Things to do in

Chordeleg

This 8-hour tour takes you on a trip to explore three towns in the province of Azuay, located east of Cuenca. It's a great opportunity to learn more about local craftsmanship and to support Ecuadorian artisans.   The first stop is San Bartolomé, a pretty town with colonial-style houses and gardens filled with medicinal plants. It is also known for producing the best guitars in the country. Next, you will visit Chordoleg, famed for its intricate jewelry. Here, you can explore the different jewelry workshops before enjoying a tasty traditional lunch. Last but not least, the tour takes you to Gualeco, where artisans in traditional dress sell a range of different products. Visit the historical town center with its colonial-style houses then explore a famous makana workshop to see how the traditional shawls are made.

Start the day with a visit to San Bartolome, a charming town at the foot of the stunning Andes mountain range, with amazing views of the sprawling valley below. San Bartolome is famous for its crafty guitar artisans, so take some time to visit a traditional shop to observe the process of making this musical instrument. Continue on to the town of Chordeleg, renowned throughout the country for its ceramic, gold and silver jewelry and, above all, for its fine filigree work made of gold and silver threads. Spend some time browsing the many fascinating stores, and learning more about the town's many talents. The last stop of the day is the town of Gualaceo, where you will visit two important markets, known for their variety of products and the colorful scenery. Enjoy a short break for lunch, and then continue to a textile shop where you'll observe some back strap loom and horizontal loom weaving. You'll also learn about the captivating Hispanic technique of “Ikat” to make shawls and ponchos.