The neighborhood of La Ronda is defined by traditional and heritage. This narrow, cobblestone street - filled with old taverns and restaurants, live music and entertainment - is the scene for Quito’s newest, emblematic attraction: “Manos de la Ronda” (Hands of La Ronda).
Every day of the week live demonstrations are open to the public in four different colonial houses, all restored by the city of Quito, where local artisan craft workers show off their work and teach you the secrets behind some of Quito’s greatest (and most delicious) traditions.
La Ronda, known officially as Morales Street, has always been home to artists, poets, and musicians who paved the way for today’s preservers of heritage. Hands of La Ronda began as a dream to unite artisan craft workers with the city of Quito and offer a new space to revitalize traditional occupations. Quito Tourism’s General Manage, Luz Elena Coloma says the project responds to the need to offer visitors new opportunities during their stay in Quito.
The artisan workers in La Ronda are each winners who competed for a space to demonstrate their crafts and benefit from Quito’s goal to preserve the city’s intangible heritage. Visitors will find everything from food to toys to jewelry.
House 989 is home to Chez Tiff, maker of chocolates and desserts; Catzo, a traditional jewely designer; Art Lumiere candle makers; El Rabel, makers and restorers of musical instruments; El Negrito, traditional “helado de paila” ice cream makers; San Juan bakery with demonstrations on how to make quesadillas; and , Humberto Santacruz, workshop for restoring pianos.
Visitors to House 925 will find Vulgomaestre, contemporary artisans and makers of ethno-urban clothing and accessories; Api Real, traditional products made from honey; and Zabalartes, specializing in wooden toys.
House 707 hosts Humanizarte Cultural Foundation of dance and music and Imaginaquito, a photographic workshop. Finally, House 762 preserves the traditions of hat maker Humacatama and tin maker Hojalateria Silva.
Quito invites you to visit La Ronda, which is also home to street entertainers, traditional games for kids, and the La Ronda Bookstore with more than 100 works about Quito’s history, cultural, and traditions.
Ciudad Quito