Peru Rural Tourism Package

Duration: 6 Hours (approx.)
Location: Ollantaytambo, Peru

Your trip begins in Ollantaytambo. From there you will enjoy a beautiful drive
ascending nearly 1000 meters up the Patacancha Valley. Following the
Patacancha River, you will pass small farms, Incan agricultural terraces,
little-visited ruins, the oldest colonial church in the Sacred Valley, and stunning
mountain views. Upon arrival in one of the upper Andean villages of Patacancha
or Huilloc, Awamaki’s partner artisans will meet you and welcome you to their
cooperative’s weaving center.

The artisans will lead you in a sharing of Quechua culture and traditions,
and a demonstration of the entire weaving process. They will show you how
alpaca or sheep wool is spun into yarn by hand on the pushka, the traditional
Andean drop spindle, and you can give it a try. They will explain how different local
plants and materials are used in the dyeing process, and show you how they dye
the yarn. They will demonstrate the warping of the traditional backstrap loom
and the weaving process, including a discussion of the traditional pallay designs
used in their villages. Finally, the artisans will teach you to weave a small
bracelet on the backstrap loom in a one-on-one lesson.

After the demonstration and lesson, enjoy a traditional, nourishing and plant-based
home-cooked meal including soup and a main course. The village visit will end
with the opportunity to purchase textiles directly from the women who hosted
you for your tour.