Not far from the Imperial city of Cusco, the working Camel farm called Awanacancha takes place. Native to Peru and South America are Llamas, Alpacas, and Vicunas. These animals are part of the Camel family and you will see them all over Peru. A Peru travel itinerary would be incomplete without the presence of these cute animals, don’t you think? Traditionally Llamas were used as work animals and still are today. Alpacas are known for their wool and there delicious tender meat. The lesser-known of the group is the Vicuna, only bred for its wool and is known for its fineness and quality. Sold to the fashion industry all over the world, Vicuna has a hefty price tag.
Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Awanacancha is a popular stop on the day tours to the Sacred Valley and is a fantastic part of the ideal one-day itinerary Pisac.
Awanacancha is a weaving center and farm with the goal to keep alive the traditional textile arts. Here you can see four members of the camelid family – llama, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos of South America, Alpacas have thick wool and is the most commonly used while the vicunas are small and delicate with fur considered the finest wool of the Cameloids.
You can meet these four cameloids, learn about the harvesting of the different wools and the natural dying techniques, and have a chance to see native weavers from different areas showing their different weaving styles and dress.
Awanacancha is a private project with 14 local native communities; the people of these communities have made weaving the principle activity of their villages and have done so for many centuries. The projects preserve the art of Andean weavings and help with the economic stability of the communities. The projects also demonstrate the skills of these Andean people and help local communities with social integration.
On a visit to Awanacancha, you will see the local people demonstrating their weaving skills, the craft has been passed down through the centuries from family to family and you will be amazed by the craftsmanship of these talented people. Also at Awanacancha, you will have a chance to purchase some of the wonderful pieces on display in the shop. These handcrafted pieces are all made at Awanacancha from local wool and will be an investment that will last forever. You will be surprised at the colors and styles on offer, so help the local communities and purchase a souvenir from Awanacancha.
Other than Awanacancha the Sacred Valley of the Incas has much to offer on your tour to Peru. The Sacred Valley is one of the most naturally beautiful locations you will ever see. Set in the heart of the Andes Mountain range the valley has a temperate climate and is surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains. However, there is not only natural beauty to discover, but also a valley which has some of the best examples of Inca ruins in Peru. Take the time to see the ruin at Pisaq, not only is it a wonder of Inca architecture but the views are to die for. On your tour of the site, learn the history and wonder and the Inca genius Maras and Moray attraction.
While in Pisaq, spend some time at the local market held every day in the town square. Here you will find everything you will need to buy to remember Peru. See the colorful displays of textiles on offer throughout the market. While at the market try the tasty empanadas fresh from the ovens, there are meat, chicken, and vegetable varieties to try. Also, try some of the tasty restaurants and cafes that are on the plaza featuring local and international food.
Around a forty-minute drive from Pisac, you will find the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Said to be the site where the Inca´s last held off the Spanish Invaders, Ollantaytambo is a feat of engineering. Be amazed at the skill of the Inca builders and how they managed to build such a structure in the middle of the valley.
On the way to Pisac stop off at the Maras and Moray attraction. These two sites are worth half a day of your travel time and you will see salt mines that are still in use today. No trip to Peru would be complete without a trip to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is considered to be the most famous and the most spectacular of all the Inca sites. Thousands of tourists visit every year and some even walk the famous Inca Trail, a four-day hike that finishes in Machu Picchu.
For your next vacation travel to Peru and South America, while in Cusco take the time to visit the Awanacancha textile center to see the beautiful textiles and see the animals that live there. The support of the tourists helps to keep these wonderful traditions alive, so they can be passed down to future generations. The people of the Awanacancha communities wait for your visit to share their lives with you. Book a trip to Peru today.
