Your arrival into Quito is already a step into the past. Quito was the second city in the world to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it is known for so much more, mainly its location in relation to the equator. Just short of one hour north of the city center you will find yourself at the Equatorial Line Monument, called "Middle of the World". This is a rare experience as you are able to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument, which is the focal point of the park, marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the equator.

The area has been built as a replica of a typical Colonial town with restaurants, gift shops, and a post office with special philatelic stamps recognizing the location. There is the Museo Etnográfico Intiñan, (the Ethnographic Middle of the World Museum) that is a helpful way to learn about the ways of life of the ancient cultures of Ecuador and actually feel the way of life of the indigenous people in their traditional straw huts.

There are also interactive displays showing the rotation of the earth and its effects through illustrations and experiments.

Your drive, as always, will be scenic as possible.