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NETC Educated Travelers Discover the Incan Empire - Day 4: Weaving Culture in the Urubamba Valley, Peru

Oct 6

Written by: Neil E. Traveler
Thursday, October 06, 2011 8:59 AM

Educated Travelers and NETC Tour Consultants Victoria Aviles and Leigh Fitzgerald visited Peru on NETC's Incan Empire educational tour this summer. Over the next few days they'll share their experiences exploring the amazing sites and discovering all Peru has to offer.

NETC Incan Empire Educational Travel Tour Itinerary Urubamba Valley, Peru, Scenic View

This morning was an early day as we bid goodbye to Cusco, and made our way into the Urubamba Valley. The actual distance to the small village of Chinchero wasn’t too far, but because the roads were so windy, it took about an hour and a half. The ride through the mountains provided some of the most gorgeous views so far on the trip.

NETC Incan Empire Educational Travel Tour Itinerary Urubamba Valley, Peru, LEAP Weaving Culture Yarns

Chinchero is the town where NETC's LEAP! Activity “Weaving Culture” takes place. After seeing so many textiles in the markets in Lima and Cusco, we were all excited to see how they were made. There were three local women, who explained and showed us the entire process. They only spoke Quechan, so Ada translated for us, but it was wonderful to be able to hear the language.

NETC Incan Empire Educational Travel Tour Itinerary Urubamba Valley, Peru, LEAP! Weaving Culture

My favorite part of their explanation was learning how all the dyes were made, especially the color red! For that they take small parasites from a cactus and add lemon juice, which turns the white powder into red! The more juice they add the deeper the red.

NETC Incan Empire Educational Travel Tour Itinerary Urubamba Valley, Peru, LEAP Weaving Culture Neil in Yarn

After we understood how the yarn was made, we were shown how the weaving took place. They explained the meaning behind certain colors and patterns, and then it was our turn to try! We all sat down in a circle on comfy sheep skins, and were handed a textile belt. Most of which was already done, because of course it takes hours to weave. But we were able to finish the ends of it. It was a little confusing, but it was so rewarding when I actually figured it out! And we were able to take the belt home once we finished.

NETC Incan Empire Educational Travel Tour Itinerary Urubamba Valley, Peru, LEAP Weaving Culture Braiding

As a special treat, the owners cooked up an Andean specialty for us to try called “Cuy”, or as we know it - Guinea Pig! I have to admit, I was a little curious to try it! I think everyone in our group took a little bit to try, because when are we ever going to get that chance again?! Personally, I do not think it tasted like chicken!

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Hi, I'm Amy! Avid traveler and social marketing guru at NETC. I'm also the editor of NETC's Educated Traveler blog, where you'll find all kinds of information about travel and education, tips, NETC news, classroom lesson ideas and more! Subscribe above!

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NETC Educated Travelers Discover the Incan Empire - Day 4: Weaving Culture in the Urubamba Valley, Peru

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