La Ronda, the Enchanting Past and Present
Tucked in the historic center of Quito, is the vibrant, colorful and picturesque cobblestone street of Juan de Dios Morales known by Quito residents as “Calle de La Ronda.” This pedestrian-only walkway, that stretches for about a mile, takes tourists back to the 18th century where travelers can re-live the historical ambiance that made Quito one of the first UNESCO world cultural heritage sites.
“La Ronda” in the morning can be very slow paced but at night it comes to life. Live music reverberates outside local bars while the sweet aromas of local delicacies such as canelazo (a warm, sweet, spicy cider drink with a touch of alcohol) or empanadas de viento (local pastry) fill the air. Strolling through “La Ronda”, travelers are treated to beautiful Spanish colonial buildings, called casas, lined up closely next to each other. These casas are where local artisans share their handmade crafts and provide tourists an opportunity to buy hidden gems not found anywhere else, such as clothing, Panama hats, chocolates, instruments, and so much more. If shopping is not your foray, “La Ronda” boasts some of the best art galleries as well as cafes and pastries in Ecuador.
“La Ronda” which means “small alleyway” has a rich historical past. Before the conquistadores, this street was an ancient pathway that strategically served the Inca people to access the nearby Pichincha River for water. Once the Spanish began to colonize Ecuador in the 17th century, this street became the bohemian epic center of South America. Its thriving night life was home to many famous historical figures, politicians, poets, painters, writers and musicians. These individuals would meet in secret venues and bars called murcielagos (if you look closely some exist today) where they would share their craft to wealthy citizens.
The same spirit that made this street a melting pot of cultures has now been restored by the efforts of the Ecuadorian people to bring back to life this once bohemian epic center, where every evening feels like a celebration of Quito’s history.
If you are looking to stay in Quito, Los Andes Ecuador provides travelers the best opportunity to experience living in a traditional Spanish colonial home but with all the modern amenities. Los Andes is perfectly located a few steps from “La Ronda” where travelers from all walks of life can enjoy staying in a traditional 17th century colonial home with private suites. So, if Ecuador is on your bucket list of places to visit, make sure "La Ronda" is on your list of attractions to experience and Los Andes Ecuador can become your preferred home away from home.
"We stayed here on our way back from Galapagos. It was a wonderful place to stay, quiet and with all the amenities. The breakfast was fantastic and Carlos was super nice. We highly recommend this place."
--- Tony Campos (Canada)
