Racchi Ayllu Community Visit + Andean Weaving Workshop

Explore the Racchi Ayllu community and dive into the richness of Andean culture by connecting with local inhabitants to discover their traditional textile craftsmanship. Additionally, you’ll have the unique opportunity to create a woven item yourself—a truly rewarding experience!

Tour Choices

During the booking process, you will have the option to select from two distinct experiences, both commencing at the specified location at kilometer 35 within the Racchi Ayllu community. Every option features an English-speaking guide, weaving workshop materials, as well as food for the llamas and alpacas. You will also be treated to a tasty lunch that includes soup, a traditional entrée, and a refreshing seasonal fruit beverage.

Below are the details of each tour choice:

Bracelet Weaving Workshop (Approximately 2 Hours and 40 Minutes)

Your adventure will begin with a warm welcome followed by a delicious lunch. We will then proceed to interact with the llamas and alpacas, offering you the chance to feed them and capture delightful photographs! A visit to the guinea pig barn will provide you with insights into the domestication of these intriguing animals.

Following that, participate in a bracelet weaving workshop led by skilled local artisans who will assist you in crafting beautiful Andean pieces. During this session, you will also learn about the community’s social initiatives and the intricate process involved in creating a textile garment, from harvesting wool from sheep or alpacas to spinning it into yarn and coloring it with natural dyes.

As we conclude this remarkable experience, you’ll have the option to acquire some beautiful hand-woven textiles.

Schedule: Daily at 12 noon, 1 pm, and 2 pm

Waist Weaving Workshop (Approximately 4 Hours)

If you select this experience, our journey will start by feeding the llamas and alpacas while delving into the intricacies of guinea pig domestication. You'll also gain knowledge about the textile and handicraft traditions, along with the efforts to support single women facing challenges.

Under the guidance of an experienced craftswoman, discussions about the dyeing technique will take place, followed by hands-on activities such as hand spinning wool, dyeing the wool, and waist weaving utilizing fibers from sheep and alpacas. At the conclusion of this workshop, you’ll be able to take home the dyed wool and the belt you crafted. You may also have the opportunity to buy handcrafted items created by local artisans.

Depending on your selected starting time, an outdoor lunch may come at the beginning or end of your session.

Schedule: Daily at 9 am and 12 noon.