🇪🇨 Quito, Ecuador: Where the Equator Meets History

Among the dozen countries straddling the equator, only Ecuador and Somalia built monuments to mark this geographic wonder. Here’s why Quito’s Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) is unmissable: 🌍 Equatorial Monument 40min from Quito: Stand on the 0°0’0” line at this UNESCO site. Rituals: Straddle hemispheres for the classic photo. Get a certificate proving you “split the Earth.” Pro tip: Visit both the old monument (24km from Quito) and the new museum (accurate GPS line). ⛪ Iconic Landmarks 1️⃣ Basílica del Voto Nacional: Gothic giant with twin towers to climb (panoramic views!). 2️⃣ Independence Square: Colonial heart flanked by gold-leaf churches. 3️⃣ El Panecillo: Virgin statue viewpoint (taxi up—steep + sketchy streets). #Quito #EquatorAdventure #SouthAmerica