Baltazar Ushca: The Last Ice Merchant of Ecuador Passes Away at 80

Baltazar Ushca, known as the last ice merchant, dedicated six decades to the demanding trade of harvesting ice from the lofty heights of Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak. His remarkable journey saw him trekking up the mountain twice a week, braving harsh conditions to extract blocks of natural ice, which he would meticulously wrap in hay before transporting them down on the backs of his donkeys. This ice was a lifeline for villagers who relied on Ushca to preserve their food in an era where electricity was scarce.Ushca's initiation into this unique profession began in his childhood, inheriting the trade from a lineage of ice merchants, including his father Juan and his brothers Juan and Gregorio. Despite the advent of modern refrigeration, Ushca continued to harvest ice until just five years ago, earning him the title of the last member of a dying breed. His ice, sold for a few dollars each, was often sought after for making popular local beverages and desserts.In a poignant documentary titled "El Último Hielero," directed by Sandy Patch, Ushca shared his belief that the ice from Chimborazo was unparalleled in quality. “The natural ice from Chimborazo is the best ice,” he remarked, emphasizing its taste and purported health benefits. His dedication to the craft was both a labor of love and a necessity, often drawing concern from his family who questioned the physical toll it took.Ushca’s remarkable commitment symbolizes the intersection of tradition and modernization, representing a cultural legacy that seems to diminish with time. As he leaves behind a community that depended on his work, his story resonates as a poignant reminder of the simple yet vital trades that once thrived in an evolving world.