Private tour: Daily

Small-Group tour: Friday and Sunday 

Highlights:

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• Check out Chordeleg's famous jewelry and ceramics

• Learn about the Hispanic shawl-making technique called "Ikat" in Gualaceo

• Walkthrough the colorful market in Gualaceo where you will see locals weaving hats on the streets

Description:

After your hotel pickup, a friendly guide will take you to visit Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two of the most charming villages surrounding Cuenca.

After a one hour drive we will head to Chordeleg, famous for its silversmiths and jewelry shops that line the streets and main plaza.  We will visit Flavio Jara's workshop to observe an artisan making fabulous filigree creations out of silver.  Afterward, you’ll have time to shop around and check out the local jewelry and crafts.  You’ll also have a chance to watch artisans weaving 'Panama' hats and other items made of toquilla straw.

Our tour continues to Gualaceo to admire the vivid, bright colors of its market and the interesting clothing worn by the local women.  Here you will learn about (and taste!) delicious, just-picked fruits that are grown only in Ecuador.

Our final stop will be at Jose Jimenez's workshop where we’ll see the process of weaving shawls and ponchos on antique looms, using dyes extracted from plants.  At the end of this full-day tour outside of Cuenca, you will be returned to your hotel.