Day 1
Decoding the Andean Textile in Amaru

We will depart Cusco at 8:30 AM after breakfast in the hotel.  After a 1-hour drive to the Sacred Valley town of Pisac, we will take a canyon road to the village of Amaru. We will arrive in Amaru at approximately 10:00 AM, and we will be greeted by an amazing community reception ceremony complete with traditional music and beautiful Incan flowers (Kantu).  This ceremony represents an offering to the “Pacha Mama” (Mother-Earth in Quechua) to thank her for this new day and the chance for people of different cultures to share an intercultural experience together. 

After the welcoming ceremony, we will begin “Decoding the Andean Textile.”  This starts with an explanation of all the different organic materials used to make the natural dyes – which plants they come from, what is their symbolism, and what other uses they have (many have medicinal qualities as well).  The second activity is the shearing, cleaning and the coiling of the sheep or alpaca wool that is used in the textiles – followed by a demonstration of how the wool is dyed by boiling.  The iconography that is used in these textiles is extremely important to the villagers of Amaru – and throughout the duration of this activity, a local guide will explain the most important motives of each symbol that is weaved into the textile.  You get to choose the symbols that will be included in your textile, and if you are brave enough – you can even weave your own fabric (however, be aware that this becomes an all-day activity if you chose to do so). Once the demonstration is concluded, you will get the chance to purchase beautiful, local textiles all made locally and authentically (Table runners, scarfs, purses, belts, bracelets, etc.). 

We will break at 1:00 for an amazing lunch consisting of local cuisine prepared fresh with local ingredients. 

After lunch, passengers will have the choice to work on their textiles under the guidance of a local weaver or take a nature hike through the community with a local guide in which they will observe local flora and fauna, lagoons above the community, and amazing Andean landscapes.

We will lodge in rural homestays in Amaru for the night.  The accommodations are clean and comfortable, and bathrooms with running water and hot showers are provided.  Dinner will be provided and before eating, passengers will be treated to a unique intercultural presentation with local dancing, Andean poetry and storytelling, and a warm campfire.  You will relax under the starry sky and truly become part of the rural Andean lifestyle for a night. 

Day 2
Route of the Llama and Andean Agriculture

We will wake up around 7:00 in Amaru, get packed up, and enjoy a delicious Andean breakfast of omelettes, a Quinoa porridge, bread, and fruit salad.  At 8:15, we will have a quick goodbye ceremony with the villagers of Amaru and begin the trek known as “Route of the Llama.”  In this trek, we will see herds of llamas walking through rugged landscapes. They represent one of the most important treasures for the Yachaqs, as the provide wool and food for the villagers. The route of the llama is an unforgettable journey through the countryside where llamas are the kings. This route joins the communities of Amaru and Huayllafara at a distance of 3.5 miles (5 hours). During the walk you get to see the lakes of Kinsacocha and Hulchacocha, and pass through the Abra of Collaccasa and the Abra of Zapacto (the highest point of the route is 4344 meters or 14,031 feet). You will also observe the villagers working the giant fields of native potatoes that grow at these high altitudes.

We will arrive at Huayllafara at approximately 1:15, where we will be greeted by an exquisite Andean lunch.

After a short welcoming ceremony, we will begin the activity “Yachaqs – Children of the Earth.” The “Yachaqs” (Quechua word for “wise”) are experts in Andean agriculture. Decoding the cycles and the desires of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is not only an ancient knowledge, but also a way of ensuring their subsistence. In the community of Huayllafara you will make a complete journey of the art of Andean agriculture and the importance of the environment, all through the perspective of the Andean man. The community members will teach you the importance of vertical control, time cycles, seasons and agricultural rituals. Then you get to practice using traditional tools to plant or harvest food and manage a team of oxen! You will walk away from this experience an expert in Andean agriculture and with a better understanding of the villager’s relationship with the Earth.

At 4:00 PM, we will depart for Cusco and arrive around 5:30 PM.

Rural Tourism Overnight

Rural homestay accommodations are provided in Amaru.  They are clean and comfortable, and bathrooms with running water and hot showers are provided.  Dinner will be provided and before eating, passengers will be treated to a unique intercultural presentation with local dancing, Andean poetry and storytelling, and a warm campfire.  You can relax under the starry sky and truly become part of the rural Andean lifestyle for a night.