Day Tour of Rhondo Street
One might wonder why I would select Quito and the Galapagos — it is on the equator and should be a great way to escape the cold Northeast. However, keep in mind that Quito is the second highest capital in the world which means the weather can be chilly. Of course, The Galapagos are islands off the coast and have much warmer temperatures.
While in Ecuador, do not miss a tour of old town Quito which was the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highly recommend is La Casona de la Ronda Hotel that was built in 1783 and has been renovated to a high level of elegance (www.lacasonadelaronda.com).
Also highly recommended is Juan Carlos Guerra (and excellent, informative guide for Quito and the jungles at the head of the Amazon. https://tourguideecuador.com/index.php/whoarewe/205-juancarlos).
Take a tour of La Ronda Street which was formerly an unsafe street with pick pockets and drug deals. In 2005, a renovation project supported by the Ecuadorian government has brought life to the street with cafes, restaurants and artisan shops.
One of your first stops should the Chocolateria where you can taste Chez Tiff chocolate and can learn about how Ecuadorian chocolate gained a reputation about 15 years ago and is now one of the major exports. This was a merger of the best chocolate producer in the world (Ecuador) and the best Swiss chocolatiers. The tasting includes divine chocolate truffles with passion fruit filling.
Your next stop should be the ice cream shop, Dulce Placer Heladeria which is not your typical ice cream shop. Located on the second floor on La Ronda Street, you can have an ice cream tasting. The ice cream flavors are herbs like lemon verbena and from alcohol infusion like caipirinhas. Many were made from indigenous fruits and other ingredients. Most of names were not recognizable to me. But one ice cream was delicious, but had the dubious name of “Caca de Perro” which translated means dog pooh!!!
Next stop and meet the amazing wood worker, Zabalartes, who has been making toys for 35 years. All different types of spinning tops, yoyos, toy saucers and wooden dolls fill the shop. Nothing is shipped or sold online so this is the ONLY place you can find his one of a kind spinning tops, yoyos, toy saucers, and wooden dolls. Every piece is unique and reminiscent of the games that were played in old Quito. Different types of local woods are used.
Beaten with Herbs by a 'Shaman'
The Santa Clara Market tour can be a unique experience. In the market you will find shaman who will cleanse of your ill spirits with an array of medicinal herbs. First, you have to identify who actually does this. Then, you go to a small storage room in the market with a woman who is a shaman who sells these herbs. Disrobe to your undies as she beats your whole body with an array of herbs. Then, she rubs an egg in it shell over your body, sprays you with myrrh and then reads your body energy such as “ you have good (or bad) energy” and “you have poor circulation” . It is anticipated that this cleansing process with clear you of all of that negative energy. What the heck, it was only $5 for this experience that was unforgettable.
For more information on travel in Ecuador, check out Seth Kugels article “In Ecuador, The Frugal Traveler Tries Luxury” (Feb, 2016), https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/07/travel/ecuador-budget-travel.html
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