we received there.
Visit both and make up your own mind!
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Intinan Solar Museum
- http://museointinan.com.ec/en/
- Address: Autopista Manuel Cordova Galarza, a 200 metros del redondel de la Mitad del Mundo, San Antonio, Pichincha 170180
- Hours: 0930-1700, daily
- Admission: Adults, $4.00 US, Children (ages 6-12 years), $2.00, Children under 6, free