CIUDAD MITAD DEL MUNDO

It is a bit like the amusement park of the center of the world or the universal exhibition of Ecuador! The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo has experienced in recent years an incredible expansion that has propelled the site on the first step of tourist sites visited in the country. The site has thus benefited from an incredible development to propose today a panel of activities to the tourists. But first, let's talk about the heart of the site: the famous historical monument which symbolizes the different cardinal points and this famous imaginary line. Erected in 1979, this monument is a 30 m high replica of the historical monument erected in 1936 to mark the bicentenary of the geodesic mission. A French mission wanted by King Louis XV, with the aim of measuring the length of a meridian arc and deducing the circumference of our planet. It still stands in the central square of the village of Calacalí, located on the coast road and exactly on the Equator line. The summit is reached by a lift. You can see the line of the Equator and have an interesting view of a rather arid part of the mountain range where many agaves grow, these beautiful plants with pointed leaves and which are used in the region to produce a traditional alcohol, the miske. Going down the stairs, you will have a glimpse of the Ecuadorian communities, represented by their customs and costumes. You will also be able to weigh yourself and see the difference in weight between the Mitad del Mundo, the North Pole and the moon. All around the monument, many attractions have been created to promote the Ecuadorian culture and entertain the tourists... You will be able to visit reconstituted traditional houses, a museum dedicated to the manufacture of cocoa, a museum of beer, an old train station or a church presenting the various virgins of the country but also of the world. The planetarium will allow you to plunge your head in the stars. Other buildings will allow you to retrace the history of the country. Interesting, the French pavilion presents the contributions of the first and second French geodesic missions. A large stadium also offers, at several times of the day, live shows mixing traditional dances and music. Finally, for those who love the country the most, you can also get married in the chapel of the baroque church. Just to make it even more special!