1-Day Textiles and Weaving in the Sacred Valley/Cusco

This excursion is a full day tour to the community of Amaru, where they still preserve their traditions in agriculture, cooking and weaving, being very conscious about the strength of their biodiversity and cultural legacy. They also keep their musical traditions alive, such as dances and old songs which will be shared. We leave Cusco in the morning by bus to Pisac, where we will turn to el "Parque de la Papa" (native potatoes park) and get to Amaru community. With flowers and natural drinks, they receive us in a beautiful landscaped area. The natives from Laraypas Indigenas de Amaru Association, who will explain us about their living, traditions and the work the association does in behalf of the traditional culture. After a short introduction, we will hike through a forest and visiting the green house where we will pick up the dyeing plants that will use to dye our fibers. We will also discover the medicinal and culinary properties of some of this plants. After the walk, we will watch the demonstation of the handmade weaving process, sheering and hand spinning the wool, dyeing the fibers and doing the warp and wefts, to finally weave in the "telar de cintura" or waist loom, traditionally used by the locals to weave. We will learn the ancient techniques, take pictures, and be part of the whole process. During our stay in the community, we will enjoy natural appetizers and drinks and a nutritious lunch, made by the women of Amaru. Local community artists, or children from the school will share with us some local music. In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco.

Meals included: Lunch