NATURAL DYE WORKSHOP
BY PICHINKU
Join the Pichinku girls at their workshop in the Sacred Valley of Cusco for an unforgettable experience of culture and color!
Pichinku is a social enterprise that is committed to preserving the rich cultural and environmental heritage of the Andes. Each workshop directly benefits the preservation of artisanal techniques and the well-being of those that practice them.
Our workshops are intimate experiences for small groups to learn about techniques that have been practiced for thousands of years in Peru. Roll up your sleeves to work hands-on with Peruvian fibers, locally collected dye plants, the traditional backstrap loom and drop spindle.
We work with a medium quality wool yarn for our workshops that is suited for teaching/learning purposes. We can provide higher quality yarn (baby alpaca or merino wool) if desired by the client with two week’s notice before the workshop date and at an additional charge.
2 Hours Experience
Workshop includes 3 skeins of medium quality wool yarn (that clients will dye themselves and keep), materials to learn 3 naturally dyed colors, light snack and coffee / tea.
4 Hours Experience
Workshop includes short excursion to harvest chilca leaves along the nearby river, 5 skeins of medium quality wool yarn (that clients will dye themselves and keep), materials to learn 5 naturally dyed colors, light snack and coffee / tea.
8 Hours Experience
Workshop includes short excursion to harvest chilca leaves along the nearby river, 8 skeins of medium quality wool yarn (that clients will dye themselves and keep), materials to learn 8 naturally dyed colors, light snack and coffee / tea, mid afternoon break for lunch and refreshments.
-
DAY 1 - CUSCO TO HUAYLLABAMBAEarly in the morning, we take the way leading from Cusco to Km82 (2750 mt/9130 ft), this is our check point at the beginning of the trek. The trail follows the river valley for a while; this is a good training day before the second more challenging day. Along the way we will pass Wilkaracay with its impressive view of Patallacta which are both important Inca remains. It is just the beginning of a holy trail full of sanctuaries. Today, after about 7 hours walking we will reach our first camping place at Huayllabamba (3000 mt/9842ft). On reaching our camp for the evening we will be met by our trek team, the porters who will have already set up camp and our cook who will be preparing our evening meal. Day Distance: 12 km / 7.3 ml Approximate Walking time: 6-7 hrs Meals: L, D + Snacks
-
DAY 2 - HUAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYOEver optimistic, the sun will be shining on our second day as we follow the Inca trail to Warmiwañusta (Dead Woman’s Pass). This is considered to be the most challenging trek day as we cross this highest point of the trail at 4200m (13779ft), prepare for a steep uphill until we summit. The sense of achievement is a reward in itself, then a beautiful stone trail will show us the way as we descend to our tents in the campsite at Pacaymayo (3580 mt/11740 ft). On reaching our camp for the evening we will be met by our trek team who will have already set up camp and our cook who will be preparing our mouthwatering evening meal. Day Distance: 11km / 7 ml Approximate Walking time: 8 to 9 hrs. Meals: B, L, D + Snacks
-
DAY 3 - PACAYMAYO TO PHUYUPATAMARCAWaking up just in time to be served a hot drink, our tents pitched within the surroundings of the cloud forest. After a good and healthy breakfast we continue along this ancient trail passing small marshes, continuing over the second mountain pass of the trek. It is the second highest point of the hike (3,900mt/12,950ft). As we descend we will see the flora and fauna become more abundant with hummingbirds accompanying us along our route. We have lunch at Chaquicocha (3500 mt/11,620 ft) a fine place for a break in the middle of the cloud forest. The last two hours of the day, are some of the most memorable and breathtaking views of the Inca Trail. We reach our last campsite when the sun sets at Phuyupatamarca, a befitting name meaning 'town in the clouds'. Day Distance: 12 km / 7.3 ml Approximate Walking time: 8 to 9 hrs Meals: B, L, D + Snacks
-
DAY 4 - PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHUWe begin the final leg of our trek to the lost city of Machupicchu. We descend for 3hrs, about 900m below from Phuyupatamarca. On the way down there are a couple of Incan Archaeological sites: Intipata first, and then Wiñaywayna which is just 2 hrs before the Sungate entrance (“Inti Punku”). Having taken time to enjoy the first glimpse of Machu Picchu; we walk down in to the astonishing complex for a full tour to learn from our guide all about this fascinatingly unique Citadel. Later we take the bus down to be on time for the train back to Ollantaytambo, from here, our private transport will bring us back to Cusco. Day Distance: 7.3 km / 4.5 ml Approximate Walking time: 5 hrs Meals: B, L + Snacks