Take part in a two-day, one-night Quechua cultural immersion with Awamaki’s Andean Overnight program spent with our newest cooperative of women in Huilloc Alto. During your stay you will participate in weaving lessons, spend quality time with local families during meals, learn about medicinal plants, go on an Andean lake hike with a chance to see alpacas and llamas, and finally take part in an ofrenda ceremony.
Receive one-on-one weaving lessons with women from the Huilloc Alto cooperative who will give you a step-by-step introduction to preparing yarn, dying yarn, back strap weaving methods and will individually help you make bracelets to take home.
What's included
Typical Andean dinner, including appetizer/soup, main entree, native Andean herbal tea, Day 1
Bottled water
English speaking guide
Snacks
Lunch
Private textile market
Typical Andean Lunch, including soup or salad and main course, Day 1
Coffee and/or Tea
Typical Andean Breakfast, Day 2
Round trip transportation to the community from Ollantaytambo
Private homestay with members of your traveling group
Weaving lesson
Hotel pickup and/or dropoff
Train station pickup and/or drop off
Transportation to Ollantaytambo from other cities, such as Cusco
What to expect
Day 1: Introduction to Andean Life
Patacancha Valley
1 day
Travel to one of the rural Quechua villages in the high Andes mountains above Ollantaytambo and connect with artisan leaders there. The women will share their textile heritage, including spinning, dyeing and weaving on a backstrap loom. Try your hand at spinning on a drop spindle, and weave a bracelet with one of your artisan hosts. Enjoy a typical lunch of soup and a main course in one of the artisan’s homes.
In the afternoon, hike to a glacial lake or alpaca herding grounds, or or for a gentler option, choose a walk through the village or more in-depth weaving lessons.
In the evening, retreat to your cozy, rustic homestay. Share a warm traditional meal with your host family and then retire to your private bedroom.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion Day
Patacancha Valley
6h
Wake up to share a hot breakfast with your host family.
Enjoy a traditional Earth Oven Pachamanca lunch, with meat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, aba beans and other typical foods slow-roasted in hot stones. After lunch, enjoy a private textile market with all the artisans from the cooperative
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
meeting point at Cafe La Esquina
End point
meeting point at Cafe La Esquina
Additional information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Extended stays and custom trips: If you would like to extend your homestay, please contact us at [email protected]. We can create custom itineraries based on your interests. We can also arrange extended stays in the villages for an immersive and unique travel experience.
Bring hiking boots or sturdy shoes for mud
If you need transportation from Cusco to Ollantatyambo, please contact us at [email protected]
Bring refillable water bottle
Scheduling requests: Sometimes we can accommodate late departure (11 am) departure times, or early return times (by 1pm). Please note your schedule request in the “special instructions” section when you book. We will contact you if we cannot accommodate your requests.
Sleeping bag is optional but recommended if you have one
Bring small bills in soles if you plan to purchase from the artisans
Consider bringing snacks (chocolates and sweet things for the cold)
Spare shoes recommended but optional
Warm layers and rain layers
We can accommodate most special requests. We can accommodate nearly all dietary restrictions. Please note special requests or dietary restrictions in the “special instructions” section when you book. We will contact you if we are unable to accommodate your request.
The overnight takes place at high altitude and requires some walking over uneven ground. It also includes a longer walk/hike, but that can be modified to accommodate health needs
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
