This uniquely curated tour is Evie’s dream trip to the famous living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, Peru and you can come too! Guided by Abby Franquemont, together we will experience the sights, culture, and most of all textile traditions of the Andes.
We will arrive in Cusco on Friday, October 25th and the two week adventure will begin. We will stay in Ollantaytambo which will be our home base while we enjoy food, specially curated and priced shopping, guided tours to archeological sites, amazing landscapes, and workshops demonstrated by master textile artisans.
This trip will be beyond any standard tourist visit. Let’s experience Peru together on this exceptional and truly unique journey.
Accommodations:
You will stay in a shared comfortable, modern room featuring top quality beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot water and high water pressure. See views of the mountains and archaeological sites right outside your window. Enjoy high speed, unlimited fiber optic internet. Relax in common spaces where you can socialize, and maybe even spin or work on your crafts. You will be a scenic half-kilometer walk from restaurants, shops, cafes, and markets.
Two fiber friends will share each room. Limited king size beds are available for couples. Individuals can upgrade to a private room for an extra charge.
Food:
A daily breakfast buffet lets you select your own favorites from a range of fresh fruits, cereals, bread, spreads, local coffee, teas, infusions, juices and other traditional and local breakfast options. Most days, depending on itinerary, a daily group meal is cooked from scratch by a team of cooks with over 60 years of experience. They are able to meet dietary needs including allergies and many medically-ordered dietary considerations or dietary restrictions. You won’t be hungry or disappointed. You’ll also get to experience dining out in some of the best local restaurants.
Visit the Sights:
Machu Picchu is just a short train ride from Ollantaytambo. The Machu Picchu day trip is an optional add on to your adventure in Peru. We will also visit the Maras Salt Mines, thousands of individual salt pools on a hillside dating back to Incan times; Moray, an Incan archaeological site on a high plateau featuring a series of concentric terraces; Q'eswachaka Rope Bridge, one of the last handwoven Incan bridges crossing the Apurimac River; and everywhere we go, we will be surrounded by mountains and scenic views.
Shopping:
Shop with guidance and education so you can purchase from and talk with local makers, purchase direct authentic items, request things made to order, and know you’re paying a fair price with fair wages to artisans. Shop confidently knowing you’ll avoid fakes and tourist scams.
What to pack:
You will want to pack comfortable layers and any other personal necessities. Average temperatures in October are highs of around 72°F (22°C) and lows of around 41°F (5°C). October is part of the dry season in Ollantaytambo so little rain is expected, but surprising weather, of course, can happen. Before the trip we will have group zoom calls where you can ask questions and get more information about the expected weather conditions and other items to bring.
Spending Money:
$25/day spending money covers most little things like street food and souvenirs. ATMs are available and credit cards can be used in many places.
Health and Safety:
Ability to climb short flights of stairs (5-6 steps) without assistance is ideal. Unfortunately, most places around Ollantaytambo, especially the archeological sites, are not wheelchair accessible. Alternative activities can be provided if mobility is a challenge. The facility you will stay in has excellent night lighting. We will return from most daily activities before dark.
If you have specific health questions or concerns you can schedule a private video call to discuss required accommodations.
Altitude:
Our home base at lower-altitude Ollantaytambo allows for a gentle acclimation process and so does the schedule. While we are having lots of adventures, the plan is to avoid any long hikes or major exertion in the mountains.
Itinerary:
Week 1: 10/25 – 10/31
Day 1 – Arrive, meet a baby alpaca, receive education about navigating the local shops and restaurants, acclimate, rest.
Day 2 – Tour Ollantaytambo, weaving demonstrations by local artisans, presentations
Day 3 – Tour of Maras Salt Mine and Moray Salt Terraces
Day 4 – Cultural activity (tbd)
Day 5 – Rest, enjoy your textile projects, explore Ollantaytambo
Optional add on – Visit Machu Picchu, requires 5km of walking
Day 6 – Cusco city tour, spend the night in a hotel in Cusco
Day 7 – Explore Cusco (Those visiting for one week will depart)
WEEK 2: 11/1 – 11/7
Day 8 – Todos Santos Cultural activity
Day 9 – Costume presentation to learn about traditional dress, try things on, and purchase items for sale
Day 10 – Tour Raqchi and Q'eswachaka Rope Bridge, Walking is required to cross the bridge, but you can see it without walking for a limited number of steps.
Day 11 – Visit a community to learn about traditional Andean textiles
Day 12 – Cooking Class
Day 13 – Tour South Valley/ Andahuaylillas
Day 14 – Final day, depart
Activities and itinerary are subject to change based on weather, schedules, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Cost:
Two weeks $3,995
- October 25 to November 7, 2024
- Shared room with private bath (limited king beds for couples, first come first served)
- Breakfast buffet
- Lunch or dinner
- Box Lunches
- Farewell dinners included with Cusco city days
- Workshop/teacher fees
- Workshop materials
- Ground transportation (airfare not included)
- Luggage handling logistics
- Medical assessments
- Guide fees
- Concierge services
One week $1,945
- October 25 to October 31, 2024
- Same amenities as two weeks
Individual Room Upgrade
Two Weeks $1500
One Week $1000
Machu Picchu $500
- Train to/from Machu Picchu
- Site Entrance
- Box Lunch
- Tour Guide
A non-refundable deposit of $399 will hold your spot. You can choose this option upon checkout and pay the rest of your balance in monthly payments divided equally through August 1st, 2024. The payments will be invoiced through Paypal. The total balance must be paid on or before August 1st.
Travel Requirements:
We require a photo of your passport to reserve your entrance to Machu Picchu.
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your dates of travel, provide advance medical forms, and agree to comply with all local and national public health protocols as well as those in place at time of travel to ensure the safety of other tour members and personnel. Failure to meet these requirements may result in Peru denying you entry. Abby’s Yarns and JillianEve cannot be held responsible. Failure to comply with these terms will result in expulsion from the tour without refund.
