The Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the great diversity of Ecuador’s native groups. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops that sell postcards and souvenirs. A certificate for having crossed the Equator is issued to each guest.
Then visit the nearby ancient Pucará of Rumicucho, an archaeological site of great interest, believed to be a solar observatory and fortress during the pre-Inca period.