How to Plan Your From Cuenca: Gualaceo and Chordeleg Tour

If you’re planning to visit Quito, you might want to consider taking a day trip to the charming towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg. These towns are located in the province of Azuay, and they are known for their crafts and beautiful scenery. In this guide, we will help you plan your From Cuenca: Gualaceo and Chordeleg Tour, so you can make the most out of your visit to these amazing towns.

Experience

On this tour, you will visit San Bartolome, Chordeleg, and Gualaceo. In San Bartolome, you will have the chance to visit traditional shops where artisans craft musical instruments, particularly guitars. In Chordeleg, you will discover beautiful ceramic, gold, and silver jewelry, fine filigree work, and the charm of a typical Ecuadorian town. Finally, in Gualaceo, you will visit two important markets that showcase a variety of products and a beautiful range of colors.

Highlights

During your tour, you will have the chance to experience:

– The beautiful landscapes of the Andes mountains and the Azuay province
– The craftsmanship of guitar artisans in San Bartolome
– The beautiful ceramics, gold, and silver jewelry, and fine filigree work of Chordeleg
– The famous marketplaces in Gualaceo

How to Get There

You will need to book the tour through GetYourGuide, the third-party company that offers this tour. The tour starts at 7:00 AM, and you will need to meet your tour guide at Plaza San Francisco in Cuenca. The van will take you to your destinations, and you will be back in Cuenca around 6:00 PM.

To book the tour, click on book the tour here.

What to Expect

This tour is all day long, so prepare yourself for a full day of exploring, walking, and discovering. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Don’t forget to bring some cash, as you might want to purchase local products, food, or drink during the tour.

Tour Description

The tour starts early in the morning in Cuenca, where you will meet your tour guide at Plaza San Francisco. A van will be waiting for you to take you to your first destination, San Bartolome.

San Bartolome is a small town at the foot of the Andes mountains, where guitar artisans create beautiful instruments. You will have the chance to visit traditional shops and observe the process of making a guitar. You will also have time to buy a guitar or other musical instruments if you wish.

After the visit to San Bartolome, the van will take you to Chordeleg, a renowned town for its craftsmanship in ceramics, gold, and silver jewelry, and fine filigree work. You will walk around the streets lined with artisan stores, where you will discover beautiful handmade pieces, unique gifts, and souvenirs.

Finally, you will visit Gualaceo, where you will discover two important markets: the Gualaceo Market and the Cañari Market. The markets are known for their variety of products and colorful scenery, and you will have time to walk around, browse, and buy local products.

You will return to Cuenca in the evening, satisfied with a day full of culture, history, and beauty.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you plan your From Cuenca: Gualaceo and Chordeleg Tour. Remember to book your tour through GetYourGuide and meet your tour guide at Plaza San Francisco in Cuenca. Wear comfortable clothes, bring some cash, and get ready for an amazing day exploring the beauty and culture of the Azuay province.

Insider’s Guide to Cuenca: Gualaceo and Chordeleg Tour

Cuenca, a city nestled in the Andes mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial architecture, colorful markets, and charming cafes. Visitors to this charming city can immerse themselves in Ecuadorian culture, enjoy some of the country’s best cuisine, and explore some hidden gems that are off the beaten path. In this insider’s guide, we’ll focus on a day trip from Cuenca to Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two charming towns known for their handicrafts, colonial architecture, and stunning scenery.

Getting to Gualaceo and Chordeleg

From Cuenca, visitors can take a bus or a taxi to Gualaceo, which is located about 25 km to the east of the city. The ride takes about 40 minutes and gives visitors a chance to see the stunning countryside. Once in Gualaceo, you can explore the town on foot or take another taxi to Chordeleg, which is about 15 minutes away.

Exploring Gualaceo

Gualaceo is famous for its street markets and handicrafts. Visitors can explore the city’s market, which is open every day except Monday and is filled with local foods, textiles, and handicrafts. Some of the must-see places in Gualaceo include the San Francisco Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Ecuador, and the Museum of Popular Culture, which showcases the region’s folklore and traditions. In addition, visitors can walk around the city’s colonial streets, which are lined with colorful houses and shops, and try some of the local cuisine, which is famous for its flavors and spices.

Discovering Chordeleg

Chordeleg is a small town known for its silver handicrafts, jewelry, and colonial architecture. Visitors can explore the town’s narrow streets, which are lined with shops selling exquisite jewelry and other silver artifacts. Some of the highlights of a visit to Chordeleg include the central plaza, which is surrounded by colonial buildings and the town’s oldest church, and the nearby hills, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors interested in learning more about the town’s history and culture can also visit the Chordeleg Archeological Museum, which showcases the region’s pre-Columbian artifacts and art.

Off the Beaten Path

For those who want to explore beyond the tourist spots, there are plenty of hidden gems in the Gualaceo and Chordeleg area. The nearby Cajas National Park, for example, is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Ecuador, including high-altitude lagoons, forests, and grasslands. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns of Santa Isabel and Paute, which are known for their organic agriculture and stunning landscapes, or the nearby Incan ruins of Ingapirca, which are among the most significant historical sites in the region.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a trip to Cuenca, taking a day to explore Gualaceo and Chordeleg is a must-do. The towns offer a glimpse into Ecuador’s rich history and culture, and the stunning countryside is perfect for hiking, exploring, and relaxing. Whether you’re interested in handicrafts, colonial architecture, or natural beauty, the Gualaceo and Chordeleg area has something for everyone.