Creative Retreat | Weaving + Natural Dyeing in Peru
Andean Textile Arts - Weaving, Natural Dyeing + Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley, Peru | July 19 - 26, 2026
Journey to the breathtaking Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in the craft, cuisine and culture of Peru. Here, we’ll explore ancient cities, natural wonders and delve into ancestral Andean Textile Arts learning from indigenous master artisans who have been cultivating their craft for generations.
With the Peruvian Andes as a backdrop, we’ll create all-natural, vibrant plant dyes and participate in centuries old traditional dyeing techniques. We will meet the weavers of Patacancha, learning about their community, Quechua culture and textile-making practices while working alongside these master weavers to create our own piece of Fibre Art.
We’ll explore the community of Ollantaytambo, an ancient city and Inca archeological site, visit pre-Inca salt mines in Maras and experience the wonder of Machu Picchu, guided by a local expert.
We’ll feast on Peruvian meals steeped in culture and tradition, showcasing local ingredients and ancient methods. Learning from 4th generation and National Geographic highlighted farmer, Manuel Choqque, we’ll dive into papas nativas (Peruvian Native potatoes) and the cultivation and conservation of tubers. We’ll honor the art of Cañazo in a distillation and elixir making workshop, sampling cocktails made from ancestral recipes.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
July 19 - July 26, 2026
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Room - $5,295 USD
Private Room - $6,295 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
OCTOBER 22, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
CREATIVE RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Indigenous, generational, artisan-lead workshops
Multi-day textile workshop with weaving and Alpaca Ceremony
Andean plant based dye making and natural dyeing hands-on demo
Traditional + Artisanal Culinary experiences
Traditional Pachamanca “earth oven” lunch
Gourmet Andean picnic
Cocktail tasting
Potato and tuber demo and 4 course meal with Manuel Choqque
Cañazo distillation demo and make-your-own Elixir workshop
Alqa museum visit and dinner
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Visit to Maras Salt Flat
All admissions to sites during included tours
Cusco Airport Transfers (on specified days)
Transportation during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Travel + Learn with Host Sonya Radesky
Working in close partnership with Andean artisans to host textile and natural dye workshops in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Sonya’s goal is to foster memorable exchanges of history, knowledge, warmth, and wonder, woven between guests, artisan partners, and the country of Peru. Acting as a facilitator between artisan partners and the visitors who come to learn more about the Quechua culture and art forms, Sonya founded AulaArtesana.com as an immersive travel experience, introducing travelers from around the world to the craft, cuisine, and culture of Peru.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the needs of the group.
Day 1
Sunday, July 19
Arrival in Cusco + Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Peru!
Welcome to Cusco, Peru! Airport arrivals will be picked up at the airport. Settle into your hotel room and relax before you meet the group for dinner.
This evening we have a meet + greet welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Monday, July 20
Journey to Sacred Valley + Natural & Botanic Dyes Workshop in Calca
Today we set off for the Sacred Valley.
We will visit the small town of Calca set against dramatic mountain peaks where you will learn to create plant dyes using materials and techniques practiced in this region for thousands of years. For lunch you will enjoy a gourmet Andean picnic.
We’ll head back to Cusco and finish our evening with a special tasting menu blending traditional Peruvian flavors with innovative dishes.
Once we reach Ollantaytambo we will settle in and then we visit the Alqa Andean Art Museum and end our day with a special dinner at the museum.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Tuesday, July 21
Manuel Choqque Tuber Conservation + Visit to Maras salt Flats
Spotlighted by National Geographic Food and hailed as a “game changing producer” Manuel Choqque honors the potato as a sacred Inca food while also pushing it towards the future, creating more than 380 hybrids, high in vitamins and minerals. We’ll learn from Manuel about his tuber conservation and we’ll feast on his delicious bounty, with a home-cooked, 4 course meal.
Later, we visit the captivating Maras Salt Flats. Over 3000 salt pools dating back to pre-columbian times are still harvested using traditional techniques at Salinas de Mares. Water, naturally salt-infused, flows down from the mountains and settles in the pans. As the water evaporates, salt remains, to be extracted with simple tools. The salt gathered here is considered some of the best in the world.
We’ll end our day in Ollantaytambo where we’ll settle in and dine together at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Wednesday, July 22
Textile Workshop in Patacancha
This morning we journey to the Quechua community of Patacancha to begin exploring the centuries old traditions of Andean Fibre arts. Learning from the indigenous community of master weavers, you’ll experience the textile-making process from start to finish, including fiber processing, spinning and dyeing. You’ll learn about Andean symbology and design selection for weavings as you begin to create your own woven piece using a special backstrap loom.
We’ll share a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Thursday, July 23
Textile Workshop in Patacancha Continued
We return to Patacancha to continue our weaving workshop. We will participate in the Alpaca Ceremony with the community, sharing in the time-honored tradition of the sacred shearing process. With the assistance of the artisan community, you’ll complete your personal woven pieces and we’ll end with a small group exhibition.
We’ll join the community and our weaving teachers for a traditional Pachamanca earth oven lunch. These meals are prepared across the country for special events. Each region has their own special recipes. Local ingredients such as marinated meats, roasted cheese and vegetables are buried and cooked underground over hot stones. The result: an explosion of flavor only found in the Peruvian Andes.
We’ll connect for a group dinner this evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Friday, July 24
Guided Visit to Machu Picchu
Early wake up today as we board the train to Aguas Calientes with our guide who will take us on a walking tour of the historic sanctuary known as Machu Picchu.
Listed as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
We’ll share lunch together in Aguas Calientes and take the return train back to our hotel for dinner on your own in Ollantaytambo
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Saturday, July 25
Distillation workshop with Destilería Andina + Farewell Dinner
This morning you will work with the Destilería Andina team and make-your-own Elixir Andino! The tradition of distilling sugar cane into cañazo goes back centuries in Peru.
The master distillers of Destilería Andina take guests through the artisanal cañazo distillation process based in Peruvian history and contemporary innovation, with the chance to try the full range of Caña Alta products, including many private blends and in-house experiments. You will take home your own herbal macerado with spices and herbs harvested from the farm. We finish with a cocktail tasting and family-style tasting lunch.
This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the town of Ollantaytambo. Your local guides can make suggestions for places to visit and shop.
We’ll gather together in the evening for a visit to the Alqa Andean Art Museum and end our trip with a farewell dinner at the museum.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Sunday, July 26
Return to Cusco
Enjoy breakfast in Ollantaytambo before we board our group shuttle back to Cusco. Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure!
Meal included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
Cusco
Located in Cusco’s most historic neighborhood, our welcome hotel is an original casona that has been restored to its former prestige with beautiful hand-carved wooden balconies, stone patios, and stone archways that invite the past into the present. The hotel is designed to provide a restful and comfortable stay within the bustling, vibrant city.
Sacred Valley
Originally opened in 1925, our hotel is located in the Sacred Valley community of Ollantaytambo a little more than an hour away from Machu Picchu and Cusco. Our rooms are surrounded by gardens visited by hummingbirds and engulfed by the aroma of fuchsia, passionflower, peaches and avocado trees.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared bed option.
Group Size: Minimum 10 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON OCTOBER 22, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - TWIN SHARED ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$5,295 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
Shared rooms have two, individual twin beds. You will share a room with one other guest for the duration of the trip. The rooms have a rustic, local feel set amongst the gardens and mountains. These boutique accommodations provides an intimate experience in a family- owned, boutique hotel committed to sustainability and the local community.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due January 20, 2025: $2,800
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$6,295 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
You will have a private room for the duration of the trip. The rooms have a rustic, local feel set amongst the gardens and mountains. These boutique accommodations provides an intimate experience in a family- owned, boutique hotel committed to sustainability and the local community.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due January 20, 2025: $3,800
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate vegan, gluten-free or dairy/egg-free requirements, and some specific allergies on this trip.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Elevation
This region’s high altitude (9,200+ feet above sea level) means air is rarefied, thinner. It usually takes about 48 hours to adjust and staying hydrated helps. Some people can experience altitude sickness while acclimatizing to the elevation.
Accessibility
Please note this trip includes several walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, trails, hills, and stairs. Our workshops will be outside where the locals are dyeing and weaving in nature and around animals. You may be sitting on the ground, or stools. You may be on your feet for several of hours at a time and should be comfortable walking 2 - 5kms.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop session and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Cusco, Peru.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), also known as Cusco Aiport is located roughly 5.5km from the historic center of Cusco.
For guests arriving to CUZ on Day 1, July 19, 2026, you will be picked up from the airport and brought to our hotel in Cusco.
For those departing on July 26, 2025 from CUZ airport, we include a transfer to CUZ airport.
Weather
July is a nice time of year to visit Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Days are usually clear and sunny. Daytimes temperatures are usually range in the mid 60s F but can reach the low 70s F. Mornings and evenings will have much cooler weather from the low 30s F to low 40s F. We recommend packing layered clothes for your stay and a jacket and umbrella to prepare for the chance of showers.
Included in this Trip
Indigenous, generational, artisan-lead workshops
Multi-day textile workshop with weaving and Alpaca Ceremony
Andean plant based dye making and natural dyeing hands-on demo
Traditional + Artisanal Culinary experiences
Traditional Pachamanca “earth oven” lunch
Gourmet Andean picnic
Cocktail tasting
Potato and tuber demo and 4 course meal with Manuel Choqque
Cañazo distillation demo and make-your-own Elixir workshop
Alqa museum visit and dinner
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Visit to Maras Salt Flat
All admissions to sites during included tours
2 nights accommodation in Cusco
5 nights accommodation in Ollantaytambo
Transport during included meals and activities
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Indigenous, generational, artisan-lead workshops
Multi-day textile workshop with weaving and Alpaca Ceremony
Andean plant based dye making and natural dyeing hands-on demo
Traditional + Artisanal Culinary experiences
Traditional Pachamanca “earth oven” lunch
Gourmet Andean picnic
Cocktail tasting
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Supplies
All supplies needed for the workshops will be provided.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws, including any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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