Tourist Blog

A fine hat that intertwines with ancestral art is the pride of all Ecuadorians. The ‘toquilla’ straw hat is a symbol of national identity and is recognized worldwide. This December 5 marks the tenth anniversary of the proclamation of the traditional weaving of the toquilla straw hat as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Our […]

Cuenca rises and captivates us with its incomparable beauty, its buildings with European airs but with deep indigenous roots, the fresh scent of flowers in its busy squares, the majestic cathedral with sky-colored domes, and the natural landscape that surrounds it. The cultural richness of the city is unique and the whole world recognizes it.

Some trades refuse to die despite the passage of time and preserve the legacy of our ancestors in the face of the changes brought by technology. One of them is tinsmithing, which brings about various artifacts such as lighters, trays, plates, buckets, and even toys, made with all kinds of metals. Several techniques are used

It is to be proud that the quality of an original product is widely recognized, and jewelry from Cuenca enjoys this privilege. The fine pieces made by our skilled artisans captivate anyone who sees them. The goldsmiths and jewelers of Cuenca have unmatched skills, which they have perfected by integrating craft techniques like embossing, filigree,

Nowadays, it is unlikely that many know what saddlery is – a craft activity in which leather is molded to shape belts, aprons, saddles, and other items. A very laborious activity indeed, almost extinct because of technology. However, there are still many saddlers who try to preserve it, because working by hand requires more dedication,

Woodwork is a central element in Cuenca\’s artisan culture; it is part of its architecture and sculptures, and a testimony of the heritage that we must preserve. In the historic center of the city, you can see the use of carved wood in some elements present in colonial houses, republican houses, churches, and convents, such

Inspiration molded in clay and materialized in beautiful ceramics. Pottery and ceramics have a privileged position in Cuenca as the most sought-after crafts, both for their history and artistic value. Clay art stems from pre-Columbian cultures and it has integrated new techniques over the centuries, resulting in a beautiful mixture. The production of pottery is

Turning a block of marble into figures such as dolphins, turtles or eagles requires extraordinary skill, since it is a matter of making a stone come to life. This is one of the most difficult crafts since when sculpting marble there is no room for mistakes – one wrong stroke and the stone will crack,

To light up the festivities and liven up the celebrations, pyrotechnics come in to impress with their dazzling display of lights. One of its most typical items is the castle – a reed structure several stories high. On average, it takes three weeks of work to build a single castle. Besides the castles, the well-known