Tastings Around Town
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A Precious Town
The beautiful gold and silver creations produced by local artisans make the Ecuadorian town of Chordeleg well worth a visit.
The village of Chordeleg, Ecuador, is home to a community of talented jewelry makers who manage and stock over 120 shops. In addition to offering unique, high-quality items, the local craftspeople will certify each piece so that you can be certain that you are buying real gold.
Located just 26 miles from Cuenca, Chordeleg is a hidden treasure: this small town is home to scores of artists who make jewelry and other objects using an exclusive filigree technique. Beautiful and delicate, the ultra-thin threads of gold or silver are used to make unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other pieces.
Once you’ve had a chance to browse, negotiate prices and purchase a few items, visit the Centro de Interpretaciones Municipal, where all the jewelers are accredited. You can have each of your acquisitions analyzed and certified. The experts will even teach you how to differentiate between real gold and gold-plated items.
Need another reason to visit Chordeleg? If you’re interested in learning about the region’s native peoples, head to Llaber (less than half a mile from town), which is home to an archaeological site from the Cañaris culture. Nature lovers will want to visit Pungo-Huayco, where a giant stone, shaped like a top, stands next to the river of the same name.
More information
Museo Municipal / Centro de Interpretaciones Municipal
Calle 23 de enero 4-21 & Juan B. Cobos Tel. 593-7-222-3214 chordelegencantado.gov.ecCentro Agroartesanal de Chordeleg
Calle 23 de enero 4-25 & J. Bautista Cobos Tel. 593-7-222-3317 cachordeleg.comMore to Explore:
Just over half a mile from Chordeleg, the town of Cazhalao is home to the workshop of one of Ecuador’s most famous filigree artists, Gilberto Jara. You can find his work on display in the country’s most important churches and in private collections.
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