There is something very exciting about being at the exact center of the world. In Ecuador, you can straddle the equator, but also stand at the highest point on the equator on the volcano, Cotopaxi.
The Equator in Ecuador is 59km (30 miles) south of Quito and is a fun stop when taking a day trip from the city. Plus, when you go to the equator, you’ll get to see one of the highest volcanoes in the world.
Cotopaxi, reaches a height of 5798 meters (19,342 feet) making it the only place on the Equator that has snow.
Even where we stood, there was a chill in the air. It may have been hot in the Galapagos, but high in the Andes Mountains, it is definitely a cooler experience.
Cotopaxi is a high mountain in Ecuador and most famous volcano to visit. And nearby Cayambe is the only place on earth where there is snow directly on the equator. Pretty cool eh!
You can climb this mountain as well.
A Few Equator Facts
Learning About the Ecuador
The world uses the wrong map. We all look at it horizontally, but it should be looked at vertically.
Our world map really should be as the one pictured above. To have a true picture of how all the meridians and the equator works, it makes more sense this way.
My mind was blown. I always thought the equator divided the world into North and South, but this guy states that it should be like this. East and West. Huh?
Originally, the equator was located at a different position. With the invention of GPS, the equator has been moved to the proper location in Ecuador and our guide had the co-ordinates on a map to prove it to us.
The ancient Andean World worshipped the sun and had great knowledge of the celestial bodies. They built ceremonial and ritual sites right along the Equator.
The site that we visited is actually one giant sundial. We had a bit of an overcast day so we couldn’t actually see it in action, but never the less, it looked impressive.
This location on the Equator is the best place for scientists to study the sky equally from the north and the south. Could it be that if we stayed until the night we could view the Southern Cross and the North Star all at once?
Photos of the Equator
Dave sitting in the Centre of the World!
We couldn’t get enough of taking cheesy photographs on the Equator.
After all, it took us over a decade of travel and over 60 countries before we finally made it to the actual equator. You never know when we’ll get back!
Deb at the Equator
A Heck, Let’s get one more shot of this baby! We were at the Equator!
We had such a great day trip out of Quito with Urban Adventures. We did so much more than a quick stop at the Equator and we’ll be sharing that with you in the coming days.
