Forage the high-jungle mountain side, collecting tree roots, bark and the leaves of endemic Andean bushes. Learn to identify these native dye plants in their environment and how to apply them using ancient natural dye techniques to locally purchased wool or additional fiber.

Workshops last four day including travel. The price includes all materials including yarn, as well as food and accommodation. You’ll leave with over three kilos of stunning yarns ready to ball and knit, not to mention the experience of a lifetime!

In addition to dyeing yarns, you will have the opportunity to learn about beekeeping and take stunning hikes to the family’s chakras (farm plots) as well as in the hills surrounding Parobamba. Daniel Sonqo, the workshop instructor, is an avid naturalist and beekeeper and will happily and enthusiastically share his wealth of knowledge with interested visitors. On the final day, you will also have a chance to study weaving on the traditional backstrap loom with Daniel's wife, Leonarda.

Who we work with

The workshop is taught by weaving and dye master Daniel Sonqo at his family's home in Parobamba, a tiny community nestled in the cloud forest about four hours from Calca in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Parobamba is situated at 10,200ft (3,400m) in the valley of the river Mapocho. Daniel lives there with his wife Leonarda, expert weaver, and their four sons, two of whom are now in college in Cusco. Over 12 years ago, Daniel began to explore the potential of local native dye plants, looking for more economic and natural alternatives to the synthetic powdered pigments that weavers had become accustomed to using. Daniel's talent was quickly noted by  NGOs administrating weaving projects and university researchers from Cusco.  He has since worked as a consultant with many regional projects to revive the use of traditional dyes among weaving communities. Presently he is writing a book to teach the art and science of Andean natural dye techniques.

Awamaki's weaving project has been lucky enough to work with Daniel for over  five years and with his help has succeeded in both conserving and rejuvenating traditional knowledge amongst our weaving cooperatives in Patacancha and Kelkanka. Most recently, Daniel has been aiding Awamaki in collecting and propagating the dye plant kinsaQ’ kuchu, a native Andean plant on which grows a pigment-containing fungus used to create shades of turquoise, celeste and teal.   In March 2011 we successfully transplanted kinsaQ’ kuchu to Awamaki's weaving community of Patacancha as part of our dye garden initiative.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation  is provided in Daniel's house, a typical Andean home. Visitors share a bedroom in which all bedding, including several warm blankets, is provided. The intensive program requires the use of natural light – be prepared for 6am starts! – and electricity is in short supply. Meals are plentiful,  traditional and simple Andean fare. Food is generally vegetarian, sometimes served with a little chicken or charki (sun-dried beef jerky). Please advise of any special dietary requirements.

Tour Dates and Transportation

Transportation is not included in the cost of tour

Getting to Parobamba is one of the most exciting parts of the trip!

Tours leave regularly on early Thursday morning from Ollantaytambo and return late Sunday night.

The tour meets in the Plaza de Armas in Ollantaytambo at 4:00am. A private taxi will bring the group to Calca, arriving before 5:30am. Buses depart Calca for Amparais at approximately 5:30am. From Calca to Amparais the trip takes about  four hours. Daniel will meet the group in Amparais and will provide private transportation to his home in Parobamba. From Amparais to Parobamba the trip takes about 1.5 hours. You should arrive in Parobamba around 11:00am.

Leaving Parobamba on a Sunday, you should be able to get a ride down with the weekly fruit truck.  Once settled into the back of the fruit cargo truck, or if you are lucky, in one of the front two seats with amazing views, you will ride down as far as Calca. From Calca you can either contract a taxi to Ollantaytambo, or take the public bus service from Calca to Urubamba, Urubamba to Ollantaytambo.

You will be accompanied on this trip by your Spanish and English speaking Awamaki guide.

Transportation costs can vary depending on bus companies and the preferences of the group, thus why we do not include them in the cost of the tour. You should spend no more than s/75 ($28) round trip.

Price

Tour includes:

- English and Spanish speaking Awamaki guide

- Dye Workshop tuition

- All dye materials including three kilos of sheep yarn (additional charges may apply for weaving yarn and alpaca yarn, please inquire)

- Homestay accommodation, three meals a day and drinking water

- The opportunity to purchase expert textiles directly from Daniel and Leonarda

- The opportunity to purchase organic honey and other bee products from the family

- Pick up in Amparais and transport to Daniel’s home

- Fresh air, cultural immersion, friendship, adventure, meditation and more!

Price of tour is $260

For more information or to reserve please contact tours@awamaki.org. We have four places available for each tour!