Andean Overnight
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Andean Overnight worth booking?
Andean Overnight is a 48-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $254 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $254 per person
Take part in a two-day, one-night Quechua cultural immersion with Awamaki’s Andean Overnight program spent with our newest cooperative of women in Huilloc Alto. During your stay you will participate in weaving lessons, s
What you get
- Typical Andean dinner, including appetizer/soup, main entree, native Andean herbal tea, Day 1
- Bottled water
- English speaking guide
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Private textile market
About this experience
Take part in a two-day, one-night Quechua cultural immersion with Awamaki’s Andean Overnight program spent with our newest cooperative of women in Huilloc Alto. During your stay you will participate in weaving lessons, spend quality time with local families during meals, learn about medicinal plants, go on an Andean lake hike with a chance to see alpacas and llamas, and finally take part in an ofrenda ceremony. Receive one-on-one weaving lessons with women from the Huilloc Alto cooperative who will give you a step-by-step introduction to preparing yarn, dying yarn, back strap weaving methods and will individually help you make bracelets to take home.
What's included
Included
- Typical Andean dinner, including appetizer/soup, main entree, native Andean herbal tea, Day 1
- Bottled water
- English speaking guide
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Private textile market
- Typical Andean Lunch, including soup or salad and main course, Day 1
- Tea and coffee
- Typical Andean Breakfast, Day 2
- Round trip transportation to the community from Ollantaytambo
- Private homestay with members of your traveling group
- Weaving lesson
Not included
- Hotel pickup and/or dropoff
- Train station pickup and/or drop off
- Transportation to Ollantaytambo from other cities, such as Cusco
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
meeting point at Cafe La Esquina
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
meeting point at Cafe La Esquina
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Awamaki
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Extended stays and custom trips: If you would like to extend your homestay, please contact us at tours@awamaki.org. We can create custom itineraries based on your interests. We can also arrange extended stays in the villages for an immersive and unique travel experience.
- Bring hiking boots or sturdy shoes for mud
- If you need transportation from Cusco to Ollantatyambo, please contact us at tours@awamaki.org
- Bring refillable water bottle
- Scheduling requests: Sometimes we can accommodate late departure (11 am) departure times, or early return times (by 1pm). Please note your schedule request in the “special instructions” section when you book. We will contact you if we cannot accommodate your requests.
- Sleeping bag is optional but recommended if you have one
- Bring small bills in soles if you plan to purchase from the artisans
- Consider bringing snacks (chocolates and sweet things for the cold)
- Spare shoes recommended but optional
- Warm layers and rain layers
- We can accommodate most special requests. We can accommodate nearly all dietary restrictions. Please note special requests or dietary restrictions in the “special instructions” section when you book. We will contact you if we are unable to accommodate your request.
- The overnight takes place at high altitude and requires some walking over uneven ground. It also includes a longer walk/hike, but that can be modified to accommodate health needs
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
5 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Andean Overnight. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Life changing
This was a life changing experience. My mother (73) and I (44) spent a beautiful day and a half with the family of Fransica, Claudio and Milucia in Huilloc. Gabriella was our guide and interpreter and she is the most delightful and patient human. I can’t speak highly enough about her! We learned about their textile process, had an opportunity to purchase textiles and even got to make our own bracelets and hat bands (with a LOT of help!) the food was delicious and they were able to accommodate my dietary restrictions. We even had a Pachamama lunch! The most impactful part was that we felt so connected to the women in the co-op and enjoyed getting to know them, their customs, and had them share their wisdom with us. We had a beautiful hike thru the town/valley learning about medicinal herbs, took alpacas to graze in the mountains, shared cultures, and even were invited to try on some of their clothing. The accommodations were comfortable and we had everything we needed and more. This was my 2nd experience with Awamaki and I suggest everyone does the Andean overnight for a meaningful and fascinating experience.
via Tripadvisor
A fantastic ethical experience of Andean culture, in a beautiful setting with a very professional company
I totally recommend this tour. It was really inspiring to meet the amazing talented local women, and learn about how they create their beautiful textiles. Because Awamaki are non profit and support each textile cooperative to become independent tour providers it did not feel in any way awkward and the women and local families made us feel very welcome. They were so generous with their lovely cooking and friendly hospitality. We stayed over night which made it a particularly special as we got to experience their simple, traditional and at times tough way of life. All this in the most beautiful setting with the opportunity for short hikes to great view points. Gabriella was a great guide and it was reassuring to have her there all the time to help with translation (Spanish to English) and coordination, whilst remaining respectful of the locals. A few tips that I might help others to know what to expect. Awamaki run tours in a couple of villages. Our village was Huilloc Alto, which is 3800m so it is best to acclimitise at a lower altitude if you have time ( we didn’t and had some unpleasant altitude symptoms- mainly headache). There is electricity in the homes and bedrooms had plenty of blankets, flushing toilet and running water was outside the main house. We had no mobile service as expected. We drank the boiled water provided , but might have been better to bring mineral water as 2 of 3 of us did get tummy upsets although this may have been from restaurant food before or after our tour. We came in the rainy season but had plenty of warm (high UV) sunshine ( with some heavy downpours and a chilly evening) The textiles on offer were really varied ( much more than on the Awamaki web site) with a range from small very cheap purses and bracelets to beautiful larger table cloths. The prices were very good but there was no pressure at all to buy. Overall one of the best bits if our trip - thank you to Awamaki and our fabulous hosts.
via Tripadvisor
Highlight experience in Peru
Wow! This experience was a highlight during our 3 weeks in Peru. The artisans and host families are genuinely excited to share their culture and heritage with you. We learned so much about weaving and the various plants of the region used for dying yarn but how many are also for medicinal use. The food prepared for us was simple and delicious but the pachamanca was incredible. Mario our interpreter was always available to ensure our questions and conversations understood. Our accommodations were comfortable and communications with Awamaki before during and after fantastic. I would highly recommend this tour supporting a local community while having an authentic Peruvian experience.
via Tripadvisor
A Wonderful Experience!
Normally Awamaki's Andean Overnight excursion is just one night with a family in an Inca Pueblo located in the mountains outside of Ollaytaytambo. But for me, that was not enough, so the people at Awamaki arranged for an extra night with my host family though I wish I had asked for even more time. The family and other members of the community made me feel most welcome and involved me in different aspects of their lives including weaving, tending to animals and harvesting potatoes. It was a rewarding and special experience all professionally handled by the staff of Awamaki.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful cultural experience
I was so happy to have found this program and was able to participate. The women of Huilloc are so sweet and welcoming. They truly want to make you comfortable and happy. They are proud to share how they make their textiles. Actually trying to weave a simple bracelet makes you appreciate how difficult it is to complete the beautiful textiles these women make. My teacher, Josephine, was very helpful and patient with me. The men, Alberto and Geraldo, cooked delicious meals for us and took pride in using the potatoes and beans that were grown right there in the valley. Our accommodations were simple but adequate. It was actually the best sleep we had gotten on our entire trip. Hiking the surrounding hillsides and fields was breathtaking. Bring some hiking boots or sturdy shoes Juan was our guide and interpreter. He has created a special bond with the women and men in this village and it shows. With his help, we were able to get a feel for what life is like for the people in the villages of the Andes. I will never forget this experience.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Andean Overnight: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Andean Overnight cost?
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Prices start at $254 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Andean Overnight take?
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Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Andean Overnight worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Andean Overnight?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Andean Overnight suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Andean Overnight?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Andean Overnight start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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