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Chinchero, Cusco · 3,762 m
Q'aytu: traditional weaving workshop in Chinchero
Learn the full Andean textile process -natural dyeing, spinning and loom weaving- with weavers from Chinchero, in Cusco's Sacred Valley.
The story
In Chinchero, weaving is a way of remembering
In Chinchero, the rainbow village, women read the landscape in thread. Our workshop is Norberta’s home: you don’t watch a demonstration — you weave with us.
“Every weaving holds the life of the person who made it. When I teach a visitor, my grandmother weaves with me again.”
A journey through Andean textiles, step by step
9:00 – 10:30 Arrival and a walk through Chinchero
We welcome you with tea and quick introductions, then a short botanical walk through the heights of Chinchero, the “rainbow village” — to see where today’s colours come from.
Did you know? Chinchero sits at 3,762 metres, higher than Cusco itself. Cochineal, q’olle and chilca all grow within a few minutes of the door — the workshop’s whole palette, right outside.
10:30 – 12:30 Natural dyeing and pompoms
We boil wool in clay pots with cochineal, q’olle flowers and chilca leaves. You will watch colour being born in front of you, choose your own shades, and turn them into pompoms.
Did you know? Cochineal, a tiny cactus insect, gives more than twenty shades of red. A few drops of lime turn it orange; a pinch of salt, purple.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch with the family
We share the table with Norberta and her family: a home-cooked, Andean lunch, made that same day. It is the workshop’s pause — and for many visitors, the favourite part.
Did you know? In Chinchero, cooking and weaving happen in the same courtyard: while the pot simmers, someone is always spinning.
13:30 – 16:00 Spinning and your first weaving
With the puska — the Andean drop spindle — you will turn dyed fibre into thread. Then, on the backstrap loom, you will weave your first rows and finish a traditional bracelet in your own colours.
Did you know? The patterns read like symbols: the ñawi is an eye that watches over the road, the loraypo a valley flower. None is written down; they live in memory.
Overnight + day two Want to go further? Stay one more night
In the 2-day immersion, the afternoon ends with free time to explore the square and the colonial church, a family dinner and a night at Norberta’s home. The next day, after breakfast, you return to the loom to learn new stitches and weave a complete belt.
Did you know? A belt takes almost twice the thread of a bracelet — it is the project the weavers save for guests who stay the night.
Life at the workshop
What they take home, besides the weaving
Real words from people who spent a day with us.
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- France
- Germany
- Israel
- Japan
- Mexico
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- United Kingdom
- United States
Toby Turnbull
United Kingdom
My partner and I were meant to stay for one night with Norberta but couldn’t leave! Her and her husband Alfredo were lovely hosts. We did a day weaving course which included foraging for plants to make natural dyes, a great experience. She also cooked us delicious food! Can’t wait to return in the future.
Virginia Fernández
Argentina
A magical place — if you are anywhere near, you have to see it. The work they do is wonderful.
Batya Katz
Israel
Staying at Norberta and Alfredo’s felt like coming home! The rooms are spacious and clean, the food is delicious and learning in their workshop is an incredible experience. So grateful to them for sharing their knowledge and their home with me. Highly recommended!
Martha
United States
This is the workshop of Norberta and Alfredo. I stayed at this magical place for a week and Norberta taught me about weaving and the Andean style of living. They sell their handmade products in the shop — if you come to Chinchero, absolutely stop by!
Navoda Hettiarachchi
Sri Lanka
A really beautiful and tranquil place where authentic, handmade textiles are being made by a family of generational weavers. Norberta and Alfredo are kind hearted and welcome everyone to come and understand their craft and art. Highly recommend!
Julien-Yacine
France
I learned natural dyeing and wove a lovely bracelet with Norberta, who is incredibly kind! We had lunch with her husband Alfredo — it was delicious! Go there with your eyes closed!
Before you come
How long is the workshop?
The one-day format runs 7 hours, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you would rather go deeper, the immersion extends to 2 days with 1 night in Chinchero.
What’s the difference between the two formats?
Both share the same first day: natural dyeing, spinning and your first woven piece. The 2-day immersion adds a night with Norberta’s family, breakfast the next morning, and a second weaving session to finish a full belt.
Do children pay?
Yes, there is a special child rate for both formats: US$30 for the one-day workshop and US$75 for the immersion.
Is there a group discount?
Yes. The price per person drops from 3 travellers, and again from 5 — you will see it once you pick your format in the booking section.
What languages is it in?
Spanish, English and French, with no intermediaries. Explanations happen in your language, right at the workshop.
How do I get to Chinchero?
We are 45 minutes from Cusco and 25 from Urubamba, two minutes from the main square. All transport options are listed below — and we’re happy to arrange a trusted taxi for you.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, water and a warm layer: we are at 3,700 metres. If you choose the 2-day immersion, pack a change of clothes for the night. All workshop materials are provided.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes — free of charge up to 48 hours before, with a full refund. If weather complicates your travel, we’ll find a new date together.
No question matches. Message us on WhatsApp and we will answer.
Plan your visit
Three steps, then we write back to confirm the date and availability. Nothing is charged now.
- 1 Format
- 2 Trip
- 3 Contact