Located in the old downtown district of Quito, La Ronda was the high class neighborhood of the colonial days. More recently, up until its restoration in 2006 however, it was a dangerous area rarely visited by tourists or locals. Since then it’s become a lively strip where there are modern restaurants, hostels, and shops open well late into the evening. It’s also famous for its ice cream so if you’ve got a late night craving for some you know where to go.
The most striking thing about La Ronda is the police, they are practically everywhere. Literally surrounding La Ronda at the intersection of each side street and at the beginning and end of the strip, it made me wonder what it was like before 2006. That said, you may be wondering is Quito dangerous; La Ronda certainly is not.
I feel safer knowing there are police present than absent. Similar in Panama City a heavy police presence. Less so in San Jose Costa Rica, a grotty city which didn’t make me feel safe.
Definitely in the downtown area and La Ronda, there were police everywhere and the perimeter was clearly marked off. A block or two outside of it though at night and it might be trouble.
More Ecuador goodness for my delicious bookmarks, keep it coming!
😀 !!
Love the lights – great pic Anil!
Thanks Sherry 🙂
But it’s not so hard to protect considering its only 3 small blocks in an otherwise massive city
True, but a relatively high proportion of police in that area to make it possible.
Nicely done with the yellow against the darkness. Very atmospheric!
Thanks! The final result of many, many trials and errors 🙂
I don’t think I ever went here on my visit to Quito but I remember them saying how they’d cleaned up the whole area
Apparently that’s the case and it did a complete turn around after the renovations and security.
Another post to add to my collection for when I finally make it to Ecuador (probably next year). Thanks for all the valuable info.
A lovely place for a late night stroll and a snack.
Can anyone recomend a restaurant on La Ronda that’s not too pricey and has a nice view of the colonial city?
I didn’t eat there but will see if I can get an answer for you 🙂