Ollantaytambo Artisan Visit
Spend time with local artisans and learn how weaving traditions continue in Ollantaytambo
Overview
What Is This Artisan Visit?
This artisan visit takes place in Ollantaytambo and offers a more accessible way to connect with Andean weaving traditions. Rather than traveling into a rural community, you’ll spend time with women artisans in town and learn directly from them in a small-group, interactive setting.
Through conversation, hands-on participation, and time spent together, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how textiles are made and the role they continue to play in daily life and cultural identity throughout the Andes.
What You’ll Do
Meet Your Guide in Ollantaytambo
You’ll meet the Awamaki guide at La Esquina Cafe in the main plaza of Ollantaytambo and walk together to the Awamaki Fair Trade Store.
Meet Local Women Artisans
Awamaki’s partner artisans will welcome you and share how weaving, spinning, and textile work connect to daily life in the Sacred Valley.
Learn About Fibers, Dyes, and Weaving
The artisans will demonstrate the uses of natural fibers, natural dyes, and the spinning and weaving processes, giving you a clear understanding of how Andean textiles are made using traditional Andean weaving techniques.
Try the Weaving Process Yourself
You’ll have the opportunity to participate directly in the weaving process while spending time in conversation with the artisans about their work and traditions.
Browse a Private Textile Sale
The visit also includes the opportunity to purchase handmade textiles directly from the artisans who hosted the experience.
Sample Itinerary
- Scenic drive from Ollantaytambo to a rural Quechua community in the Patacancha Valley
- Welcome at the weaving center, including traditional loose-leaf tea
- Demonstration and discussion of Andean backstrap weaving in relation to culture and history
- Demonstration of the traditional weaving process led by the artisans
- One-on-one weaving lesson
- Earth-oven Pachamanca lunch
- Opportunity to buy the artisans’ handmade textiles
- Return to Ollantaytambo
Sustainable Tours
Why This Experience Is Different
Many artisan visits focus primarily on demonstration and observation. This experience is designed around conversation, participation, and direct interaction with the women who create the work. Hosted by Awamaki partner artisans themselves, this small-group visit takes place directly in Ollantaytambo and is connected to long-term fair trade partnerships.
Awamaki’s approach to sustainable tourism is built through ongoing relationships with artisan communities throughout the Sacred Valley.
Is This Experience Right for You?
This experience is ideal for travelers who:
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you may also consider our traditional weaving experience in the Sacred Valley.
How Your Visit Supports Women Artisans
Your visit contributes to:
These visits are designed to ensure artisans are compensated for their time, knowledge, and participation.
Additional Details
Includes
- Awamaki guide support
- Artisan demonstrations
- Hands-on weaving opportunity
- Private textile sale opportunity
What To Bring
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Cash in soles for artisan purchases
Notes
- Based entirely in Ollantaytambo
- Departure times may vary slightly depending on arrivals
- Ideal for travelers with limited time
Ready to go
Book Your Ollantaytambo Artisan Visit
Spend time with local artisans in Ollantaytambo through a weaving experience centered on conversation, participation, and traditional craft.
