The Best Cuenca Day Trips To Discover Artisan Villages
Cuenca Ecuador is a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site that is nestled in the mighty Andes Mountains. It’s a city that is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, but also, has an almost European ambiance. With the city’s bustling markets, picturesque plazas, exciting culinary scene, and natural beauty, this popular South American destination captures the hearts of all that pass through it. While the colonial city is spectacular, there are a handful of Cuenca day trips that should not be missed!
Be in awe of natural sites like the stunning Giron Waterfall and the untouched Cajas National Park. But what about those looking to dig deeper into the cultural roots of the past. One of the best Cuenca day trips is exploring the cute Ecuador villages that are tucked away in the nearby valleys. Leave the hustle and bustle of Cuenca behind and discover the artisan villages of SigSig, Chordeleg, Gualaceo, and Paute. All of these adorable Ecuadorian cantons are found in the Azuay Province.
All of these charming mountain hamlets have tranquil nature, handmade artisan goods, local markets serving up typical dishes, and cast a glimpse into the original inhabitants of the land, the Cañari civilization.
Here’s how to explore the worthwhile artisan villages near Cuenca Ecuador.
Table of Contents
- Cuenca Day Trips | How to Tour the Artisan Villages
- SigSig Ecuador | Panama Hats & Cañari Culture
- Chordeleg | Best Cuenca Day Trip for Jewelry
- Gualaceo | Macanas & Flowers & Foodie Destination
- Paute | Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Cuenca Day Trip
- More Cuenca Day Trips
- Conclusion | Cuenca Day Trips that Highlight Artisanal Ecuador Villages
➜ Find the perfect place to stay in Cuenca to base at for these Cuenca day trips & beyond
Cuenca Day Trips | How to Tour the Artisan Villages
While there are many Cuenca tours that combine a majority of these villages into a packed day trip, it’s easy to explore these Cuenca day trips on your own terms and at your own pace.
The easiest way to tour the artisan villages is to rent a car. Car rentals can be picked up from Cuenca’s downtown airport, and costs around $30 USD a day. If renting a car, all of these artisan villages can be combined in a full, fun, and interesting road trip from Cuenca.
☛ Travel Tip | Cuenca Car Share is another great option when looking to rent a car in Cuenca. It’s fast and hassel free with insurance and mileage included in the rental price. Check them out here.
Just the same, these Ecuador villages can be explored using Cuenca’s (and Ecuador in general) slick public bus system. Multiple bus companies offer frequent departures to ALL of the artisan villages from Cuenca’s main bus terminal, Terminal Terrestre. With multiple departure times and destinations per hour, just ask for the next bus. Since SigSig village is the farthest from Cuenca, it’s best to start there and work your way back towards Cuenca.
💬 Real Talk | I was lucky to visit these popular Cuenca day trips as a fun road trip with my new friends I met while housesitting. There is a large Cuenca expat community that loves to show-off hidden gems in Ecuador.
SigSig Ecuador | Panama Hats & Cañari Culture
To start this full self-guided day tour from Cuenca, drive, or catch a bus to SigSig. Although small, there are plenty of things to do in SigSig.
Toquilla Straw Hats
Start the morning at the cute hat factory of Asociación de Toquilleras Maria Auxiliadora. This is an authentic place to understand and see firsthand how the toquilla hats are made. Not only is it an original toquilla straw hat factory, but there is an informative little museum with a chance to witness the entire hat production process. If assembly of the straw hats isn’t happening, there’s a good chance you’ll see the colorful straw hanging out to dry.
What makes this place so awesome is that it is one of Ecuador’s largest women’s associations. This shop promotes and sells handmade goods from over 150 local women.
Toquilla hats are commonly referenced as “Panama hats,” but in fact, they are originally made in Ecuador. When Teddy Roosevelt was visiting the Panama Canal construction site, he was seen sporting this fashionable hat. However, the hats were in fact imported into Panama from Ecuador. After all these years, the toquilla straw hats still bares the “Panama hat” nickname.
Don’t forget to check the shop on the way out. This is one of the best places in Cuenca to buy an authentic toquilla straw hat! A purchase from here helps give back to hundreds of local families.
Asociación de Toquilleras Maria Auxiliadora | Find them Here: SigSig Ecuador | Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:00 – 5:00 / Sat & Sun: 9:00 – 16:00 | Facebook Page
Cañari Ruins
A little outside of SigSig is Chobshi, which is an incredible place to experience some tranquil nature and visit some little trafficked Cañari ruins. First, stop by Cueva Negra, where some interesting artifacts like animal bones have been discovered. The name literally translate to black cave and archaeologists question if this cave was used well before the Pre-Incan Cañari civilization.
Within a short walking distance from the cave, find the stone ruins of Cañari. What’s so great about this free site is they remain quite untouched. If you have time, wander past the stone walls to find a distinct rock with a scooped out center. When filled with rain water, it is believed these stones were used to observe the sky.
There is an excellent museum next to the ruins, but it’s only open on the weekends.
Cañari sites are free to explore | Museo De Chobshi only open Sat & Sun 9:00 – 17:00, or by appointment
From Chobshi, there are some spectacular viewpoints of the nearby Rio Cuchipampa.
Enjoy the River Cuchipamba
Another great spot to appreciate in SigSig Ecuador is the Rio Cuchipamba. This river offers some nice covered picnic tables and green spaces at Playa De Zhingate. Many families and travelers come here to enjoy the calming views of the river valley.
After wandering the charming artisan village of SigSig, drive to Chordeleg or hop on any local bus heading towards Chordeleg (direction of Cuenca).
Chordeleg | Best Cuenca Day Trip for Jewelry
Chordeleg Ecuador is one of the best Cuenca day trips to shop for jewelry, especially silver jewelry. On top of the diverse artisan shops, Chordeleg has a beautiful plaza surrounded by colonial buildings.
Filigree Jewelry
Chordeleg is known for their unique handmade jewelry making process of filigree. Filigree is a delicate artisan method of twisting the threads of metal into intricate designs and patterns.
Believe it or not, centuries ago, Chordeleg became an artisanal “hot spot” for those jewelry makers using the filigree method. The jewelry is extremely unique and appears to look almost antique-like. Multiple shops in Chordeleg sell handmade artisan earrings, necklaces, and rings of mostly silver. However, in this charming village, it’s possible to find gold jewelry, and other precious metals using this unique style.
A handmade silver filigree piece of jewelry is the perfect treat-yourself gift. Surprisingly, it won’t set you back an arm and a leg.
Plaza de Armas Chordeleg
The Plaza de Armas in Chordeleg is charming and is encircled by multiple colonial buildings with a that typical South American focal centerpiece church. Make sure to step inside a few of these buildings, oftentimes hidden inside beautiful are extraordinary courtyards.
Take a look around town, notice anything different? Hint, look at the street lamps. Even they are dressed in their best pair of Chordeleg filigree decorative earrings.
On Sundays, there is a traditional market that sets up in the main square. Find anything and everything from leather goods, pottery, toquilla hats, and other souvenirs made with love. If you can’t make it on Sunday, there are still plenty of artisan shops all throughout the village of Chordeleg that are open daily.
Be sure to visit the Museo Chordeleg, a small yet educational museum right on the plaza that explains the history of Chordeleg and the artisan processes.
After exploring the lovely artisan village of Chordeleg, drive to Gualaceo, or hop on a bus to Gualaceo. Most buses heading towards Cuenca will stop in Gualaceo.
Gualaceo | Macanas & Flowers & Foodie Destination
There are lots of awesome things to do in Gualaceo Ecuador. While the village itself boasts the authentic Mercado 25 De Junio and a lovely plaza, many of the treasures of Gualaceo are found just outside the city center.
☛ Travel Tip | If you don’t have a car, it’s easy to get around the village using the Gualaceo City Bus System. Every ride is 30¢ and connects to almost all the Gualaceo attractions. Look for the red and white midsize buses
Casa Museo de la Macana
Gualaceo is one of the most popular Cuenca day trips. This village is famous for their macanas, or handmade textiles that resemble a shawl or large scarf. What’s so fascinating about the Casa Museo de la Macana is they use the specific weaving style of Ikat. This house is the only artisan in all of Ecuador that uses this complex method for their macanas. Ikat is unique since the weaving material is actually dyed in wrapped bundles before they can being weaving.
Casa Museo de la Macana offers guided tours daily that explains the entire weaving process. This place is also famous for using all natural products including rocks, insects, and lemon juice to dye the fabrics. There is an original demonstration of the weaving technique using the ancient methods. There is a lot of care going into the entire macana making process, even the chair that they strap into is made of cow hide. At the end of the tour, visit their beautiful artisan shop where you can purchase anything from macanas, clothing, to shoes!
Casa Museo de la Macana | Find them Here: KM 2 before Gualaceo | Tour Hours: Daily, 8:00 – 17:00 | Tours take 15 minutes and cost $1, in Spanish or English | Facebook Page
Gualaceo is also a hub from making shoes, so you will see all types of shoes for sale from leather moccasins to boots, to running shoes.
Ecuagenera for Orchids
Gualaceo and the surrounding valley is famous for their production of diverse orchids. There’s no wonder that Gualaceo is called “jardín del Azuay,” or the garden of Azuay (Province). Ecuador alone has over 4,500 different species of orchids. Gualaceo sits at an elevation of 8,031 feet, so it grows many high altitude orchids that are unique to the Andes Mountains. The flowers and orchids here are distinct and unusual, so it’s worth a quick detour to simply pop into the shop if you can’t book a tour.
The grounds of Ecuagenera boast stunning gardens and green houses. There’s a small footbridge that offers a chance to wander across a river. Check their Facebook Page, since they often run free open houses! No tours on Sundays,
Ecuagenera | Find them Here: Calle Cuenca Gualaceo | Shop Hours: Daily, 8:00 – 18:00 | Guided Tours Available
Typical Foods to Try in Gualaceo
One of the best things to do in Gualaceo is to eat! Gualaceo has many typical dishes whose techniques are distinct to the village. One of the best places to experience the cuisine in Gualaceo is the bustling Mercado 25 de Junio. Honestly, this is one of my favorite local markets in the Cuenca region.
While many Ecuador and Cuenca Markets serve up hornados, Gualaceo has a whole section of their upstairs market dedicated to this Ecuadorian traditional dish. Hornados is made up of slow roasted pig, which is usually on display, the most delicious little fried mashed potato balls stuffed with cheese called “llapingacho,” a small green salad, and don’t forget the “mote,” or a giant native corn of Ecuador that garnishes the dish. Hornados is typically served in plate sizes of $3, $4, or $5. Wave down the woman selling beverages to sample a coconut juice!
This market is also famous for grilling cuy, or guinea pig, over an open flame. The tortillas de choclo, or corn, are famous here, too!
Try to sample the typical drink of Rosero. This drink consists of corn flour, a mixture of tropical fruits, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. The whole avenue of Jaime Roldós is lined with bakeries serving up cups of Rosero. To accompany this specific typical drink, try a quesadilla. No this isn’t a savory snack of corn tortilla and cheese like in Mexico, but rather a sweet-ish pastry filled with baked cheese that looks wrapped and is shaped like a stop-sign. The best place to try a quesadillas in Gualaceo is Pandaleria Dulceria Esquina del Sabor. Find it on the corner of Antonio Vera and Avenida Tres de November.
🍽 More Food Inspiration? Don’t miss these 35+ Restaurants in Cuenca!
Plaza Civica Gualaceo
The Plaza Cívica Gualaceo is the village’s bustling living room. Find it filled with little stands to eat and drink and a few small artisan stalls selling shoes, macanas, and other handmade goodies. The large main church in Gualaceo is also showcased here. In front of the church, visit the cute central park that has lots of street art and bushes that are carved into animals.
Enjoy the Santa Barbara River
While in Gualaceo, take a stroll along the Rio Santa Barbara. This nice river walk has lots of open green space and a spacious bike path. The walk stretches along both sides of the river and is connected via the iconic one way wooden bridge. Yes, people and cars still use this bridge today! Along the waterfront find picnic tables, benches, artwork, and statues.
Gualaceo has a lot to see and do and could be a complete Cuenca day trip in itself. Now, head back to Cuenca, or stop at one more village, in the next over river basin valley.
Paute | Off-the-Beaten Path Cuenca Day Trips
Trust me, the village of Paute is worth a little detour. This village of almost 25,000 inhabitants is nestled in the Valley of the Chili Peppers and encircled by lush mountains. In Paute Ecuador, find a bustling local market which is excellent for people watching. The Plaza is simple, but there are always vendors out selling ice cream for 30 cents a scoop. Stroll along the river that takes it name from the city, Rio Paute. Besides the local charm, Paute is trying to put themselves on the map with the distilled liquor of Caña, made from sugarcane.
Paute Markets
The main market in Paute is the Mercado 26 De Febrero and is busiest on Wednesdays and Sundays. Find everything here from clothing, fruits and veggies, artisan goodies, and a wide variety of herbs and potatoes. The surrounding mountain communities usually take the long trip in on the busiest days, so the market has lots of unique products.
Come hungry, because Paute is the perfect place to eat! Across from the main market is the Mercado San Jose Paute, another market solely dedicated to typical dishes of the region. Come at lunch time to savor an almuerzo, a rotating daily menu that consists of a starter, main, mote and drink for around $2. This market is also a great spot to buy local trucha (trout) from the mountain streams.
Ruta de Caña
Another great spot for a daily menú is Restaurante Corvel. The prices are a little higher, but Corvel prides itself on giving back to the local community. The food is delicious and there’s an inviting outdoor garden patio out back. Check out their lunch specials, Monday – Friday for $4.
Corvel is also big on promoting “La Ruta de la Caña de Azúcar,” or the sugarcane route. Caña is big in the Paute canton and many local businesses distill this liquor made of sugarcane. Corvel offers a small informative board and museum about the production of Caña. Of course, they have plenty of flavors and styles to sample!
Restaurant Corvel | Find it here: Paute | Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 16:00, 18:00 -22:00
More Unique Places to Eat Near Paute Ecuador
There are a few notable places to eat close to Paute. These places are more of a weekend foodie destination for people living in Cuenca.
If you are visiting these artisan villages over a weekend, don’t miss Chican Riena Pizza, a famous pizzeria in Chican. I’m not lying when I say that people take the 45 minutes ride here from Cuenca to simply eat the wood-fired pizza! This pizza joint is built into the first floor of a house, so you are kind stepping into someone’s family home. Outside, find the traditional clay stove build strictly for their homemade pizzas. There are a few outdoor tables with a stellar view.
Chican Reina Pizza | Find them here: Chican, Paute | Hours: Thur – Sun 10:00 – 20:00
Up a bumpy road, up in the hillside, past the community of Dun Dun and into the Huachi community find the local Cabañas el Copal. This is THE spot to taste the freshest and most flavorful trout in the region. The restaurant offers outdoor seating with excellent views of the valley. There’s a small waterfall and if you truly want to work up a sweat and appetite, take the uphill trek to the viewpoint. The owner is sweet and the food delicious! He also distills his own lemon flavored caña. Cabañas el Copal is a must for those who want to have a typical plate of trucha in the mountains.
Cabañas el Copal | Find them here: Parroquia Dug Dug Paute | Hours: Daily: 8:30 – 17:00, weekends open later
Anyone else compleetely stuffed after indulging into the amazing typical dishes of the Azuay Province? After a fun filled cultural, informative, beautiful, and belly-filling day of exploring these authentic villages near Cuenca, return to the stunning colonial city.
✈ Travel Planning | Want more charming hamlet of the Andes Mountains? Get inspired by these picturesque South American Villages
More Cuenca Day Trips
While these Cuenca day trips focus on the many incredible artisan villages near the city, there are also a diverse range of day trips to explore from Cuenca.
✔ Cuenca Ecuador Travel Resources | Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador 3 Day Itinerary
Only a quick bus ride away from the historic center of Cuenca, enjoy the natural hot springs in Baños de Cuenca. These curative waters line an old extinct volcano and there are a wide range of spas and pools to soak in.
For natural beauty, spend the day hiking around Cajas National Park. This stunning place boasts towering mountains and tons of alpine lakes. The best thing is this national park is less than an hour away from Cuenca with the first access point being the worthwhile Laguna Llaviucu loop trail.
Another beautiful place is the hamlet of Girón. Giron Ecuador is home to the lovely El Chorro Waterfall. There’s an option to take the little trekked hike up to the second tier waterfall, which is an incredible and scenic hike near Cuenca.
Those who want more Inca sites and history about Cañari culture should visit Ingapirca, which is home to Ecuador’s largest complex of Inca ruins. There’s even a chance to hike the first days of the expansive Ecuador Inca Trail that wanders right past Ingapirca ruins.
➯ Detailed Travel Guide | 10+ Ideas for day trips from Cuenca Ecuador
Charming Ecuador Villages | LONG Cuenca Day Trips
Saraguro Ecuador
Alternatively, those travelers with a vehicle should plan a full day, preferably on a Sunday, to visit the adorable hamlet of Saraguro. This untouched village has an incredible local market where the people of the village still wear their authentic black textiles with their white and black sombreros. There are natural treasures like the walk to Baños del Inca.
True foodies should put Saraguro on their radar for a chance to eat at Shamuico Espai Gastronòmic, a marvelous culinary experience from Chef Samuel Ortega whose putting a modern twist on typical dishes of the region.
Saraguro is close to 2.5 hours from Cuenca, but is so worth it.
✔ Travel Deeper | 20+ Charming South American Villages in the Andes Mountains
Alausí Ecuador
Alausi is so charming and there are plenty of things to do here, however, the most popular is the Devil’s Nose. The most common way to experience the Devil’s Nose is to take the twisty train ride from Alausi to Sibambe. This stunning ride descends 500 m (1,640 ft) through sharp switchbacks through the Andes Mountains. Many tour companies offer this Ecuador attraction as a super long Cuenca day trip, the village is more than 3.5 hours from Cuenca.
However, intrepid hikers can hike along the scenic ridge of the Devil’s Nose and stop at the viewpoint, Condor Puñuna. Afterwards, walk through the small Nizag community, which feels as if you’re walking back in time.
With plenty of hiking trails, cute plazas, a beautiful Sunday market, and an authentic feel, opt to sleep in Alausí at least one night. Alausi is also the gateway to the incredible 3 day Ecuador Inca Trail that ends at the Ingapirca ruins.
➯ Detailed Ecuador Travel Guide | 10+ Wonderful Things to Do in Alausi Ecuador
Conclusion | Cuenca Day Trips that Highlight Artisanal Ecuador Villages
In short, this is a detailed travel guide to tour the amazing villages that highlight local artisans. These Ecuador villages can be combined in a long, but full day trip adventure from Cuenca Ecuador. It’s best to rent a car from Cuenca to tour these villages, but it’s possible to reach all these artisan village via public bus. Either way you choose, leaving Cuenca and exploring these cultural villages is the perfect way to see the stunning countryside of Ecuador.
Leave the hustle and bustle of the colonial city of Cuenca and visit local artisan villages, soak in the peaceful nature, walk back in time with ancient ruins, and eat delicious typical food. Discover SigSig, Chordeleg, Gualaceo, and Paute, four rewarding villages all found in the Azuay Provence.
Have you taken any of these Cuenca day trips in Ecuador? What artisan villages did you visit from Cuenca Ecuador? Are there any Ecuador villages close to Cuenca Ecuador that you visited that you loved? Let me know in the comments below!
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