We took a cooking class with Zanayda as part of Awamaki's programs. We made stuffed rocotos (stuffed hot peppers) and it tasted so amazing that I was obsessed with it for months afterwards. I make them at home now but rocotos are not available in Seattle so it's not as awesome. The cooking class took place in Zanayda's new restaurant,... More

Even if you don't have the time to make the visits and tours offered, the shop across the street from the church (a few steps past the river, on the right) is worth a visit. The goods on offer are splendid, and purchasing helps this great project. More

We went to Patacancha with Awamaki, and had a great time. The ride up to the village had breathtaking views. Our guide was a sweet American girl who was in Ollantaytambo volunteering for a month. The women in the village were really sweet, despite the language difference (my Spanish is shoddy at best). We all loved having a weaving lesson... More

I went on one of the weaving trips to Patacancha. It is a beautiful drive up to the village. Once there we were met by several of the Quechua women. They set up the backstrap loom for us and showed us how it worked. We then were able to weave a bracelet. It is harder that you think to do.... More

I went through Awamaki to the Cloud Forest Natural Dye Workshop, it was so amazing. The drive alone was worth it, my friend said to me in the truck this may be more magical than Macchu Picchu because it was still so untouched by tourists, driving very high up on mountains ridges surrounded only by small family farms and tons... More

We took a cooking class in Ollanta and a weaving class/community visit in Patacancha -- both memorable experiences we recommend highly to others. This group is staffed largely by young and engaging volunteers and offers local products through direct purchase or from a shop in town, with fair trade prices. We found these experiences interesting and fun, as well as... More

I took a four day natural dye/weaving workshop and stayed with a Peruvian family high in the Andes hours from Ollantaytambo, where the Awamaki offices/store are located. The experience is not for the faint of heart, but was by far the highlight of my trip! Kiri, the Awamaki tour coordinator, was extremely responsive to my inquiries, bent over backwards to... More

My boyfriend and I took a weaving class up in the village of Patacancha (close to Ollantaytambo). What a unique experience. I felt like we were able to interact with a secluded culture in a way that was respectful, with an open mind, and on their terms. It wasn't just taking pictures and being a tourist. We ate food, communicated... More

My husband and I recently took a "trekking and textiles" trip to Peru and spent three days in Ollantaytambo. Our day trip to the village of Patacancha was fun and memorable. Our volunteer guide's enthusiasm was contagious, and the dusty bumpy ride up the mountain transported us to a different world. Although I do a lot of weaving, I had... More