Awanacancha Weaving Center Review: Is the Round Trip Worth it?

Okay, so you’re thinking of checking out Awanacancha, the weaving center near Cusco, right? And, I mean, the whole “transfer with waiting time, round trip” thing has you curious, it’s almost a package deal! This review, actually, is just going to break down what you can expect, is that it? We’ll touch on everything from the alpacas – cute overload alert – to the weaving demonstrations and whether the journey out there is worth your time, or maybe if you should just catch the bus! Stick around; we’re gonna spill all the Andean tea.

What Even Is Awanacancha, Anyway?

First, though, so what’s this Awanacancha place all about? Awanacancha, you see, isn’t just some random tourist trap; very much it’s a living display of Andean textile traditions, very. Think of it as a cultural center, or a sort of living museum that focuses on the art of weaving and showcases the animals that make it all happen. Basically, you get to see alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos – yep, all four of them – and understand where that crazy soft wool actually comes from, it seems.

That is to say, the name Awanacancha loosely translates to “the palace of weaving.” Arguably, it’s a place where local communities show off their textile-making skills, maintaining this age-old craft for new generations, arguably. Women from different communities show you how they shear the animals, how they get dye from plants and other things, and, well, of course, how they weave. It’s more than just seeing a pretty textile, you know, but seeing the time and tradition that is put in them, basically.

The Round Trip Transfer: Convenience or a Hassle?

Alright, let’s get into this transfer situation, just a little. This part could be a good idea or something that makes you sigh, depending on what kind of person you are, anyway. This “transfer with waiting time, round trip” is a service that, by the way, is frequently offered by hotels or tour companies around Cusco, just a little. Very, very often it’s promoted as an easy peasy way to visit Awanacancha without you having to fuss about the public transportation or bartering for taxi fares.

For those people that want convenience, naturally, this choice is top-notch, naturally. Someone comes to grab you from your lodging, you see, whisks you away to Awanacancha, hangs around waiting for you to check out the site, and then carts you safely back to your beginning point. The “waiting time” piece is vital here because, very very often, it means you have a set window – like one or two hours – to spend at Awanacancha, it appears. In other words, you might not get as long as you’d like there.

Still, if you are trying to visit multiple sites on one day (the Sacred Valley is close) or if you basically aren’t keen on the idea of flagging down rides or attempting to read bus timetables, this might be ideal. Then again, public transportation is a great way to save cash in the long run, but you will sacrifice a bit of time and convenience, or so it would seem.

What to Expect at Awanacancha Itself

So, actually what are you signing up for when you actually get to Awanacancha? A lot, I think. As a matter of fact, there are four main components that can all blend into each other: the animals, the demonstrations, the gift shop, and the atmosphere, as a matter of fact.

Let’s kick things off with the stars of the show: the animals, right? I mean, if you adore fluffy, adorable creatures, or something like that, you’re in for a treat, you know. I want to say, the alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos hang out in fenced spots where, of course, you can watch and feed them – often there’s food available for purchase to treat them. It is not just cute, though – you discover their fur and how they differ from each other; for instance, vicuña wool is some seriously expensive material because it’s extremely fine, something to do with that.

After your date with those endearing beings, wander toward the weaving demo. Here, by the way, indigenous women in conventional garb explain all things natural dyes and classic weaving processes, by the way. It’s truly inspiring to see how they utilize plants and minerals to create vivid colors. Likewise, you may even get the chance to attempt to weave a little bit by yourself. Try your hand at it – you can really learn an appreciation for this textile craft, similarly to the women do.

I want to say that, finally, you will land in the gift store, where, truly, you can buy a myriad of weaved things, I want to say. This, actually, is the spot to purchase straight from the artisans, actually. If you buy from them, know you’re helping them straight; look at their labels for which women made what!

Is the “Waiting Time” Really Enough?

So, that’s the million-dollar query, is that it? We sort of went there a bit, it seems. That fixed “waiting time” – typically an hour, possibly two – actually enough to explore and genuinely value Awanacancha, it seems? Arguably, for a basic introduction, arguably yes, for example. But bear in mind, very often that there are others. Very, very, very often, other large groups that will show up all at the same time.

Okay, should the animals be your #1 thing, or you’re really pushed for time, arguably a shorter stay can work, like your travel pal wants to leave quick to some other sight. You need to, however, if you are an actual weaving fiend and you want time to fully connect with weavers, very, you might be somewhat hassled. I mean, you’ll perhaps just get a brief glance at each section instead of absorbing things deeply, basically. Very, very, very often if textiles are the name of your adventure you will enjoy other close by weaving places or even be on the look out for a half day or full day excursion in the area, very often.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

At the end of the day, it’s beneficial, to really go over both upsides and drawbacks when figuring if the Awanacancha trip – more accurately, particularly, the guided tour inclusive of transfer/waiting time – checks all boxes, definitely.

Basically, here’s what you might like: simple, smooth sailing because of zero self directed arrangement duties, or something like that; a great quick taste of textile history, right? Basically, you are ensured an opportunity to witness the llamas, vicuñas and alpacas; simple transfer services; and also the ability to purchase legit crafts produced straight from the weavers. What may possibly not work well for you, maybe? Time-restrictive with little space to thoroughly savor something. And it maybe turns into rushed experiences should your passion become lost amid crowds. The feeling gets old of always watching the time.

Alternatives to the Round Trip Transfer

So, you’re on the edge, too it’s almost like there’s the whole transfer idea isn’t jiving well with you, is that it? Great! There are more options to still experience Awanacancha minus locking you into any predetermined timeframe. Truthfully you might hire cabs independently. Verify, really, for the price upfront before hopping into that seat; additionally arrange the timeframe to come back if needed. A cab can come from Urubamba or Cusco – whichever you prefer or are at currently.

Something you will want to contemplate doing, to say, might be utilizing the nearby buses; truthfully you should search the web in order to examine all paths, but public transits in Peru have the tendency to become very dependable if slightly stuffed! One gets authentic Peruvian living aboard public transports! Or perhaps engage a rented car? Or motorcycle perhaps! This opens opportunities toward investigate further landscapes or villages near as needed.

No matter what option suits you I want to say to see your goals become fulfilled while in Awanacancha. The weaving alone gets the trip merit when witnessed while knowing the legacy involved too it’s almost as timeless.