Weavers and Hot Springs
A 2 day tour to some of the ancient weaving towns in the Cusco
department. This is a fantastic opportunity to see real life
in the mountains around Cusco and of course see the timeless
processes used in the dieing and weaving of materials.
Day 1. Departing from either Cusco or the Sacred Valley (your
choice) we make our way north east through the Urubamba mountain
range. An area rich in culture, farming and ecologically diverse.
This zone is home to thousands of alpaca, llama and sheep farmers
who take textiles from their animals.
Our journey time is around 3 hours to the town of Lares (2
hours from the Sacred Valley) and passes small villages and homesteads.
This area is Quechua with habitants only speaking the old language.
The people live very simply using only what the planet has
given them. As we pass the villages we can see the people working
in their fields and gardens. As we cross the mountain pass we
meet many young children that are looking after their livestock,
an incredible sight.
After lunch we visit the town of Quiswarani which is known
for its alpaca farming and weaving. As with many of the communities
in the area they have returned to the traditional ways. They
use completely natural dyes to colour their fabrics, using
plants, flowers, bark and herbs. We will have demonstrations
and of course opportunities to buy direct, therefore cutting
out the middle man and giving a fair price for good quality
products.
Continuing the journey through the valley arriving to ditrict
capital the town of Lares. Here the beautiful outdoor hot springs.
The night free to enjoy.
Lunch, dinner, snacks, water.
Day 2. Opportunity for a short dip before leaving
for the town of Choquecancha. This small mountain town. Choquecancha
to this day maintains its cultural heritage and is still using
pre olombian techniques in its textiles.
The architecture of the town is of special archeaolgical importance
being of Inka design and has its own part in the history of the
Inkas.
We then cross the valley to visit the town of Cachin. Cachin
is famous for its textiles and again we will have a demonstration
of part of the weaving process.
Driving back to the Sacred Valley with a backdrop of mountains
and mountainlife.
We ask you to bring some of the following for charities and
communities in the area.
School equipment, pens, pencils, paper, books in Spanish.
Clothing for all ages, especially young children.
Tour Duration – 2 days
Included:
- Professional Guide (Spanish/English spoken).
- Entrance fees.
- Transport
- 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, snacks and water.
- Camping equipment
- Biodegradable soap
- Sleeping mat
- Local taxes charged at 19%.
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Not included:
- tips and other gratuities.
- Sleeping bag
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Price: |
2 people $285us per person.
3 - 4 people $210us per person.
5 - 6 people $150us per person.
7 + people $120us per person. |
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tours ]
Inka Bridge
Leaving Cusco we make our way to the little visited town of
Pikillaqta. This town is out of the ordinary as it is the only
Wari city in Cusco, the Wari being 800 years pre inkas and coming
from the central and northern Peru. The Wari empire lived at
the same time as the Nazcas and Tiwanacos.
Travelling 90 kms further south we arrive to Raqchi, also known
as Wiracocha´s Palace. The site has some of the largest
inca constructions in Cusco with the principal collection of
circular storage buildings (approx 200). A guided visit of the
site before we check into our hostel for the evening.
Early in the morning departure to Keswachaka, an original hanging
Inka bridge made of highland grass. For those who dare the chance
to cross the bridge which is replaced in a yearly three day ceremony.
The bridge hangs some 40ms above the Apurimac river.
The return journey to Cusco is stunning. Passing the 4 lakes
(known as the 4 lagunas) which make some of the most picturesque
scenery in Peru. On a still day the lakes make perfect mirrors.
Arrive in Cusco approx 6pm.
Included:
- English/Spanish speaking professional guide.
- Private transportation
- 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- Snacks and water
- Entrance fees
- Hostel
- Chef
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Not included:
- Tips and other gratuities.
- Beverages.
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Price: |
2 people $300us per person.
3 - 4 people $200us per person.
5 - 6 people $160us per person.
7 + people $135us per person. |
[ back to cultural
tours ]
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