when you trek with apus peru 5% of your trek price is donated to Threads of Peru.

we support responsible, sustainable & ethical tourism...

"Every person must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?"
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

in conjunction with RUFADA Peru, Apus Peru funded and operated a 'revitalising weaving traditions project' which began in November 2007 and ran through to December 2008, in three communities: Chaullacocha, Rumira Sondormayo and Chupani (began Sept 08).

The goal of this project was to provide an alternative (or first) source of income for the women of these communities. International development studies show that when women receive their own income the health and well being of their children improves at a much faster rate than if men are in control of the family's income. The belief was that the women would develop a uniform and high standard of weaving that could compete in Cusco, Lima and international markets. The hope was that the women would also develop pride in the Inca icongraphy and their traditions. There was also a strong emphasis on ayni, and the exchange of information.

Note: Ayni is a term that indicates reciprocity. Ayni is an essential element of the Andean approach, you do not receive without giving in return, and when you give you receive in return.

Funding for this project began with the generous support of the Hussan-Desan family of the USA who travelled to Peru in August 2007. Since then, monthly weaving revitalisation workshops have been held in three high Andean communities for over 12 months. the workshops focus on spinning, dyeing using natural plants, preparation of the weavings, design and then continued with practice on a chuspa (bag), liccla (rug), table covering, scarf and other items.

there are a number of spin off benefits of these workshops. Firstly there is pride in their traditions, a reconnection with their cultural practices and also we are ensuring that future generations know the practices of the Inca culture. The other benefits include an improvement in the standard of weaving, which means higher prices at sales. As the workshops are targetted at women, and the sales of weavings go directly into their hands, its is also believed that this will have a direct impact on the health and welfare of the children of the communities.

in august of 2008 a group of Canadian students from NSCAD (novia scotia college of art and design) visited these communities in the development of future markets for these products.

Check out Project Peru.

Project Peru then evolved into the Peruvian NGO Threads of Peru.

Note: from January 09 Apus Peru no longer works with RUFADA Peru on their Revitalising Weaving traditions projects but continue to support weaving in the high Andean communities.

for more information contact ariana - apusperu@westnet.com.au

Useful weaving and fair trade websites

Centre of Traditional Textiles in Cusco - the home of excellent textiles.

Textiles are supported by fascinating projects operated by the Catcco Museum in Ollantaytambo

Mosqoy - Quecha for dream - operates Project Colibri: Strands for Sustainability, working with textiles communities to keep their art and culture alive.

Bridge of Hope - Building Bridges between Quality Artisans and Socially Responsible Consumers.

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - we support sustainable, responsible and ethical tourism...

366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005 - 2009. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.