Ecuador · Art & Craft

Full Day Gualaceo and Chordeleg Tour with Lunch from Cuenca

8 Hours Round trip from Cuenca Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit San Bartolomé, famous for guitar making
  • 02 Explore the artisan town of Chordeleg
  • 03 Free time to shop for local handicrafts
  • 04 See traditional toquilla straw hat weaving
  • 05 Visit the food market in Gualaceo
  • 06 Enjoy a traditional lunch in the area
  • 07 Learn about the making of traditional "Macanas" shawls
  • 08 Round-trip transport from Cuenca included

Discover the artisan traditions and cultural heritage of the Ecuadorian Andes on this full-day journey from Cuenca to Gualaceo and Chordeleg. Visit San Bartolomé, known for its guitar-making workshops, explore local churches and central parks, and see the craftsmanship that makes this region so distinctive.

Along the way, experience the atmosphere of traditional markets and artisan towns, with time to browse local handicrafts including gold, silver, filigree, wood, ceramics, and textiles. The day also includes a traditional lunch and a visit to a workshop producing the famous "Macanas," where artisans explain how these unique shawls are made.

Discover the artisan traditions and cultural heritage of the Ecuadorian Andes on this full-day journey from Cuenca to Gualaceo and Chordeleg.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Cuenca
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Duration: 8 hours

The tour begins with the trip to the picturesque town of San Bartolomé, famous for its guitar making. There are several workshops along the main road. We visited one of
the workshops as well as the central park and its church.
On the way you can see women, the famous Cholas Cuencanas, weaving toquilla straw hats while they walk or wait for the bus. We arrived at the canton of Chordeleg, where the
I work in gold, silver, filigree, wood, ceramics and handicrafts, among others. We visit the central park, its church and have free time to shop.
Then we visit the typical food market of the Gualaceo canton, where you can optionally try the delicious Hornado Pig. Dish made from baked pork
Accompanied with llapingachos (potato) and salad.
We had lunch at a restaurant in the area.
Finally we arrive at a workshop of Shawls or "Macanas" typical attire of our "Chola Cuencana."
The artisans explain the process of making these famous and unique fabrics.
Return to Cuenca.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cuenca 1 city · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pick up and drop-off
  • Private Tour
  • Traditional lunch

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Entrance Fees

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • We provide Multilingual guide
  • We recommend taking a hat and block sun
  • The guide will pick up you in the lobby of the hotel ( Hotel pick up inside the Urban perimeter of Cuenca)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Cuenca, EC
Tour start
Cuenca, EC
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Cuenca.

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