Middle of the World + Pululahua Crater in half-day
Description
Each booking is a new history for Us!!! Start the trip from Quito or the airport, this will depend on where you have chosen your stay. Located 8 miles northwest of Quito city, capital of the Ecuadorian Republic, The Middle of the World or Equator Line is the most visited tourist attraction in the country. Due to its privileged geographical location, it has become a tourist magnet, where visitors can learn more about ancestral knowledge, nature and science. The city of the middle of the world is a perfect time to enjoy a half-day tour with fun activities. There is much controversy about which is the true middle of the world, since in this area, there are at least 4 places that boast of having the true equator line, I invite you to bring your GPS and check it out on your own. To this tour you can add on optionals activities such as a walking tour in Quito, Teleferico (cable car) or birdwatching with additional cost.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Departure to northwest of the city of Quito to cross over the modern zone of the metropolitan district. The journey envelops us in the atmosphere of the traditional neighborhoods of the Capital of Ecuador.
Upon arrival at San Antonio de Pichincha parish town, we observe the dynamism of this small town that is located on the Equatorial Line. The most outstanding buildings, we will see are the Former Unasur building that was the headquarter of the South American Nations. A large obelisk located in the Middle of the world city. In addition, up ahead in the distance, you can see a round elevation that was considered sacred by the first inhabitants of Quito, it is presumed on this mountain the first pre-Inca astrological observatory was built. Other attractions of San Antonio are the mountains called "La Marca" on whose back is the Pululahua crater. The climate of San Antonio de Pichincha is dry, reaching up a temperature of 75°F during the day and 54°F at night in the summer season. However, in the winter season the temperature does not down too much.
Contrary to what many people believe, the Pululahua is an active volcano, except that at the moment it is sleeping. Pululahua volcano is located in the northern hemisphere very close to the equatorial line. It is part of the Geobotanical reserve, that has the same name, whose extension is 13,000 hectares. The most curious fact is there are people living on the crater, so it is one of the inhabited volcanoes in the world. From the viewpoint, we can observe volcanic domes, houses and tourist ventures that give life to the sector.
Explore the Intiñan museum. This place represents the Equator Line and is located 100 meters north of the giant obelisk. The meaning of Intiñan come from the Kichwa word which is sun trail. On the tour, you will be accompanied by a local interpreter from the museum who will show you up different sceneries that represent indigenous villages, old houses built several centuries ago, among other things. Also, you will carry out experiments will prove that you are in the middle of the world, including the experiment of stopping a raw egg on the head of a nail, if you succeed, the museum will delivery you a diploma as master of the egg.
A popular tourist destination in the city of Quito proclaimed Cultural Heritage of Ecuador. In 1936, an Ecuadorian geographer proposed to build a monument in the sector of the Equator line to commemorate the first arrival of the French Geoadesic Mission who arrived at Ecuador in 1736. Years later, the geographer´s idea was taken and the obelisk begins to be built in 1976 which has a height of 31 meters. This monument offers a good background to take the best pictures when you visit the middle of the world. This place is considering the historical Middle Of The World or The Equator Line.
It is time to return to the hotel or if you wish, our transport could leave you at a good-suggested restaurant in the city of Quito.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(30)
My mom and I had a great time on this tour. Marcelo (our guide) was amazing and very knowledgeable about the history of the area. You could tell he loved learning and teaching others about Quito and surrounding areas. We both learned a lot and could not recommend this tour more!
Phenomenal tour that hit all of the sights! The museum with the real equator line was amazing and very informative. The experiments were really fun! The middle of the world town was also very cute and our guide was great at showing us high quality souvenirs!
Fantastic. Edourdo was a wonderful guide. Safe driver, very informative. We would highly recommend this tour.
This was a great way to spend a half day exploring Quito, especially the “0,0,0” latitude monument. Our tour guide, Eduardo, really made us feel comfortable and did a great job telling us about the cultural sites we visited. 100% recommend this tour!
We really enjoyed the experience. Joshua was very helpful. Enjoyed the museum vignettes and equator experience. Highly recommend.
Eduardo was a wonderful guide he was very knowledgable and was fun to spend the day with. Highly recommend giving this tour a try!
So we started early, Eduardo my driver picked me up at 7:30am an we headed to Pululahua Crater. Getting there early (before the clouds roll in) allowed us specular views of the area and the crater floor. Then off to the middle of the world. There is a private museum and next to it the official monument. I did both. I actually enjoyed the museum better. incredible displays about how people lived, tools, customs. There was a super fun area along the equator.... with demonstrations of the sun and time and the Coriolis Effect. The official monument, you climb to the top and every 1/2 floor are displays about the history of Equador its people the different areas of the country including The Galapagos . Super fun way to spend the day, Thanks again to Eduardo, a great guide / driver makes a great trip even better!
Marcelo was an incredible tour guide. We had some friends visiting and Marcelo expertly led our tour in English and held some great conversations in Spanish with us as well. He was incredibly knowledgeable, gave some great science and history facts, and showed a true passion for tour guiding. He was patient with us when we needed to take bathroom breaks or wanted to stop at some shops. Our driver was also incredible, very safe and timely. The van we had was very comfortable and had A/C. Would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone seeking to learn more about Ecuador and the beauty that is living on the equator.
Carolina was an excellent host and went above and beyond to make our tour special. This tour is a great way to spend have a day in Quito doing the must see areas.
Very knowledgeable and polite guide (Marcello) who provided a lot of information throughout the tour. The pace and duration of the tour was well balanced. Really enjoyed the memorable experience. Thank you!
