Journey to the Middle of the World

A popular tourist attraction close to Quito is the middle of the world (Mitad del Mundo). I didn't know this myself until I met some other backpackers in the hostel who had already visited. The site contains a 30 meter tall monument marking the spot where the equator passes through the country. Most people go here for the photo opportunity, I decided to do likewise.


The options for getting there were a $15 USD taxi each way or else the 40 cent public bus. I choose the public bus. This epic journey involved 3 local busses and about 2 hours of traveling to get there. Like the hundreds of tourists who visit the site on a daily basis I got a photo of me standing on the equator.

Middle of the world

The site itself contains a small town called "Ciudad Mitad del Mundo". The town is a big tourist center containing restaurants, shops, a museum. The monument was constructed between 1979 and 1982. The strange thing about it all is that modern GPS systems now show that the equator is actually 240 meters north of the marked line but no one seems to mind.

Not quite the middle of the world but close

Mountain Biking on Cotopaxi in the Andes

In Quito I found a company offering downhill mountain biking trips on Cotopaxi in the Andes Mountains. They provide all the equiptment, 2 guides and transport you to the parking stop at 4,500m. From there you bike down stopping for lunch on the way. There is a support vehicle following at all times so if anything goes wrong you have backup.

Parking at 4,500m

In Quito they said that Cotopaxi is the largest active volcano in the world but wikipedi says otherwise. Eiher way its pretty high and the downhill mountain biking was excellent. It was cloudy the day I was there so the snow capped peak is only barely visible.

Cloudy Cotopaxi

I wasn't prepared for how cold it would be when we got to the starting point. There was a strong wind, low visibility and some sleet. Luckily I was able to stay in the car until the bikes were ready.

Preparing for the ride down

Once we got moving we were decending fast and it warmed up quick. The skies cleared and the sun came out. The decent was great, fast paced and challenging. Tough on arms and wrists due to the terrain although the suspension helped somewhat. We crossed rivers, passed wild horses and stopped near some inca ruins for lunch.

Better weather as we descend