Ollantaytambo Discovery Tour - The Art of Peruvian Weaving

Looking for things to do in Peru? Embark on an unforgettable adventure now! Begin in Ollantaytambo, where you’ll meet your transportation in the Plaza de Armas in front of La Esquina café. Enjoy a beautiful drive as we ascend nearly 1,000 m from Ollanta to the upper Andean community of Patacancha or Huilloc (depending on the size of the group). The gravel road is bordered by Inca terracing, waterfalls, and traditional farm plots that are still used today. The communities that you’ll pass on your journey up the mountain are known for their traditional lifestyle, dress, and weaving.
Following a warm welcome at the local weaving center, learn from the women of the cooperative about their daily lives and the ancient art of weaving. Gain insight into Andean backstrap weaving as it relates to Andean culture and history. Then, test your own weaving skills and give spinning on an Andean drop spindle a try! Discover the potential of native dye plants that have been used for centuries. A woman from the cooperative will work with you one on one to teach the basic techniques of weaving. You’ll create your own “pulsera” (bracelet) to take home and showcase your new skills.
After the workshop, visit a traditional Quechua home and enjoy a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal. Your delicious lunch includes a soup and main course and will be hosted by a weaver in her own home (always close-by). If you want to expand your global culinary skills, you can select the earth-oven lunch option and work alongside women from the community to prepare a traditional Andean “Pachamanca” lunch. Cooked in an underground earth oven, this festive feast is a highlight of the tour and will provide plenty of food for you and your Quechua hosts to enjoy.
Before returning to Ollantaytambo, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase high quality, handmade textiles directly from the artisans.
Tour revenue helps provide women in remote and marginalized communities with a comprehensive education, workplace training, and market access.