• Sigsig - Departing from Cuenca our first stop will be at the small town of San Bartolome. Craftsmen here have been creating handmade guitars for generations. We’ll visit a local workshop to observe the process of making these instruments considered a crafts for its unique designs and inlaid decorations.
• Chordeleg - Chordeleg is famous for its silversmiths and jewelry shops that line the streets and main plaza. We will visit Favio Jara’s workshop, his family founded this art in the town and now all the community makes a living out of it. We will have the chance to observe how he makes fabulous filigree items. Afterwards, you’ll have time to shop around and check out the local jewelry and crafts. Here you’ll also have a chance to watch artisans weaving ‘Panama’ hats and other items made of toquilla straw.

We will also visit Fernando Loja’s workshop to see is miniature ceramics that show aspects of the local culture

• Gualaceo - 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. Meat lovers should not miss the tasty roasted pig, a very typical dish of this area, although leave some space for lunch.

Then 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.

• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
• Delicious 2-course lunch
• No additional fuel surcharges
• Comfortable transportation provided
• Professional licensed tour guide/driver

• Gratuities
• Entrance fees: Ikat $1, Guitar workshop $2, Orchid farm $5