Ask for a toquilla straw hat!
The Central American country is not to blame, although it was undoubtedly a great ally to make them known throughout the world. But it is time to claim the truth. We speak of those known as panama hats, whose real origin is in Ecuador.
It was during the construction of Panama Canal when the use of this Ecuadorian handicraft became popular, with producers who, motivated by the favorable commercial conditions offered by their neighbor to the north, did not hesitate to take your products to sell them there.
declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO , this craft is worked with toquilla straw, a palm fiber grown in several countries of ** Latin America .** For this reason there are others where they are also manufactured, although the palm (pun intended) is taken away Ecuador for creating the best and being the world's largest producer.
An artisan works on a toquilla straw hat in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador.
The Andean city of Cuenca is the most active , while those on the Pacific coast, such as Montecristi and Pile , they dispute to be the ones who sign the best quality ones. The entire manufacturing process is done by hand and can take weeks or even months.
This means that the most exclusive ones can cost **up to €25,000 in online stores like Brent Black **. If you travel to Ecuador you can find them in shops and in craft markets in the main cities, but a piece of advice: never ask for a Panama hat, ask for a toquilla straw hat. Show that you know what you're talking about.
***** This report was published in **number 117 of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine (May)**. Subscribe to the printed edition (11 printed issues and a digital version for €24.75, by calling 902 53 55 57 or from our website) and enjoy free access to the digital version of Condé Nast Traveler for iPad. The May issue of Condé Nast Traveler is available in its digital version to enjoy on your preferred device.