Saraguro!

This weekend, we traveled three hours to Saraguro, a small town of indigenous artisans. Here are some pictures:

On the way we stopped here to see how bricks carved out of the side of the mountain are used to create homes.

The view.

Our hostel. It was beautiful.

We rode in a chíva up a mountain.

We ate lunch in a cloud. The lack of visibility prevented us from going on the hike that had been planned.

Our guide explaining the various medicinal and hygienic uses of the various plants. The building in the background is the school. 

Trying a sip of chicha.

We visited a textile "factory."

We met the family who spends their days weaving. This gentleman built the business and still works everyday.

It shouldn't surprise you that I bought a tablecloth.

Dinner! After we ate we listened and danced to traditional music.

The center of the town.

Where people sold their creations.

Lunch before heading back to Cuenca. Well, what everyone else had. Mine was missing the cuy.

For those of you who like trivia: Find the reference to something in this story that relates directly to Ecuador (it's only mentioned briefly). Tomorrow's post will have the answer.