Description

Join us from 16-28 May 2024!

This exceptional and truly unique tour brings YOU to the famous living Inca city of Ollantaytambo to actually join the patron saint festivities in May of 2024 — and then more!

Don’t just spectate — join the actual event with behind-the-scenes, exclusive access to the real fiesta, recognized by the Peruvian government as a heritage event with major cultural significance.

If being part of this major annual event isn’t enough, don’t worry! There’s lots more, including archaeological sites, food, and in depth workshops in traditional textile practices and procedures! If you’re not a textile person or you’re bringing a travel person who is less interested in those subjects, alternative activities can be programmed in place of workshops.

Once you’re registered, join us for optional monthly Zoom sessions and round-the-clock exclusive chat and email list to get to know each other, ask us any questions you may have, and learn more about our team, places we’ll go, and what we will see!

Browse our photo gallery to see lots more!

 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Settle in to your home away from home with everything you need

Our comfortable, modern rooms feature top quality beds, en-suite bathrooms with super hot water and high water pressure, and views of the mountains and archaeological sites. You’ll be an easy and scenic half-kilometer walk from the heart of the action, as well as restaurants, shops, cafes, multiple markets, and the locations where the patron saint fiesta takes place. We also provide high speed unlimited fiber optic internet, common space to socialize, and unlike many places in Ollantaytambo, are accessible by car for ease of luggage management.

MEALS AND MORE: From simple to spectacular, we’ve got the bases covered

A daily breakfast buffet lets you select your own favorites from a range of fresh fruits, cereals, breads, spreads, local coffee, teas and infusions, juices, and explore traditional Cusco breakfast options. Group meals (lunches or dinners depending on the day’s schedule) are cooked from scratch by our gastronomy team with over 60 years of experience. Since we cook from scratch, we can accommodate your dietary needs, including many medically-ordered dietary considerations. You won’t be hungry or disappointed!

BEHIND THE SCENES: Special, invitation-only experiences make you part of the event

You’ll get to spend time up close and personal with a real dance troupe, and join the families who make it happen! From making costumes to the dances to celebrating the event — you’re in! Every day features different major events, and you will have seats with the best view, comfort, and shade to watch, or the chance to join in if you’re ready! Team Abby’s Yarns will be with you every step of the way to explain what you’re seeing, the history, and the cultural context.

TEXTILE STUDY PLAN: Learn Spinning, Weaving, Dyeing, Knitting, and More

From the moment you arrive, we’ll be presenting you with unique learning opportunities tailored for a range of handson textile interests, and you’ll have multiple teachers to help you progress. Learn authentic Cusco area techniques in their actual social and cultural context, from internationally recognized teacher as well as local experts, using authentic tools and materials. Visit traditional textile producing communities for exclusive workshops and opportunities to buy direct from the Andean weavers who have preserved ancestral techniques for millennia.

VISIT THE WONDERS: Visit the sites you’ve heard of — and the ones you haven’t!

The Cusco region is filled with amazing archaeological sites and wonders of the world (and you’ll be able to see some from your own guest room) but we’ll also go visit up close! Everyone’s heard of Machu Picchu — a short train ride from Ollantaytambo — but there are so many more spectacular places not all visitors get to go see! Explore with us and you’ll go home with experiences that’ll leave your friends amazed and you wondering when you can come back and see even more of Cusco.

SHOP RESPONSIBLY: Source your souvenirs and gifts with confidence

Sometimes tourists we don’t even know will ask us how they can tell if something is high quality, if it’s authentic, if it’s traditional, or whether purchasing it provides a living wage for local makers. We deeply understand these confusions and concerns, and this is why we make sure you know what you need to know to feel genuinely good about where you spend your hard-earned money. You’ll be able to buy direct, request things made to order, talk with actual makers, avoid fakes and scams, and know you’re paying fair prices for you and fair wages to artisans.

HEALTH & SAFETY: What you’re wondering and what you need to know

There are a number of things to consider when planning international travel these days, especially to high altitude or remote locations. You may also be wondering about accessibility.Our team is available by email to answer specific heath questions, and our tour will be attended by a licensed and practicing medical doctor who has assisted us in drafting our guidelines. Before you register, we can also schedule a private video call to discuss any accommodations you may require, and before you travel, we will supply detailed info on local laws and conditions (for example re COVID-19).

HIGH ALTITUDE: Should you worry? Is this extreme adventure? Can you do this?

Our home base at lower-altitude Ollantaytambo allows for a gentle acclimation process, as does our schedule. Our team has over a century of experience leading tours & expeditions. There’s plenty of adventure, but we’ve made a plan that is easy on the body with no long hikes or major exertion, and we’ve made sure everywhere we go has excellent sanitation. Before you travel, we’ll tell you everything you need to know and make our medical crew available to discuss your personal concerns.

PRICING & PAYMENT:We offer flexible deposit and payment plans to meet your needs

Base Price: $3995 US
Individual Monthly: $549 x 8 ($4392)
Couple (King Bed): $6745
Couple Monthly: $925 x 8 ($7400)
Machu Picchu: $495 US
Single Room: $995 US

Couples (limited availability) can reserve a king bed room with private balconette and take half off the second traveller! Solo travelers can upgrade to private room (limited availability). Register online with a deposit, full balance due 1 May 2024. Pay in full for 10% off! Add-ons may be purchased up until 28 March. Early Bird pricing is 5% off your initial payment plus any add-ons, or your payment in full, until 15 September 2023!

Base pricing includes:
Shared room with private bath
Breakfast buffet
Lunch or Dinner
Box Lunches
Special Occasion Meals
Workshop/Teacher Fees
Workshop Materials
Ground Transport
Luggage Handling Logistics
Medical Assessments
Guide Fees
Concierge Services

Machu Picchu includes:
Train to/from Machu Picchu
Site Entrance
Box Lunch
Tour Guide

* We’ve learned that people who’ve been to Cusco before aren’t always eager to return to Machu Picchu, which is expensive and can be tiring, and the site cannot be made more accessible than it is, so our base pricing allows flexibility on that front. If you don’t go to MaPi, you get a free day to explore Cusco or Ollantaytambo (your choice)

**CANCELLATION: You may cancel up until 60 days before start date, and receive a refund of all but your original deposit or the equivalent amount of 15% of base price, less any processing fees for your payment type. You may sell your spot including responsibility for any remaining fees due at any point up to 7 days prior to start date. If we are forced to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, you will receive a voucher good for use on any comparable tour, or for a comparable build-your-own-adventure, with no expiration date.  Machu Picchu extension must be purchased by 60 days prior to travel and is not refundable or transferable after that date, and will require a photo of your passport.

***TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your dates of travel, provide advance medical forms, and agree to comply with all local and national public health protocols as well as those in place at time of travel to ensure the safety of other tour members and personnel. Failure to meet these requirements may result in Peru denying you entry and Abby’s Yarns cannot be held responsible. Failure to comply with these terms will result in expulsion from the tour without refund. 

****TRAVEL INSURANCE is not included; if you would like, you may purchase it on your own.