Great Ways to Enjoy Quito's Magical La Ronda

Located just south of Quito’s main historical district, La Ronda is found between Calle Venezuela and Pedro Vincente Maldonado. Its origins date back to the time of the Incas, but it underwent a major transformation after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century as residential and commercial construction began, largely in the Andalusian style common in Spain.

In the late 19th century, La Ronda began to develop a reputation as a bohemian barrio. Over the following few decades, it became home to painters, poets, political activists and even priests (most notably, Federico González Suárez, who served as the Archbishop of Quito for 12 years).

As Quito grew and La Ronda gradually depopulated, it became increasingly associated with criminals. Yet, ironically, it benefited from neglect; its historical buildings were never razed to make way for modern shopping malls, condos, and fast-food franchises. In the late 20th century, a movement began to restore La Ronda.

Today, from the outside, the lantern-lit streets and floral balconies enhance the romantic ambiance, making La Ronda one of the crown jewels of Quiteño culture. A series of doorways open up to a courtyard and multiple art galleries, museums, craft shops, and elegant restaurants. Here’s a flavor of what you can expect to see and do in La Ronda today.

Casa de las Artes is a museum and gallery split across nine rooms featuring exhibits of new Quiteño art, as well as a nostalgic recreation of domestic life in the city from decades past. Admission is free.

Canelazo is a local alcoholic drink made from a combination of naranjilla (a type of citrus fruit grown in the Andes), cinnamon, and the strong cane liquor, aguardiente. It’s served hot, and you can buy a cup for the equivalent of less than $1.

Whether you’re after a quick bite or a sit down meal, you won’t be short of dining options on La Ronda. For authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, head to any one of La Negra Mala, Casa los Geranios, Can Ferran or La Primera Casa Restaurante & Arte. Panaderia Reina de la Paz is a good spot for pizza and craft beer, while Dulce Placer Heladeria is the place to go for delicious ice cream.

Many of La Ronda’s eateries and taverns feature live music from Ecuadorian folk artists ready to serenade their audiences with traditional ballads about broken hearts and lost loves, adding to the convivial ambience for which La Ronda is famed.

Many of La Ronda’s bars and clubs also feature live Latin American music, creating a carnival vibe for locals and visitors alike to jam to salsa, cumbia, and merengue. Don’t feel shy about taking part – just embrace the music and dance like nobody’s watching. It’s one of the most authentic and immersive ways to soak up the unique atmosphere of La Ronda, and feel like you’re an active part of it.

Street performers like dance troupes, magicians, jugglers, and fire-eaters have a long history in Quito, and they are especially popular with crowds on La Ronda. You never know what kind of weird and wonderful acts you might come across on any given day – but they’re usually worth stopping by for the free entertainment.

The galleries and shops on La Ronda specialize in arts, crafts and clothing not found anywhere else in the city. Even if you have no intention of buying anything, you can easily pass an hour or so mooching around and discovering what’s on offer.

The city of Quito provides interpretive boards in both Spanish and English that educate locals and foreigners about La Ronda’s complex history. Keep an eye out for them as you go – it’s well worth stopping to have a read and get a sense of how the area has transformed over time.

Interested in visiting La Ronda? You can do so as part of a guided walking tour of Quito on Culture Trip’s exclusive eight-day Ecuador adventure, led by our Local Insider.