I asked Hugo more questions as we rode, like if los gusanitos had individual names (they don't) and whether or not the business operates in all weather (it does). I learned that los gusanitos 'sleep' at the northwest edge of the park at night, but that they go to bed late and wake up early to try to maximize the amount of customers they might receive. I learned that cars and taxis don't mind the gusanitos in traffic, though some people dislike the volume of the music, which can be heard from a block away. Hugo told me he chooses the music based off what people smile and dance to, usually happy, upbeat songs that are heavily remixed to include extra bass drops.
Los gusanitos are connected to the culture, but a little less so to the environment. I interviewed some other adult riders and learned that they have been around since before the park was paved. Twenty years ago, the business was booming, but it has slowed down a bit as more and more options for entertainment have popped up in the park. Only around 100 people ride Hugo's gusanito each weekend, which is a tiny fraction of the estimated 50,000 people that visit La Carolina park every Saturday and Sunday. It's not for lack of awareness, because absolutely everyone knows el gusanito. It's just one of many, many small businesses in Quito competing to survive, but it will always have its fans. I met a pair of young women named Eileen and Paula who were able to give me a local's perspective. By the way, I highly recommend riding el gusanito with a local person. The driver speeds up for fellow Ecuadorians!
