Awamaki works with several artisans in Ollantaytambo who are masters of their crafts. We coordinate half-day classes and workshops for visitors who are interested in learning traditional arts.
Currently we offer:
Pottery with Pre-Inca Techniques
Traditional Basket-weaving
Peruvian cuisine cookery class
Traditional Woodcarving
For visitors with more time in Ollantaytambo we would be happy to schedule a series of workshops, or even an intensive course. Workshops can be combined with homestay accommodation and Spanish lessons.
Please contact tours@awamaki.org for more information.
In a morning or afternoon, master potter Lucho Soler can teach you not only the basics of hand-built pottery, but also the history and significance of ceramics in Peru.
Lucho, originally from Lima, is a world-class potter and has settled in Ollantaytambo to work with local potters and to further develop his art in his native country. Lucho does not use commercial materials, glazes or the potter’s wheel. He makes pottery entirely by hand, using raw materials and local clays gathered from the surrounding areas of Cusco. His pots are then decorated using colored clays and burnished (a special polishing technique) with river stones or agate. Burnishing, such as that practised by the Pueblo potters of New Mexico, Mata Ortiz and Mexico is of one the most highly admired pottery techniques among ceramic collectors. The burnishing technique results in a finish that is natural, lead-free, silky and shiny, leaving the pot with a mirror-like surface.
Lucho speaks fluent English and is one of the most knowledgeable people in town with regard to Peruvian culture, history and development. See here for examples of his work.
Lucho will teach you to appreciate the beauty of raw clay by helping you to hand-build a beautiful coil pot. Please note that due to the lengthiness of ceramic production, finishing and firing a piece is not possible; it can take several weeks to complete the process! You will, however, receive an education in ceramic history and variation worldwide.
Price per person: $44 or s/120
No previous experience necessary.
Learn the basics of basket-weaving from local artisan Pancho Carbajal. Pancho’s family have been basket-weavers for generations. Meet Pancho’s family and get comfortable in his patio for his lesson. Take off your shoes; much of the work is done with your feet! Pancho speaks little English but is patient with people of all levels of Spanish and skill. Everyone will be able to complete a basket, and will leave with not only a greater appreciation for the skill involved in this ancient craft, but also a beautiful woven Peruvian basket. It also makes a great gift – if you can bear to part with it.
N.B. This workshop requires a few weeks’ notice and at least four participants: Pancho weaves with huamanpita, a high-altitude shrub. For each lesson, Pancho must hike for a day to harvest the plant, returning home to prepare it for weaving. Visitors who have a bit more time are welcome to join Pancho to harvest the plant.
Price per person: $33 or s/90
In this simple and rewarding class, learn to cook a traditional Peruvian dish. The class will cover Peruvian classics such as rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) or tamales. A typical class will start with a trip to Ollantaytambo’s food market to purchase fresh ingredients from the local vendors. Your teacher will guide you in chopping, mixing, and sautéing the Peruvian way. When the food is done, you can enjoy your tasty creation in the Pachamama dining room!
Price per person: $37 or s/100
Price includes meal, filtered water and a traditional drink of Chicha Morada
Try your hand at traditional hand-carving techniques with Ollantaytambo’s master carver, Julio Farfán. The art of woodcarving has been in Julio’s family for generations. In his studio in the heart of Inca town, work with Julio’s simple hand tools and unfinished cedar to create a memorable keepsake.
Price per person $30 or s/80
No previous experience necessary.