 Republic of the Equator: Photos 21 to 30 |
AfricaAntarcticaAsiaCentral America CaribbeanEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaOceaniaSouth AmericaOceans and Seas
Republic of the Equator: Photos 21 to 30
South America » Ecuador » North » Quito
June 8th 2008 by barrygahan
Middle of the world
There are few cities that can match Quito in terms of location. Drive a few hours to the west and you reach Ecuador's beaches, while the fascinating jungle landscapes are close by in the east. If it's mountains and volcanoes you want, well, they're practically on your doorstep as the city is surrounded by them; including the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi, only 1.5 hours to the south. An equally compelling attraction near Quito, one from which Ecuador took it's name, is the Equator, which passes through Ecuador just north of the city, and which was one of the first things we went to see first from Quito.
Going to "see" the Equator might at first sound like a pointless activity, but there's plenty to do at Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). The position of the equator was first determined by an 18th century French expedition, and a large monument now stands above the line which they determined to be the Equator. To ensure you stand in the right spot, they've painted a large line on either side of the monument - not surprisingly, this is a very popular spot for photographs, as
Full Text Entry: Republic of the Equator
4 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
Add Comment
All Comments
June 28th 2008 - Carolyn Taylor: Wonderful memories
Hello again, I'm glad you found the 'real equator'. The array of games there was worth the price of admission.
I agree with you about the safety in Quito. I was there in 2005.There were two of us- both women in our 60's. There was a huge tourist police presence( complete with dogs) around the center and most crosswalks. We used all the normal precautions as one would in any big city in the world. We never felt unsafe or threatened. We used the public buses around town and to outlying villages. Fellow passengers were all Ecuadorians and were most friendly, helpful, and kind. Being able to speak even a little Spanish goes a long way.
Thanks for your kind message. Where do you go next? If you fly to Lima or La Paz be sure and have a window seat. I remember that as the most specatcular plane ride ever! Carolyn ( blogger name 'gunga')
June 28th 2008 - Stephen Paul: another great post!
You guys seem to be spending a lot of time in Ecuador. I can see why. I keep hearing all these highest active volcano claims... and with some research, the answer is... a different claim from every different website! However it seems Sabancaya Volcano in Peru (5,976 m) last erupted in 2003, and erupted for 8 years in the 1990's- making it the highest active Volcano.
Ojos del Salado(6,893 metres) in Chile/Arg is frequently said to be the highest, but it hasnt been proven to have actually erupted anything more than fumarole activity in over 1300 years. Llullaillaco (6,739 metres) in Chile/Arg also is said to be #2 behind Ojos del Salado, but it too hasnt erupted for a long time, since 1877!
Regardless, Ecuador kicks ass and comparing the volcanos of the southern andes deserts to those of Ecuador is shamefull- the ones in Ecuador are much more dramatic!!
June 30th 2008 - rrruss: Keep them coming!
We are still in awe of your continuing journey. Keep on keeping us informed! Hope to see you some time after your adventure ends.
July 2nd 2008 - Sarah: Can't wait!
I'm especially enjoying your Ecuador blogs and can't wait to see it for myself! I'd wondered if all the equator stuff might be a bit gimmicky but I guess from what you say here it's well worth a visit.
All Comments
Balancing an egg on the equator
Taking advantage of the zero Coriolis force at the Equator, I managed to balance an egg on a nail. They even gave me a certificate for it!
Illiniza Norte and Sur
A nice view of two of Ecuador's 5000 plus volcanoes (there are only 10 in all), Illiniza Norte (right) and Illiniza Sur (left).
Ruminahui & Cotopaxi
The snow covered Cotopaxi is Ecuador's second highest peak and the world's highest active volcano.
Expresso in the Mariscal
The Mariscal Sucre is like no where else in Quito (or Ecuador). Full of western style cafes, restaurants and hotels, it's very popular with visitors to Quito.
4 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
June 28th 2008 - Carolyn Taylor: Wonderful memories
Hello again, I'm glad you found the 'real equator'. The array of games there was worth the price of admission.
I agree with you about the safety in Quito. I was there in 2005.There were two of us- both women in our 60's. There was a huge tourist police presence( complete with dogs) around the center and most crosswalks. We used all the normal precautions as one would in any big city in the world. We never felt unsafe or threatened. We used the public buses around town and to outlying villages. Fellow passengers were all Ecuadorians and were most friendly, helpful, and kind. Being able to speak even a little Spanish goes a long way.
Thanks for your kind message. Where do you go next? If you fly to Lima or La Paz be sure and have a window seat. I remember that as the most specatcular plane ride ever! Carolyn ( blogger name 'gunga')
June 28th 2008 - Stephen Paul: another great post!
You guys seem to be spending a lot of time in Ecuador. I can see why. I keep hearing all these highest active volcano claims... and with some research, the answer is... a different claim from every different website! However it seems Sabancaya Volcano in Peru (5,976 m) last erupted in 2003, and erupted for 8 years in the 1990's- making it the highest active Volcano.
Ojos del Salado(6,893 metres) in Chile/Arg is frequently said to be the highest, but it hasnt been proven to have actually erupted anything more than fumarole activity in over 1300 years. Llullaillaco (6,739 metres) in Chile/Arg also is said to be #2 behind Ojos del Salado, but it too hasnt erupted for a long time, since 1877!
Regardless, Ecuador kicks ass and comparing the volcanos of the southern andes deserts to those of Ecuador is shamefull- the ones in Ecuador are much more dramatic!!
June 30th 2008 - rrruss: Keep them coming!
We are still in awe of your continuing journey. Keep on keeping us informed! Hope to see you some time after your adventure ends.
July 2nd 2008 - Sarah: Can't wait!
I'm especially enjoying your Ecuador blogs and can't wait to see it for myself! I'd wondered if all the equator stuff might be a bit gimmicky but I guess from what you say here it's well worth a visit.
All Comments
Copyright notice.
The text and photos of this article remain the copyright of the Author (Barry). Under no circumstances should the photos or text be used without the express written permission of the Author (Barry). If you wish to use or publish photos or text from this article - please
Contact Barry.