We visited this village because we want to contribute and being good to the poor villagers. We practicularly stayed over night at Ollaytambo and changed the whole itinerary to fit it in.
Visiting the village was interesting at first but I found it little boring after a while. No dancing, no singing or any performance is included during this trip. Only waving class and an earth oven cooking(we only eat) . The itinerary said from 9-4pm. In fact, I it's from 9-1/2pm. I do not like that as I can plan an extra activity if they are going to finish early....
The meeting point is hard to find as people around Plaza de Armas has no idea where is the restaurant even the cafe owner or any policeman. We had hard time to find the restaurant. The reason that we were late because there was serious traffic jam outside our hotel-next to train station. We stayed at this hotel because AWamaki suggested it, cars were not moving at all as no one follow the rule of driving.
But luckily they send someone to find us at the Plaza. Honestly speaking, I rather they meet up at any hotel instead of a restaurant. At least it is easier to find
When we arrived, we dressed in the local costume, but he hat the offered were not washed everytime. I and my daughter had skin allergy after wore it short time, luckily I brought medicine. I suggest them to have a disposable tissue to cover the belt of the hat that contacting face. This belt is too rough and uncomfortable.
The villagers selling their own craft works but all of them are very similar, pls remember who is cheerful and helpful to you so u can help the one to buy something. It can be as cheap as 1-2 usd.
If you have plenty of time during the trip, please come over to support them.
Or in fact, if I have another choice again, I would rather used the same amount of money to help villagers outside by myself. There are plenty of elderly, women with children carrying clothes or even a alpaca walking around at Cusco city. The old and the ugly one usually won't attract any tourist but they are the one who need our help the most, please pretend to take a photo with them and give them some money if you can, or buy something from them. even only one or two US dollars help.
When I saw the old one, my heart was broken. If I have a chance to go there again, I will spend a day walking around Cusco, finding and helping these people instead of sightseeing. There are many chance to see villagers from Cusco to Ollaytambo. You have many chance to help them and to take photo too. Come here if you want to visit a village and had a oven lunch, if you only want to meet villagers, they are everywhere .
Please take out our kind heart and support the someone who need your help
