Handmade guitars, delicate gold and silver filigree jewellery and vibrantly coloured textiles: discover the secrets of Ecuadorian craftwork on this day trip to San Bartolomé, Chordeleg and Gualaceo from Cuenca.
Chordeleg & Gualaceo Day Trip
Having been picked up from your hotel in Cuenca, you'll set off through the mountains that surround the city. The first stop on your tour of the artisanry of the Azuay region of Ecuador will be San Bartolomé, a traditional town nestled in the Andes, from which you'll have spectacular views of the Santa Barbara River.
San Bartolomé is famous for its artisanry, and in particular for handcrafted guitars. You'll have the opportunity to visit a traditional workshop where you'll learn the secrets of the luthiers, or guitar-makers, and how they make these musical instruments.
Continuing on your route, you'll next visit Chordeleg, another village in the Azuay region, this time known for its ceramics and its exquisite filigree jewellery of silver and gold. Discover how this delicate technique is expertly carried out to make such beautiful pieces thanks to local crafts people at their workshop.
You'll explore the centre of Chordeleg, strolling around the Plaza Central, or Main Square, and stopping in at the different artisan stores surrounding it, before heading on to Gualaceo, a village known for its incredible textiles.
Lose yourself in the lively pace of daily life exploring two traditional markets in Gualaceo, where you're sure to be captivated by the bright colours and intricate designs on the handwoven fabrics for sale. See how they're created next as you visit a textiles workshop and see the different looms used by the artisans: you'll even discover the pre-Hispanic Ikat technique of weaving, often used for the region's typical ponchos!
After 4 fascinating hours discovering the ancestral traditions of the Azuay artisans, you'll make the return journey to Cuenca, where you'll be dropped back off at your original pickup point.
