Ancient Hands, Modern Clay

This ceramics demonstration and jewelry-making experience takes place among the Cuyo Chico community in the Sacred Valley. In this remote location near Pisac, you'll hear about one of the oldest artistic traditions of the Andes: ceramics. It all starts with a traditional ceremony featuring flowers and the sound of pututos, an ancestral instrument used since pre-Hispanic times. Local artisans then introduce the history of the community and explain the natural materials, techniques, and cultural meanings behind traditional Andean pottery and designs. You'll then participate in a hands-on workshop creating jewelry using ceramic beads to design and assemble a necklace or bracelet while learning about Andean colors and symbols. The experience concludes with a traditional lunch prepared by community families using local ingredients, offering time to share stories and learn about daily life in the community before departing with your handmade ceramic piece.

This experience is a rare opportunity to learn directly from artisans in the community of Cuyo Chico, where ceramic traditions have been preserved for generations. You'll actively participate in the creative process, learning traditional techniques, the meaning of Andean symbols, and how natural materials like clay and mineral pigments are used in pottery. Even before the ceramics session, the welcome ceremony with pututos connects you to ancient Andean traditions that were used to announce ceremonies and gatherings in pre-Hispanic times. As an artistic activity, the workshop also serves as a platform for cultural exchange that informs you on the role of ceramics in daily life, history, and identity in the Andes. By participating in the experience, you are directly supporting local artisans wishing to preserve traditional craftsmanship and contributing to sustainable community tourism in the Sacred Valley — the returns from your booking go to the communities who host you.

Pilar works as part of a self-managed association formed by eight Quechua ayllus (communities) in the Andes mountains of Peru's Sacred Valley. Dedicated to rural community tourism, this association aims to preserve ancestral culture through responsible activities hosted by members of these Indigenous communities. While Pilar is the Experience Maker who designs, organizes, and coordinates this activity, your experience will be hosted by one such local community member, as well as a bilingual guide whose name will be provided ahead of your experience. During the activity, you will connect with a number of local families, agriculturalists, and artisans.

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes for the village and workshop space.Warm layers — Andean elevation means temperatures can shift through the day, especially in the morning and evening. Sun hat and sunscreen — the high-altitude sun is stronger than it feels. A reusable water bottle. ** Please let Pilar know of any dietary requirements via Fernwayer Chat ahead of your visit, so the Pachamanca lunch can be prepared accordingly.