Sacred Valley Textile Workshop – Dyeing & Weaving in Cusco

I took my 9-year old on this day long experience and it was wonderful---interactive and fun enough for her, intellectual enough for me. I love textiles and am a beginning weaver myself, and enjoyed learning about the backstrap loom and about the local sources for all the amazing natural dyes. Lucia and Ruth were so skilled, kind, and patient, and I loved listening to their Quechua chatter while we wove. Nayda was a fantastic translator, teacher, and guide! The lunch FAR exceeded our expectations, a huge spread that was delicious and authentic. It was a joy to exchange cultures with these beautiful women, in a way that felt so respectful, enriching, and supportive of the ongoing preservation of their rich tradition.

We had a wonderful time learning first hand the tradition and beauty of the textiles of Peru. Our guide, Nayda had first hand knowledge of the craft so was able to answer every question we had. We loved harvesting local leaves and using them to dye our own alpaca wool. Ruth and Licia were patient teachers as they taught us how to weave our very own treasures! The snacks were straight from the jungle and the lunch was all local organic food. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in gaining an appreciation and understanding of these fine textiles!

My son gave his experience as a birthday gift. The whole day was excellent. A super fun day learning and enjoying our time spent. Nadia was an excellent tour guide and translator, the women who shared their skills were lovely and patient while we wove our book marks. The cooks created a delicious meal. I’d highly recommend this experience to friends.

Very nice experience. We were very well received, received a very detailed explanation, were allowed to sit down at a nicely stocked and delicious lunch table.

This was one of the most fun and educational things we did in Cusco. It was so great to learn how generations before us have dyed wool, woven and told stories through the cloth and how this knowledge has been passed down. I don't know where to start, I am ecstatic after the course! It was so great to meet women at the center and watch them weave, learn about the craft and to buy handmade products directly from the women who made it. We got to make bookmarks (with good help), and now when I take out the book I always have to admire the bookmark before I can start reading. If I go back to Peru, this is something I will do again - without a doubt!

The Cusco textile workshop was an unforgettable experience. I came in expecting a simple demonstration, but was blown away by the depth of knowledge, the hands-on activities, and the warmth of the artisans. We learned about traditional dyeing techniques, alpaca wool, and the cultural significance behind each pattern. Watching the weavers work with such precision was mesmerizing—and getting to try it myself made it even more special. This workshop didn’t just meet expectations—it far exceeded them. Highly recommended!

Incredible experience to know the Textile heritage of Peru directly from its guardians. Nayda took care of all the details including an exquisite lunch. 100% recommended.

I had such a wonderful time at this weaving workshop — it was far more than just a craft class; it was a full, hands-on cultural and creative experience. We began by learning about the natural materials traditionally used to dye alpaca wool. The instructors shared insights into the plants, minerals, and techniques that give each yarn its rich, earthy color. After a delicious lunch, we dove into the weaving portion of the day. The master weavers were incredibly skilled and patient, guiding us through each step with encouragement. I created a small bookmark that I’ll treasure, not just for how it looks, but for the story and experience woven into it. To top it all off, I brought home three small balls of wool that we dyed ourselves — each a beautiful reminder of the process and the day. I left feeling inspired, grounded, and grateful for the chance to learn from such skilled artisans.

To do absolutely if you are interested in Andean textiles. Everything is very well explained and everything is beautiful. The practice of weaving is suitable for beginners. You will make exciting encounters and leave you as an expert in textiles, able to differentiate between manual and machine work. And a great opportunity to buy real craftsmanship. I recommend this activity a thousand times! I'm going to bed tonight with colors all over my eyes. Thank you so much!

Honestly the best experience ever. A gorgeous drive through the sacred valley to arrive at a workshop surrounded by mountains. We met some beautiful indigenous women who led us through the whole process. Picking the leaves to make the dyes, then dyeing some yarn (that we got to keep!), having some fresh fruits, an amazingly delicious lunch, and then learning how to weave! You really get to appreciate why hand woven products are (and should be) priced as they are because of all the hard work and skill that goes into a single piece. We only made such a small piece and it was so tiring and took forever already! Would recommend to everyone.