The Guitar Shop

Guitar in Process

Guitar Makers Capital of the World

Some of the best guitars in the world are made in San Bartolome, near Cuenca, Ecuador. Many of the guitar makers are from the same family, the Uyaguaris, and have learned their craft from their fathers and grandfathers. Most of them welcome visitors at their small rustic shops and are happy to discuss the skills, materials and processes involved in designing and making these beautiful instruments. We really lucked out at this place the artist showed us how he makes the guitars and the amazing designs on their fronts. Hidden away halfway to nowhere, this was one of the highlights of our trip.

The Weaving Shop

I love weavings. This was a fun and colorful place to stop on our afternoon tour. We got to see the looms and other equipment, watch them prepare the materials and weave them, and I even actually managed to buy something this time - two gorgeous shawls, which can also be used as table runners, etc, so it seemed like a great investment! What incredible artists these people are! And the colors! - from dyes made from natural materials.