In brief
Baltazar Ushca, an iconic figure in Ecuador's mountainous landscapes, has passed away at 80. For over six decades, he trekked Mount Chimborazo, adhering to an extraordinary tradition of ice harvesting that became increasingly rare with the arrival of modern refrigeration.
For 60 years, Baltazar Ushca devoted his life to the unique and arduous profession of ice merchant. Making his way to the summit of Mount Chimborazo—Ecuador’s tallest peak—one or two times each week, he expertly used a pickax to extract massive blocks of ice from a glacier. Each block, weighing around 60 pounds, was wrapped in hay and transported down the mountain on the backs of donkeys. This ice was vital for local villagers who lacked electricity, providing much-needed refrigeration for food preservation. Baltazar's journey into ice harvesting began in childhood, forming a family vocation where his father and brothers also followed in his footsteps. Despite the once-thriving business slowly diminishing with the rise of refrigeration technology, Baltazar continued his work, earning the title of “the last ice merchant." His clients primarily consisted of market vendors in Riobamba, who utilized his ice in refreshments and ice cream production.“The natural ice from Chimborazo is the best ice,” Ushca remarked in the documentary “El Último Hielero,” or “The Last Ice Merchant” made in 2012. His work, despite being labor-intensive and marginally profitable, was rooted in a deep appreciation for traditional practices and cultural heritage. Family members often questioned why he persisted in such a demanding and cold profession, especially in light of his aging body.Despite the challenges, Ushca’s commitment to his craft made him a living connection to an era that increasingly belongs to the past. His passing marks a significant loss for both his community and the rich traditions of Andean culture he embodied.
