Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop
Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
NOTE: WE ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING DURING COVID, ASKING ALL CLIENTS TO WEAR MASKS and SOCIALLY DISTANCE. Miguel Andrango and his family demonstrate the fascinating traditional yarn spinning and backstrap-loom weaving process for visitors. After the demonstration, visit their gallery where you can purchase beautiful weavings to remind you of your Ecuadorian experience. DIRECTIONS TO THE WORKSHOP: Option 1, from Cascada de Peguche: take the road from Cascada de Peguche (waterfall) to Lago San Pablo. At the top of the first hill, take a left toward Agato. At the first intersection (Agato's main street), turn left. The workshop is one and a half blocks down on the left. Option 2, from Quito: turn right at the Espejo stoplight. After you cross a bridge, take your first left toward Cascada de Peguche. At the top of the hill, turn right toward Agato. At the first intersection (Agato's main street), turn left. The workshop is one and a half blocks down on the left.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
108 within 5 kms
Attractions
19 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
43 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
carola1707
12 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
what an authentic & interesting tour of this traditional weaving workshop.
we learned so much about these traditional work. the local guide showed & explained us every single step from the raw material to the finished product in great detail. and the family was so warm & friendly.
we learned so much about these traditional work. the local guide showed & explained us every single step from the raw material to the finished product in great detail. and the family was so warm & friendly.
Written 24 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michèle
The Netherlands98 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
I really liked this place! The process is described very nice. They really take the time for you to explain. Its beautiful to see how this original process works. Hope this stays forever. They also have a beautiful shop with a lot of nice things. Would definitely recommend!
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GM8868
Roberts creek241 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
This should be high on the list of anyone in the area..preferably before you go to the Otavolo market and buy the cheap stuff! Miguel is a true hand weaver and demonstrates the process from cleaning through carding and spinning to dyeing and weaving. His material is top notch and you can feel the quality as opposed to the machined cheaper versions in the market . On top of that he is a nice guy with a charming smile. Well worth the visit which we did as part of a day tour with Runa Tupari Native Travel
Written 25 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoodyMason
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Jan 2015 • Solo
If you are interested in the artisinal crafts of Ecuador - and if you find yourself in Otavalo, you probably are - a visit to Miguel Andrango's workshop can't be missed, It was one of the highlights of the month I spent travelling Ecuador. Miguel and the others who work in his small workshop continue to produce textiles in the traditional backstrap weaving fashion, which has over 3000 years of history ( as I was told by Miguel.) As far as I know, his workshop is the only one in Ecuador producing textiles in this fashion, using natural dies, all collected and produced by Miguel - the quality and beauty of this work is incredible, and the experience of meeting him is like an encounter with history - he is nothing short of a national treasure (at some 80 odd years, he learned to weave when he was 4 years old.) Spanish or Kichwa is a must, bring a guide if you don't speak either. Miguel is happy to receive guests and to give a tour of the tiny workshop, showing how the dies are produced, and explaining the process - there is also a store which sells the textiles (they are cheap considering a blanket can take up to two months to complete and are sold for a mere $600) - smaller, more affordable items are also available. To get to Agato, take a local bus from Otavalo, in front of the bus station, not in the bus station...it is a red bus (as of 2015,) and the 20-30 min. ride out to Agato is memorable as it's incredible bumpy, unpaved, full of holes. All part of the experience. Ask to be notified when you are in the calle principal de Agato, as the street is not marked as such....once in Agato, ask any local for directions to el taller de Miguel Andrango. Buses leaves back to Otavalo evry 20 minutes. Incredible experience, don't miss your chance.
Written 25 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C
United Kingdom16 contributions
Mar 2016
We visited with our family and had a great time. It was fantastic for the kids (and us) to see weaving done using traditional methods. And to meet a family so dedicated through three generations to their craft. Would definitely recommend visiting, but be careful in the shop afterwards - oh so easy to spend a lot...!
Written 28 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arnica2014
Vancouver, Canada7 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Met Miguel the owner and teacher of weaving and was given a full introduction to the art of weaving from wool processing to actual weaving. It is a small shop in the countryside and so worth the trip to see. The shop has items woven by various family menbers and is reasonably priced.
Written 8 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lollymlg
Heswall, UK106 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the charming master weaver Sr Andrago in his simple workshop. He patiently explained every stage of the weaving process from preparing the wool to producing the glorious textiles on hand looms. We came away with faces full of smiles and a gorgeous piece of traditional weaving which we will treasure. Well worth the short trip from Otavalo.
Written 16 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bneedell
Richmond, CA46 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
Others have described the the wonderful opportunity to meet Miguel and learn about his beautiful work. The bus from Otavalo to Agato runs about every 20 minutes (catch it outside of the terminal across the street for a quarter) goes right past his house and is a great ride that few tourists use..but make an appointment first. Our hour with this master was the highlight of a 2 week trip to a splendid vacation destination. Bring cash, lots, no plastic..you will be sorry if you don't.
Written 24 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary R
17 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
The Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop is the real thing. Not to be missed!
My driver and I found the workshop in a nondescript masonry building behind a large metal gate in a residential part of Otavalo. We had to pound on the gate. Just when it seemed no one was home, the gate opened and we were permitted entry. Whenever I try to describe my visit, in my mind's eye there are flickers of Luke's Jedi training with Yoda or perhaps a very gentle version of "The Cruel Tutelage of Pai Mai" segment from Kill Bill II.
Miguel Andrango is a tiny man, who appears old and weathered yet has strong hands. He lovingly demonstrated for us every facet of his weaving: we held the raw wool product, brushed it, watched intently as the spindle magically spun the brushed wool into individual threads, then observed how vibrant colors can be coaxed from drab nuts, local plants, even insects, if they're cooked over a special fire. My Spanish isn't very good, but I imagined a master exuding wisdom.
Also, Miguel is not a bad salesman and had ample help from family members on the day we visited. So, do not be fearful, young llama. You eventually will get to spend your hard-earned money in his shop and gladly pay for the privilege, but first you must train for it.
My driver and I found the workshop in a nondescript masonry building behind a large metal gate in a residential part of Otavalo. We had to pound on the gate. Just when it seemed no one was home, the gate opened and we were permitted entry. Whenever I try to describe my visit, in my mind's eye there are flickers of Luke's Jedi training with Yoda or perhaps a very gentle version of "The Cruel Tutelage of Pai Mai" segment from Kill Bill II.
Miguel Andrango is a tiny man, who appears old and weathered yet has strong hands. He lovingly demonstrated for us every facet of his weaving: we held the raw wool product, brushed it, watched intently as the spindle magically spun the brushed wool into individual threads, then observed how vibrant colors can be coaxed from drab nuts, local plants, even insects, if they're cooked over a special fire. My Spanish isn't very good, but I imagined a master exuding wisdom.
Also, Miguel is not a bad salesman and had ample help from family members on the day we visited. So, do not be fearful, young llama. You eventually will get to spend your hard-earned money in his shop and gladly pay for the privilege, but first you must train for it.
Written 10 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brittany H
Keeseville, NY7 contributions
Feb 2016 • Solo
Miguel, Rafeal, and Luz Maria are some of the most wonderful and spirited people I have ever met. They are true masters of their craft and they live and breath tradition. A visit to their workshop is an experience that you will never forget.
Written 8 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does one need an appointment to meet Miguel and family? We will not be on a group tour, only two of us
with our driver. Any days that they are not available?
Written 1 February 2018
If you wouldn't mind sending me an email at maggie at Latitude Foundation organization. I would be happy to help you arrange a date and time. Thank you so much for your interest--you won't be disappointed! Visiting Miguel, Luz MarÃa, and Rafael is always a treat.
Best,
Maggie
Written 1 February 2018
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing