The valley of Gualaceo is 22 miles (36 kilometres) from Cuenca, at an elevation of 7,446 feet (2,370 metres) above sea level. The ride starts along the Santa Ana valley and then high in the mountains, through very scenic landscapes, which change at every curb.
Stops are made at the small towns of San Bartolome where guitars are handmade and artistically finished and at Sigsig, where the toquilla straw is harvested and prepared to weave into the famous Panama hats.
Proceed to Chordeleg, through orchards and sugar cane plantations, a small town with many stores selling jewellery in gold and silver. Chordeleg is also known for its green and yellow pottery.
Lunch is at a very pleasant country inn, surrounded by flowering gardens and very close to the Santa Barbara river. After lunch, follow the road along the banks of the river, lined with weeping willows to the village of Gualaceo, famous for its Sunday market which sells mostly produce, animals, household goods and leather shoes. The valley of Gualaceo is famous for the production of peaches and there is a Peach Festival the first week of March.
Visit another tiny town, Bulcay, where the weavers produce the finest shawls and scarves using backstrap looms and the technique of ikat, where the threads are tie-dyed to form specific designs before weaving.
Return to Cuenca in the afternoon. Particularly on a Sunday, as Cuenca is very quiet, this is a good excursion to take you out of the city and into the local countryside.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Ecuador specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Cuenca Scenic Tour
Have a comprehensive but leisurely tour of the colonial city of Cuenca. The tour includes the Plaza of San Sebastián, a colourful artisans' market, and the Museum of Modern Art, which features an excellent collection of contemporary fine art.
El Cajas National Park
The El Cajas National Park is a 28,000 hectare area of some 230 lakes and quinoa forest starting at 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) that is home to a variety of wildlife including the Andean gull, black frogs, hummingbirds and condors as well as a variety of indigenous plants including many rare bromeliads and orchids.
