Gualea: Melcochas and craftsmanship with bottle gourd shells

Gualea brings together two different interests in the topics described: learning about a production process at an agrotourism estate and craftsmanship with bottle gourd shells in the wider region. For planning your trip, this contrast can help you identify what you would like to focus on: would you prefer a specific activity to take center stage, or the variety of crafted and useful objects? You can also choose a vacation rental to suit the kind of stay you have in mind.

Melcochas and activities at Las Taguas

A municipal article dated September 26, 2022, introduces the Las Taguas agrotourism estate in the parish of Gualea and describes the opportunity to learn about the production of melcochas there. The article also mentions walks and a visit to a river in the wider Gualea area. For melcochas, the focus is on how they are made; a walk and river visit offer a different way to spend time outdoors. If you would like to visit Las Taguas, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

Bottle gourd shells: craftsmanship in many forms

A municipal article from 2022 describes the processing of bottle gourd shells as a long-standing craft practice in the wider region around Gualea. The shells are made into masks, cups, plates, home ornaments, and washbasins. This range includes both decorative items and objects for everyday use. As you compare them, you can consider how differently form and function come together: masks and ornaments create a different impression from cups, plates, or washbasins. This makes the material a concrete way to explore the design and use of the finished pieces.

Getting there and choosing a vacation rental

An April 2019 report mentions bus services operated by Cooperativas Otavalo and San José de Minas to the Gualea area, with a fare of US$3. For travel by private vehicle, the same report describes the Calacalí–Nanegalito–Armenia–Tulipe–Gualea road. As these details date from 2019, check the current bus schedule and fare before traveling by bus. The two travel options described can help you think ahead about your mobility plans; for a specific trip, you should also check the current route information.

The interests in Las Taguas and in local crafts represent two different ways to explore Gualea and its surroundings: taking part in a described activity and spending time outdoors at an estate, or learning about a craft practice and its products. If you are traveling with family, you can decide together which option will spark more curiosity. Deciding whether you would rather focus on an activity or on craft forms during your stay is a simple way to make your travel plans more concrete. When looking for a vacation rental, you can use this focus, along with your travel plans, as a guide: choose accommodation to suit your planned stay and check current connections before setting your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Hacienda Tambillo Alto, Tabacundo, San Miguel De Los Bancos, Cayambe, Puembo, Nanegalito, San Joaquín, Del Salitre.

For the overview of the wider region: Pichincha.