Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package

The Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package offers a delightful way to take in the rich culinary traditions of the Andes. Guests can expect a home-cooked meal prepared using ancient Quechua methods, showcasing the vibrant flavors of local ingredients. More than just a meal, this experience provides a glimpse into the daily lives of Andean artisans, fostering meaningful connections and promoting sustainable tourism. As you savor the dishes, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind each bite, leaving you eager to learn more about this remarkable culinary journey.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Cusco.

Key Points

• The Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package offers a unique cultural experience, including a hands-on weaving lesson and a home-cooked meal in a local Quechua village.
• The package includes round-trip transportation from Ollantaytambo and provides an opportunity to shop for ethically produced Andean crafts at the Awamaki store.
• The tour highlights the region’s history, Inca ruins, and family farms, enriching participants’ understanding of the Quechua community and its traditions.
• The experience is recommended by past travelers for its immersive nature, with a focus on responsible tourism and the empowerment of local women.
• The package is accessible to most travelers, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Overview and Experience

The Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore Quechua culture through ancient wool-weaving traditions in the heart of the Andean countryside.

Rated 100% recommended by past travelers, this immersive experience takes visitors to a local Quechuan village for a hands-on weaving lesson and demonstrations. You’ll gain insight into indigenous techniques dating back to pre-Inca days as you try your hand at spinning alpaca or sheep wool.

The package includes round-trip travel from Ollantaytambo and a delicious home-cooked lunch, promising an authentic cultural experience complemented by scenic landscapes.

Afterwards, you can browse the Awamaki store to shop for ethically produced Andean crafts, supporting the local community.

Itinerary and Highlights

Visitors begin their culture with a visit to a local Quechuan village nestled in the Andean countryside. Here, they’ll meet the welcoming community and partake in weaving lessons and demonstrations, gaining firsthand insights into indigenous techniques dating back to pre-Inca times.

The tour then takes them on a scenic drive through the Patacancha Valley, where they’ll witness Inca ruins and small family farms. Along the way, they’ll stop at sites of interest, seeing the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

The experience culminates with a visit to the Awamaki store, where travelers can browse and purchase ethically produced Andean crafts, supporting the local artisans.

Logistics and Meeting Points

Participants meet at La Esquina, Plaza de Armas in Ollantaytambo to begin the Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package excursion, which concludes at the Awamaki Store on Calle Principal in Ollantaytambo.

The tour departs at 9:00 am, offering round-trip transportation from Ollantaytambo or other nearby cities like Urubamba and Cusco.

Accessibility is limited, as the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly, though service animals are allowed.

Travelers are encouraged to bring a rain jacket, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the scenic landscapes and culture.

This authentic, educational, and ethical experience provides a unique opportunity to engage with the local Quechua community and learn about their ancient weaving traditions.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package costs $124.00, with a lowest price guarantee. Travelers can cancel their reservation for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, in the local time zone.

This affordable tour offers an authentic glimpse into Quechua culture and traditions. Guests will enjoy a unique home-cooked lunch in the Andean countryside, along with a chance to learn ancestral weaving techniques.

The responsibly-run experience empowers local women and promotes sustainable tourism.

Whether you’re seeking an educational adventure or simply a memorable day immersed in Peru’s natural beauty, the Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package delivers an unparalleled cultural experience at a fair price point.

Reviews and Feedback

Reviewers emphatically praise the Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package as a highlight of their Peruvian adventure, underscoring its authentic culture and responsible tourism approach.

They highlight several reasons why this experience stands out:

1. Opportunity to connect with the welcoming local Quechua community and learn their traditional weaving techniques.

2. Appreciation for the tour’s focus on empowering women and supporting ethical production of Andean crafts.

3. Stunning scenic landscapes and Inca ruins encountered along the way to the countryside lunch.

4. Overall sense of a truly unique and educational cultural experience, making it a memorable part of their Peruvian journey.

Reviewers unanimously recommend this tour as a must-do for anyone seeking an immersive, sustainable, and unforgettable cultural encounter in Peru.

Exploring Quechua Culture

Travelers journeying to the Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package enjoy the rich tapestry of Quechua culture, delving into the ancient wool-weaving traditions that have endured since pre-Inca times.

Through the guidance of the welcoming local community, guests are treated to an insightful weaving lesson and demonstration, gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricate techniques that have been passed down through generations.

As they spin alpaca or sheep wool, they’re transported back in time, connecting with the indigenous heritage that has shaped the Andean landscape.

This unique cultural exchange offers an empowering and educational experience, allowing travelers to forge meaningful connections and support the preservation of Quechua artistry.

Connecting With Local Community

As they step into the Andean countryside, visitors are warmly welcomed by the local Quechua community, who are eager to share their vibrant culture and traditions.

Through this immersive experience, travelers have the opportunity to:

1. Meet the welcoming villagers and learn about their daily lives.

2. Participate in weaving demonstrations, gaining insight into the intricate techniques passed down for generations.

3. Witness the community’s strong sense of togetherness and collective identity.

4. Engage in open conversations, fostering a genuine exchange of cultural knowledge and understanding.

This heartfelt connection with the local people is a highlight of the Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package, offering a profound and meaningful way to explore the richness of Quechua heritage.

Ethical Andean Crafts

The Awamaki store at the end of the tour invites visitors to shop for ethically produced Andean crafts, supporting the local artisans and their traditional weaving practices.

From vibrant alpaca-wool blankets to delicate jewelry, every item reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Quechua people. Guests can browse a curated selection of products, each one crafted with care and respect for the environment.

By purchasing these unique goods, travelers directly contribute to the empowerment of indigenous communities, ensuring the preservation of age-old techniques passed down through generations.

It’s an opportunity to not only find beautiful souvenirs but also to engage in responsible tourism that champions social and environmental sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The average group size for this tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the tour focuses on providing an intimate, authentic cultural experience by engaging with the local Quechua community in a small village setting.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Requirements to Consider?

The tour offers flexibility for dietary needs. They can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests with advance notice. Guests should notify the provider of any food allergies or restrictions when booking to ensure a tailored experience.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended or customized. Travelers can work with the Awamaki team to tailor the experience based on their interests and schedule. Additional time allows for deeper engagement with the local community and weaving traditions.

What Is the Level of Physical Activity Involved in This Experience?

The experience involves a moderate level of physical activity. Guests can expect light walking and standing during the weaving lesson and village visit. Comfortable shoes are recommended to fully explore the scenic Andean countryside.

Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place for This Tour?

This tour follows local COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitizing. The small group size and outdoor activities also help ensure a safe, responsible experience. Travelers’ health and comfort are the top priority.

Recap

The Awamaki Earth-Oven Lunch Package offers an immersive dining experience that connects travelers with Quechua culture.

By savoring a home-cooked meal prepared in a traditional earth oven and engaging with local artisans, guests gain a deeper appreciation for Andean cuisine and communal practices.

This unique culinary adventure promotes sustainable tourism, supports the local community, and fosters meaningful cultural exchange.