price

itinerary

departure dates

trip description

In late 2007 Apus Peru began sponsoring "Revitalising Weaving traditions" workshops in the high Andean communities of Rumira Sondormayo and Chaullacocha. These workshops are organised by the NGO RUFADA. These workshops will continue to be run 1-2 days a month in these communities and Apus Peru would like to invite visitors to Peru to support these workshops through participating in a one day trek to one of these communities.

Itinerary *

7am Pick up from your hotel in Cusco in private car, we travel to ollantaytambo in the sacred valley (approx 1.5 hours) before heading up to palqaq, where you will leave your car (about 1 hour more).

10am start hiking to chaullacocha (2 hours)

12 noon arrive chaullacocha. observe women weaving, interact with women, comment on their designs, particularly about your likes and dislikes. they are keen to sell to western visitors their weavings and therefore are interested to hear what people do and don't like. you will be able to communicate this to the women via your Quechua speaking guide.

2pm depart community

4pm arrive palqaq, return to ollantaytambo where if there is time (and the group agrees) you can visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo.

7pm arrive Cusco.

*times will alter slightly depending on which community

Please note: You will be attending these workshops as a priveledged guest - these women have gathered to improve their weaving skills. the workshops are being held for their benefit and they have agreed to have tourists attend the workshops given that (culmulatively) tourists have contributed to the funds for the workshops. Please be respectful at all times.

Apus Peru reserves the right to cancel these tours at any time if there is any negative feedback from the community.

Included: English, spanish & quechua speaking guide , Boxed Lunch & Transport by private tourist service car, contribution to the weaving workshop.

Not included: Entry fees to Ollantaytambo, water & Snacks

What you need to bring: Money for entry fees, snacks and souvenirs, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, jumper (sweater), rain protection (or plastic poncho), plus any other personal items you might wish.

This tour is perfectly combined with one of our Cultural Extensions - Chicha & Sapo

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.

Comparing different styles of weaving.

Participants at Rumira Sondormayo with Senora Augustina, the teacher for the project.

Drying matices that have been dyed with colours from natural plants.

Departure dates

Workshop 1: Spinning 5th & 6th April 2008

Workshop 2: Spinning with Baby Alpaca 3rd & 4th May 2008

Workshop 3: Dying with natural colours
7 & 8 June, 9 & 10 June 2008

Workshop 4: Weaving
5 & 6 July 2008, 7 & 8 July 2008

Workshop 5: Pasadizo (Long table mat)
Dates: 2 & 3 August 2008

Workshop 6: Chuspa (Coca pouch)
Dates: 6 & 7 September 2008

Workshop 7: Liclla
Dates: 4 & 5 October 2008

Workshop 8: Chullo
Dates: 1 & 2 November 2008

a local lady compares the colours of a rainbow to the wools they dyed during the third workshop.

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.