Top spots for authentic textiles in Ollantaytambo

Shopping in this ancient town feels like stepping back in time. You can find everything from high-end boutiques to humble market stalls. Most travelers look for items made from baby alpaca or sheep wool. These items are often hand-spun on drop spindles. Identifying quality is key when browsing. Use these Ollantaytambo market shopping tips to ensure you get a fair price.

• Best overall for ethics: Awamaki
• Best for luxury art: Alqa Gallery
• Best for local vibe: Artisan Market
• Best for free activities: Pinkuylluna trail vendors

1. Name: Awamaki Shop
   Type: experience
   Why go: This is a non-profit shop supporting indigenous women. Every purchase helps local communities directly.
   Best for: Fair-trade certified scarves and modern knitwear.
   Where: Near the main plaza on Calle del Medio.
   Time: 30-45 minutes.
   Cost: $30 - $150.
   Getting there: Walk from the main square toward the ruins.
   Tip: Ask about their weaving workshops to learn the process yourself.
2. Name: Alqa - Andean Textile and Art Gallery
   Type: sight
   Why go: This gallery displays textiles as fine art pieces. It focuses on rare patterns and high-quality natural dyes.
   Best for: Collectors seeking museum-quality wall hangings.
   Where: Calle Principal.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: $100 - $500+.
   Getting there: It is located inside a historic courtyard near the center.
   Tip: Look for the naturally dyed blues made from indigo.
3. Name: Apu Qhari
   Type: experience
   Why go: They represent several weaving communities from the high Andes. You can see the difference between various regional styles here.
   Best for: Traditional lliklla (carrying cloths) and table runners.
   Where: Near the entrance to the fortress.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: $40 - $200.
   Getting there: Located on the path to the Ollantaytambo ruins visitor guide entrance.
   Tip: Feel the weight; authentic wool is heavier than synthetic acrylic.
4. Name: Ollantaytambo Artisan Market
   Type: experience
   Why go: It is the most convenient spot to browse many vendors at once. You can find a huge variety of colors and patterns.
   Best for: Souvenirs like hats, gloves, and small pouches.
   Where: At the base of the ruins climb.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: $5 - $80.
   Getting there: Follow the signs to the archaeological park entrance.
   Tip: Use our guide on what to buy at Ollantaytambo artisan craft market to spot gems.
5. Name: ChocoMuseo Textile Corner
   Type: experience
   Why go: While famous for chocolate, they host a small, curated textile section. It is a one-stop shop for gifts.
   Best for: Small gifts and textile-wrapped chocolates.
   Where: Main Plaza.
   Time: 20 minutes (plus chocolate tasting).
   Cost: $15 - $60.
   Getting there: Located right on the corner of the town square.
   Tip: Check their selection of naturally dyed yarn skeins for knitters.
6. Name: El Albergue Farm Shop
   Type: activity
   Why go: This shop is part of a historic hotel at the train station. They focus on sustainability and organic products.
   Best for: Elegant, minimalist alpaca throws and organic textiles.
   Where: Inside the Ollantaytambo Train Station.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: $50 - $200.
   Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the town center to the station.
   Tip: Visit the shop while waiting for your train to Machu Picchu.
7. Name: Calle del Medio Small Boutiques
   Type: experience
   Why go: This street houses several independent family-run shops. Avoiding the main market often leads to better prices.
   Best for: Unique patterns not found in the mass market.
   Where: Calle del Medio.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Varying.
   Getting there: This street runs parallel to the main road near the square.
   Tip: Polite bargaining is common here but keep it respectful.
8. Name: Pinkuylluna Hillside Stalls
   Type: activity
   Why go: Locals often sit near the trailhead with their hand-made goods. These are often the most authentic "direct from weaver" items.
   Best for: Simple, rustic belts and hair ribbons.
   Where: Start of the Pinkuylluna granaries hiking trail.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: $10 - $40.
   Getting there: Access the trail from the street across from the ruins.
   Tip: Bring small soles bills as these vendors rarely have change.
9. Name: Kallpa Textiles
   Type: experience
   Why go: They specialize in fine-spun baby alpaca. The texture is incredibly soft and high-quality.
   Best for: High-end scarves and sweaters.
   Where: Near the plaza.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: $60 - $180.
   Getting there: Look for the wooden sign near the pharmacy.
   Tip: Authentic baby alpaca feels cold to the touch at first.
10. Name: Willoq Community Weavers
    Type: day trip
    Why go: This is a short trip to a village where residents still wear traditional red dress. You buy directly from the people who made the items.
    Best for: Traditional red and black ponchos.
    Where: Willoq Village (outside Ollantaytambo).
    Time: 3-4 hours.
    Cost: $20 - $150.
    Getting there: Hire a taxi or take a local collectivo toward Patacancha.
    Tip: Visit on a Saturday for the most vibrant local atmosphere.
11. Name: Patacancha Weaving Center
    Type: day trip
    Why go: This community is famous worldwide for textile preservation. It offers a deep look into the cultural heritage of Peru.
    Best for: Large structural pieces like rugs or heavy blankets.
    Where: Patacancha Village.
    Time: 4-5 hours.
    Cost: $50 - $300.
    Getting there: It is located higher up the valley past Willoq.
    Tip: Many tours combine this with a visit to official district landmarks.

How to identify authentic Peruvian textiles

Knowing how to spot quality is essential when shopping. Many stalls sell "alpaca" that is actually acrylic. Authentic alpaca is heavy and feels slightly cool to the skin. It does not itch like sheep wool often does. Look for irregularities in the weave, which show it was hand-loomed. Machine-made items are too perfect and usually have synthetic fibers. Check the Ollantaytambo District Wikipedia to understand the local history of these crafts.

Dyes also tell a story about authenticity. Natural dyes come from cochineal insects or local plants. These colors are usually softer and more earth-toned. Bright, neon colors often indicate chemical dyes. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. A hand-woven poncho can take weeks to complete. Pay a fair price to support the local economy and traditional arts.