Panama hats in Cuenca

Our next stop was at the hat museum and production facility.  Contrary to popular belief, Panama hats have nothing to do with Panama!  They originated in Quenca.  The story goes that when US President Roosevelt attended the opening of the Panama Canal, he was wearing one of the hats.  From then on, they became known as Panama hats!

At the museum, Thomas explained to us how the hats were traditionally made and how they are finished by machine now.  It was fascinating.  Prices range from $50 to $7000, totally understandable when you consider the skill and time taken to create each one.Read more