Calle La Ronda

Location:
Starting on Benalcázar, it crosses Venezuela and Guayaquil and ends at Maldonado
Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador

Cultural Tour

By Lorena Fernández

Parting from Benalcázar street in Old Town, the downhill walk through calle La Ronda is a short journey through a very significant representation of Colonial life in Quito. It was this slim alleyway at the edge of the Gallinazos gulch that once marked the southern limit of the capital, where in the twentieth century poets and artisans would gather seeking inspiration in the typical Quiteño neighborhood. La Ronda holds valuable history that in the 80s and 90s got swamped with trash, delinquents and sexual workers who overtook the area. It was not until 2004 that city hall represented by FONSAL (Saving Cultural Heritage Fund) decided to clean up La Ronda and restore its colonial atmosphere. Along with the rest of Old Town, the best time to visit La Ronda is around sunset (6 p.m.) in order to catch a glimpse of the place with the street lights on. Though security guards take care of the zone, it is best not to stay past 8 p.m.

Price Description: free

Travel Skills: None

Contact Information:
URL: callelaronda.com