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Street · Quito, Pichincha
La Ronda
Narrow colonial street in the Historic Center, with houses with flowered balconies, artisan workshops, cafés and bars, lively at night with music and canelazo, a typical hot Quito drink.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About La Ronda
La Ronda, officially Calle Juan de Dios Morales, is one of the oldest streets in Quito, in the southern Historic Center near the foot of El Panecillo. The Ullaguanga stream used to run along it before being covered. The street is narrow, paved with stone, with two-story houses with white and colorful walls, iron and wooden balconies full of flowers and plaques that tell who lived there.
For a long time it was a street of poets, musicians and bohemians. After restoration, the houses gained craft shops, traditional craft workshops such as hat-making, carpentry and sweets, cafés and restaurants serving Quito cuisine.
At night, especially on weekends, the street fills with locals and visitors, with live music, stalls selling empanadas de viento (fried and dusted with sugar), and canelazo, a hot drink of cinnamon, sugar, fruit and aguardiente served to ward off the cold.
La Ronda is a few minutes' walk from the Plaza Grande and Santo Domingo square.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1h30.
Best time
Late afternoon and at night, mainly Thursday to Saturday when there's music and activity. During the day the street is quiet, with the workshops open.
How to get there
It's in the southern Historic Center, about 600 meters from the Plaza Grande, near Santo Domingo square. On foot, follow Guayaquil street or Venezuela.
Tip
Try an empanada de viento with coffee or a canelazo at one of the houses on the street. Notice the plaques on the façades that tell the history of former residents.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about La Ronda
What is canelazo?
A hot Quito drink made with cinnamon water, sugar, fruit juice and cane aguardiente. There is a nonalcoholic version.
Is La Ronda livelier by day or by night?
At night, especially on weekends, with music and busy restaurants. By day it’s calmer, with workshops open.
What is the empanada de viento?
A fried empanada with a light dough, filled with cheese and topped with sugar, typical of Quito.