Calle La Ronda, Quito Travel Guide

Calle La Ronda, also known as Calle Juan de Dios Morales, is a picturesque cobblestone street located in the heart of Quito's Historic Center. This area was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The street's history stretches back to the 1400s, starting as an Incan trail. During the Spanish colonial era, the street was remodeled and became a popular residential area for wealthier citizens. By the early 1900s, it transformed into a bohemian hub for artists, poets, and musicians.Today, Calle La Ronda is known for its colorful Spanish-built houses with wrought-iron balconies and attractive patio courtyards. The street is home to artisan workshops where you can observe chocolatiers, milliners, silversmiths, and musical instrument makers at work. Visitors can shop for handcrafted toys, Panama hats, indigenous art, and textiles. The street also features cafes and restaurants serving traditional Ecuadorian delicacies such as quesadillas and canelazo, a warm spiced fruit drink with rum.In the evenings, Calle La Ronda comes alive with lights and live music, offering a vibrant nightlife experience. The street has undergone restoration to preserve its historical charm, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Informational signs along the street tell the stories of the people and houses that have shaped Ecuadorian history.