24.11.2019 At the center of the Earth

From our hostel we can see a mountain with a statue on it. We want to take a closer look and hike up the mountain, which is quite exhausting considering that Quito is located 2850 meters above sea level. Up there we will find the Virgin of El Panecillo, also known as the Virgin of Quito, named after the sculpture of the same name. We will also be rewarded with a beautiful view over Quito.

Afterwards, we take the bus heading north and drive for about an hour out of Quito to Mitad del Mundo, the center of the Earth. This monument marks the place where Charles Marie de La Condamine, as part of a French expedition in 1736, accurately determined the position of the Equator for that time. Later, with the help of GPS, it was discovered that the actual Equator is 240 meters further north. Nevertheless, this place carries a certain symbolism and attracts countless visitors, including us.