Intiñan Equator Museum
About This Museum
Now, the story of this place really starts with the old problem of figuring out exactly where the equator runs. For years, a grand monument a few kilometers away marked the spot, but then modern GPS showed the line was a bit off. So this museum, the Intiñan, popped up on what's now considered the 'real' equatorial line. It's a wonderfully hands-on spot where you don't just read about the equator—you experience its strange effects firsthand.
Collection Highlights
You can't miss trying to balance an egg on a nail right on the equatorial line—it's trickier than it sounds! They also have a demonstration where water drains straight down without a swirl right on the line, but spins just a few feet to either side. Beyond the science, there are fascinating displays on Amazonian shrunken heads (tsantsas) and traditional huts that give you a feel for the diverse cultures that call this unique latitude home.
Visitor Information
It's located just outside Quito proper, so you'll want to take a taxi or join a tour to get there. Wear comfortable shoes because you'll be walking around outdoors between exhibits, and don't be shy—the guides are full of great stories and make the whole place come alive.
Architecture & Building
The museum feels less like a formal building and more like a rustic, sprawling campus with gravel paths winding between simple wooden structures and open-air pavilions that blend right into the landscape.
Contact & Location
Address: Correos del Ecuador, Avenida Manuel Córdova Galarza, Pomasqui, Quito, Pichincha, 170120, Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-239-5122
Website: Visit Website
