Cuenca & the Southern Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 212

Chordeleg & Gualaceo
Cultural Excursions
If you happen to be in Cuenca on a Sunday, treat yourself to a couple
of authentic markets in the nearby towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg.
Situated about 1½ hours east of Cuenca, these famous markets are
within walking distance of each other. Leave early in the morning,
spend the day browsing, and you canmake it back to Cuenca by after-
noon.

Gualaceo is a colonial town with an upbeat atmosphere. The Sunday
market is more than the weekly center of economic activity. It is a so-
cial gathering, a colorful display of a deep-rooted culture at its finest.
Don't expect the hammocks, sweaters, arts, and crafts of the Otavalo
market. Do expect an amazing display of indigenous life. Fruits and
vegetables of all shapes, sizes, and colors abound, as do roasted pork,
medicinal herbs, and natural remedies. Bartering is intense. From
the youngest of the young to the oldest of the old, everyone is involved
- it's all a part of life here in the southern Sierras.

The countryside bordering Gualaceo is dotted with villages and peo-
ple that specialize in various crafts. You'll find everything from Pan-
ama hats, jewelry, and weavings to ceramics and guitars. These
“craft trails” are very popular, but they're difficult to find without a
good guide. If you knowwhat you're looking for, then pick and choose.
Otherwise, select your guide and enjoy meeting the local craftspeople
in their own homes. Just southeast of Gualaceo along a paved road is
Chordeleg, a haven for fine jewelry. With everything from traditional
filigree to contemporary items in gold and silver, joyerías , or jewelry
shops, line the main road and plaza. Chordeleg's Sunday market,
quite a bit smaller than the one inGualaceo, is also worth a visit. This
area is also known for woodcarvings, ceramics and Panama hats.

Frequent daily buses run between Cuenca and Gualaceo. If hiring a
taxi in Cuenca, make sure to set up a time for a return pickup.
Expediciones Apullacta , at Grán Columbia 11-02 and General
Torres, 7-837-815, [e-mail], offers excursions into local

crafts communities, where you can experience first-hand the work of
local artesanías .