Throughout your time in Ecuador, you will no doubt be presented with many opportunities to purchase a Panama hat, the wide-brimmed straw hat made famous in the 1800s by Manuel Alfaro. However, this tour enables to you to create your very own in Montecristi, where Alfaro himself set up the business that made his fame and fortune. Travel to a workshop and spend time with local craftspeople to learn about the complex weaving process.
On arrival, greet your personal specialist and receive your materials, some of which have been prepared in advance. Begin working right away. You will also learn about the different types of weaving used to achieve the characteristic herringbone or diamond-shaped patterns. From here, it’s up to you – your specialist will act only as a guide while you weave your high-quality hat.
At the end of the process, you will be presented with your own handmade hat to take away with you. Enjoy protection from the sun as you continue to explore Ecuador’s amazing landscape and cherish it as a memory of this unforgettable experience.