No words to describe how beautiful and wonderful an experience with the "real people" of Peru. Florencio, Leon, Maximo and all - great textile and cultural tour - great people to tour with too! You are to be commended for putting together this wonderful experience into a world of Peru that more people should see. Gracias por todo! Norm Teter and Denise Richards, United States
Thank you for the most fantastic tour. The company was great, the sites outstanding and the workshops enlightening and fun. Good wishes, Mary Shiels, Ireland
What a spectacular experience this has been. It is hard to believe that every single day of the 22 days has been packed from morning to night with wonderful experiences, people, food and sights. Sasha, you are a miracle worker! Just when I thought we had reached the pinnacle of the trip - even something more amazing would be scheduled for us. Seeing a little bit of how you work behind the scenes just makes me more in awe of what you are able to accomplish with these tours. I am delighted to have been a part of an endeavor that is so supportive and respectful of the miraculous artisans of Peru. What treasures! Thank you with all my heart. Lisa Hill, United States
Just like a tapestry, PUCHKA has been a woven picture of experiences never to be forgotten…..every little thread I take with me! With much love, Veronique Garbutt, South Africa
Thank you for the most wonderful trip of a lifetime. It will remain a treasured experience, glowing in my heart with all its facets. I have been touched by so much richness, learned so many new skills, deepened my understanding and sensitivity, and challenged too, in meeting the demands of the unfamiliar. I am so appreciative, Sasha, for this wonderful opportunity to explore Peru and the trip has met my deepest expectations and more. Thank you for your caring attention and for watching over our well-being. My best wishes to you always. Warmly, Ellie Cohen, United States
What a wonderful trip/experience. So carefully put together, a wonderful juxtaposition of workshops balanced against the touring experience. For me it is the people I will not forget….the gentleness of our teachers in Arequipa, the burning passion of our guides and the thoughtfulness of our hospitality folks. I just loved every moment of the trip. Thank you. Maggie Wingett, Australia
Wow! Every night I climbed into bed, my body was tired but my mind raced with all the images, ideas, inspiration and stories I collected each day. This morning I went to put on a tshirt and noticed a small piece of paper attached to the top with two staples. I love periodically finding these reminders of laundry from Arequipa as they take me back to Peru and PUCHKA and all my wonderful memories. It really is an amazing experience to work with indigenous artesans. I will appreciate this gift you gave me always. Muchas gracias dear Sasha.
Risa Friedman, Ecuador (For more from Risa about her experience, please go to her website)
During the 3 weeks of the tour I was able to see, hear, learn and taste and expierience so much. The workshops with Maximo were fantastique and I had so much fun with the group. The tour is a wonderful combination of culture and textiles. I have seen and heard so many beautiful things. I need an extra pair of brains to store all the things I've seen, done and learned. Lovely! I realize now, how priviledged we are in Holland. Greetings and kisses, Leonie Roebroek, Holland
Fabulous experiences - Peru is amazing. I will never forget having a picnic in a pre-Incan ruin with wonderful friends and two little boys as our guides. Tapestry with Maximo and his talented crew was thrilling! Wendy McHale, Canada
Peru has stimulated all my senses. Its people have stimulated my heart - especially our teachers in Arequipa. Sue Dorn, United States
Photos and Globetrekker videos cannot give the sense of size and expanse of Peru. There are some things like seeing the kilometers of Inca terracing and having workshops of weaving with Panchita and embroidery with Simona that require the "hands on" experience. They are the ultimate in generosity and patience as they taught us what comes so naturally. Thank you for the opportunity! Janet Taylor, Canada
I just wanted to write to thank you for such an incredible trip. It was an absolutely amazing, life changing journey. I appreciate everything that you did to open so many doors for me, help me with Maximo and getting me back to Peru. It is an opportunity that most of my friends would die for and I am eternally grateful to you for making it happen - I will carry it with me forever. Mandy Sproul, United States
What a wonderful trip! Katie and I have had the most inspiring time. The workshops in Arequipa, however, stand out as the best time - being taught by Maximo and the lovely Rufina, Leon and Nancy will stay in our memory forever!! Finding ourselves in the cloud forest for the last part of the trip was icing on the cake. Frankie and Katie Owens, United Kingdom
So glad for the opportunity to see such an amazing country and especially to meet the artists and people helping others. And, yet another delight from Puchka Peru - on my return home and after a long sleep and hot bath, I donned my new t-shirt - looked in the mirror - and there
I was wearing a most stunning piece of art! Sonio is incredible! How amazing I thought our trip was and how very much I appreciated the extra, beyond the call of duty attention and help I received because of my illness. It enabled me to enjoy as much as I possibly could. Thanks so very, very much. Jacqui Sanders, United States
A huge thank you for all the organisation of the trip. It was totally wonderful,
all the way. Everything was such a feast for the eyes. I have taken many photos, which
I will treasure for ever. I have all the Peruvian hangings etc displayed around the house - they look great.
Thank you again, so much, for the Puchka holiday.
Lorna Cady, United Kingdom
Not a day goes by when I don't think of and savour some of the many memories of our trip. I thank you again very much for providing such a fabulous opportunity to explore and learn about the people, the history and the textiles of the wonderful country that is Peru.
Denise Smith, Canada
We are back in London, suffering only jetlag, and want to thank you
for organising such a superb tour for us. We could never have seen/
learned/met/eaten so much and so many without your help. Still haven't
unpacked our purchases [which arrived intact] but look forward to
reliving the experience of finding them. Again, more thanks and very best wishes to you.
Sandra Wallman and Wally Baker, United Kingdom
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We cannot believe all the wonderful
things we have seen & done. The train journey to Puno was very special.
So was the lake! We cannot think which part of the trip was a highlight as there were so
many. We thought that all the guides on our tour were exceptional.
Yesterday I had to prepare a meal!! Today I have to vacuum....shock, horror.
Lesley Gould and Wilma Attrill, Australia
Thank you for providing such a wonderful tour. I am sure that we saw the best Peru
has to offer, especially textile wise. I thoroughly enjoyed every day of the tour and
especially the classes and the teachers. Thank you for everything.
Cathy Statton, Australia
Thank you for providing the opportunity to work with master artisans within such a rich cultural setting. I am taking home new skills and inspiration and with fabulous memories. Karen Lindsley, United States
The PUCHKA tour was such a special opportunity to see and learn and appreciate a new country and people. Thank you! Suzanne Mitchell, Canada
What a totally marvelous and enriching experience! And thank you, Sasha, for planning and giving me the wonderful trip down the coast and the day tours. All of it was overwhelming and exciting. David Wyckoff, United States
Thanks so much for the great planning. All of it has filled my memory bank to overflowing. Nadine Dunker, United States
I/we could not have asked for a more conscientious person as you are, Sasha, for our leader, dedicated to introducing us to so many places and experiences not available to most. I recognise that this was only possible because of your long association with Peru and your personal connections. I enjoyed being taken to the places that we would never have been able to visit had we not been with PUCHKA. The calibre of the workshops and teachers was nothing short of excellent. I really appreciated the opportunity and thankyou so much. Wendy Townsend, Australia
The whole trip was a huge and exciting adventure. Now that I have some time to digest and reflect upon it, I am even more amazed at what we did. The calibre, friendliness and patience of the teachers, the guides, the accommodation and staff, and the transport operators was outstanding. All of these threads were woven together by Sasha, who has exceptional organisational skills; the Peruvian background that enables her knowledge of people and places; the textile interest and education that enables her desire to allow others to see and participate in the unique fibre history of Peru; the compassion to create a way for others to help in some way in the recovery of Peru from past political and natural disasters; and the courage and perserverance of a Lioness to undertake group tours. I begin to see how you weave your tapestry.....Peru the warp.....us travellers the wefts. I love it! Jenny Jackett, Australia
The tour was FABULOUS! The textile arts instructors were very knowledgeable and in addition, were delightful people. The opportunity to interact at this level with persons of another country comes seldom in a lifetime. The multicultural backgrounds of the participants was an additional bonus. I feel very lucky to have been a participant and would (and may) do it again.
Sandra Cook, United States
My trip with PUCHKA was a perfect blend of exploring the cultural aspects of Peru and learning about the history of the people and their textiles, and the wonderful tuition provided for our workshops Our teachers went out of their way to give me as much information as possible about their craft. I loved the people, the guides, Arequipa, the Colca, Cusco and Machu Picchu was a joy.
Thank you again for a wonderful trip, and for making my first overseas trip such a wonderful experience.
Joy Cook, Australia
The Trip Notes/Travel Tips and Itinerary Notes included an amazing amount of information and were very thorough and very thoughtful. The workshops were fantastic - good instructors and very well paced. I thoroughly enjoyed weaving and not only hope to do more, but see applications for adding what I learned to my knitting. I would like to come again and do different ones. Thanks for the experience of a lifetime.
Pat Wood, United States
PUCHKA is marvellous, incredible and very special and I am very glad that I was on the tour with you. Without your organisational skills this trip would not have been anything like the fantastic experience it was. I didn't have to worry about a single thing - everything happened as it should. The guides, teachers and food were incredible and everything else was too.
Margy Newman, Australia
I'm depressed ... the tour is over and I don't want it to be! Thank you
so so much for putting together such a great itinerary with its
wonderful teachers, terrific guides ... everyone of them, including
yourself and Beatrice, and of course for making the place Peru. I keep
getting asked what the highlight was and I still can't decide. Thanks again for the adventure, I loved it Lynncita Stewart, Canada
As I look back, the tour was really super. I feel like I learned and
experienced so many new things and found Peru, particularly the Andes
incredibly beautiful . Look forward to when I will have the time and
energy to interpret some of my photos into a quilt. The workshop with
Maximo was really a high point for me and I will be able to use his
color mixing techniques in many of my fiber projects. You really did a
terrific job of organizing and planning our tour and being able to do
side tours between workshops was perfect. Your concern for our comfort
and wellness is most appreciated.
Lynn Gilles, United States
I think the PUCHKA trip was probably the best holiday I have ever had and I am very grateful to you for making it possible. I enjoyed being with a group of like minded people, seeing some of the country and especially the workshops.
Clare Binnie, Wales
I can’t believe what I got to see and do! Thank you for making it all happen. I’m starting to work on my photo album/scrapbook and getting excited all over again.
Jean Carey, Canada
The quality of the tour was very high, from the hotels and transportation to the well informed and friendly guides. The Trip Notes/Travel Tips and Itinerary Notes were brilliant, informative and thorough and given that this was my first trip traveling on my own, I felt reassured and supported - everything was well organised and there was no reason at all for concern. The workshops were fantastic, all the teachers and their assistants were great. PUCHKA has created something really beautiful to bring joy and indeed practical benefits to many people. Overall, I found the trip amazing - life changing even!
Tracey Jarvis, United Kingdom
I really enjoyed the crew in Peru and I am wondering when I will next get a chance to enjoy South America. I just loved the place. Thanks for the fantastic experience of visiting Peru.
Jane Gardiner, Australia
To have such lovely and dedicated people teaching us and
hosting us - how can I explain that that is as incomparable as the
gorgeous
scenery? Now I'm spoiled. I think if I ever take another trip I'll
need a high level
of involvement like this one. Thank you for the trip of trips!
Vicki B, United States
My trip with PUCHKA has been beyond all my expectations. My eyes have been opened, my senses have been stimulated and my heart has been touched. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime. Lisa Hill, United States
This trip has been the best experience of my life and I hope to go again. Hardy Hill, United States
The PUCHKA tour will remain with me for the rest of my life as a cherished memory of a great experience. Everything was very well organized, the teachers were unique and wonderful individuals, the sightseeing tours were always a delight with unforseen activities thrown in. Ruth Spencer, United States
What a fantastic tour! I loved every minute of it - the tour, the food, the teachers and mostly the wonderful people and their history. I had the most memorable time. Elona McCubbin, Canada
It's been a fabulous tour - PUCHKA has allowed me to meet some really wonderful and talented people and has been a beautiful way to gain some insight into the lives and culture of this beautiful country. Thankyou for a wonderful experience and all the hard work you put into making it magical. Gina Dunford, United Kingdom
I like everything about PUCHKA. Thank you for caring and sharing. With this trip I gave myself the gift of my life. Pavla Barbaric, Canada
It's great that you provide excursion opportunities for the non-textile companions. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity.
Jeremy Woodley, Canada
Thank you for all you did to expose us to Peru and some wonderful artists and teachers and for getting us around comfortably and safely. Your efforts were very much appreciated. Catherine Woodley, Canada
The tour gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to fulfill a 50 year dream to experience Peruvian culture, the Andes, Machu Picchu - PLUS - the excellent workshops. Wonderful! I return home fulfilled, taking with me the patience and calm of the wonderful teachers. Mary Weston, Australia
I came for the lessons and have got so much more! There was so much to see and do we won't appreciate it all until after we get home and go through our notes and pictures a time or two. Libby Porth, Canada
My first view of the Andes will remain as the most breath-taking sight of my life. The Peruvians I have met have been among the most delightful people I have ever met. Thank you! Sally Russell, Australia
Muchas gracias and more for organizing a tour that is not only Fair Trade but totally amazing. I have nothing but superlatives to use to describe my experience: FABULOUS and BRILLIANT in every way. I feel renewed and grateful. Hannah Muirhead, United Kingdom
Thanks for all the hard work you put into organising everything - it was all a tremendous experience.
Barbara Scott, United Kingdom
The most impressive workshop for me was with Maximo Laura. I learned a new approach in the mixing of color and found it exhilarating.
Graham Humphrey, United States
I have had a wonderful trip, visiting places and people that most tourists don't visit. I will never be able to describe such amazing experiences to do them justice!
Patricia Warman, United Kingdom
I had a ball. From the beginning to the end; the textiles and the people who made them, the workshops and all the effort you had put in to make them run so smoothly; your enthusiasm and sensible advice; beautiful Arequipa and the breathtaking experience of Machu Picchu and the sacred Inca stones in Cusco; and the warmth and dignity of our teachers. PUCHKA made the experience it was for me!
Vivien Gosden, United Kingdom
I loved it all, every day was as amazing as the previous. I can't believe all the fantastic experiences that we have had. I can't imagine that any other trip could have had the wide range of activities that we had offered to us. This has been a trip of a lifetime.
Jane Brunning, United Kingdom
The trip was as adventure on many levels and I will relive the memories for the rest of my life. Thank you for the experience.
Patti Ellis, United States
I'm out of superlatives to describe this tour. Each new turn revealed astonishment upon astonishment.
Marilyn Romatka, United States
If you want to learn new techniques and visit Peru, travel with PUCHKA. You are in for a wonderful ride!
RosaElena Carini, Italy
I loved experiencing the way each instructor expressed information and ideas, the methods of communication without a shared language and general attitude towards materials and techniques. I was amazed at the comfort level of all the places we stayed in, given what we were paying and I didn’t expect to master new techniques in such a short time.
Robin Muller, Canada
Excellent trip! I can’t say enough about all the guides and teachers. Thank you so much for making one of my dreams come true. What made it even more special was experiencing Peru through the eyes of someone who loves the country and the people with such great passion. I have wonderful memories that I will treasure.
Christine Shipley, Canada
Thank you for a totally amazing time. PUCHKA and our teachers will always have a very special place in my heart and the influence on the way I approach my own work will be significant – extraordinary textiles, folk art and country.
Judy Norton, United States
The Trip Notes were wonderful as was the pre-trip help. Thank you for a VERY special and truly awesome experience. I loved every minute of it and the food was glorious!
Sandra Brighton, United Kingdom
Sasha, you stayed in the background, always there if we needed you but allowing us the space and privilege of making our own way with new artist friends, teachers and other very special people – what an incredibly beautiful country. I’ll travel with PUCHKA again and with great anticipation.
Suzanne Braun-Carrington, Canada
Great food! Great accommodations! Great teachers and guides and what a civilized meal schedule – I hope to keep it!
Janet Koppe, Germany
I never felt like a “hanger on” – thank you for organizing such interesting activities for me. It was an experience of a lifetime.
Greg Carrington, Canada
Uppermost still is the congenial, tolerant group that you helped create. All of us had to modify and accept – without your humour and respect “in the moment” this wouldn’t have happened – the group experience was enhanced by your tact and understanding of each individual….. I was so absorbed in all the activities that all my post cards are unwritten! A superb trip in every way.
Jane Hahn, Germany/United States
The workshops were brilliant and everything I had hoped for. The teachers (and their families) were great and so generous with their knowledge – and their smiles! My memories are all of a wonderful time, a beautiful country, good company, fantastic textiles and a great wish to return.
Kirsten Glasbrook, United Kingdom
This was a deeply enriching experience for me and enthralling and exciting. The activities you organized while my companion was in workshops were tremendous fun – we’ll be back with PUCHKA again someday. In the meantime, my teaching will be better for the experience.
Donald Marshall, Australia
This was a trip of a lifetime for me! Your tour is unique – it met my expectations and much, much more.
Diane Field, United States
Thank you for an amazing trip!
Marilyn Fincher, Australia
I will definitely recommend PUCHKA to my friends. The instructors were, without exception, truly dedicated to their task of teaching me – they were patient and encouraging and their generosity in sharing their skill was awesome.
Sheila Hodge, Canada
I appreciated your assertiveness in resolving difficult problems while maintaining the personal dignity of each tour member. Thank you for all the lessons and marvelous workshops!
Jane Fitzgerald, Ireland
I really do not want to leave this magical country with its beautiful energy, people, textiles and folk art. Muchas gracias!
Suzy Shapiro, New Zealand
Wonderful!!! Everything I was promised and so much more.
Catherine Boyd, Canada
I immediately felt welcomed. Everywhere we visited and worked I felt a part of a community of wonderful, talented, intelligent people. Thank you, Sasha, from my heart to yours.
Helene La Font, France
A fabulous experience. I wanted to stay forever.
Jennifer Moffatt, United Kingdom
Like a professional musician, you made everything appear so easy, yet I know from having traveled before in South America, all the hard work you did and were doing ‘behind the scenes’ to make our time in Peru so special.
Liliane Muir, Denmark
My journey with you and this group was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
David Cunningham, United Kingdom
PUCHKA is a class act in every way and Peru was for me a great challenge, a learning experience and a gift. Muchas gracias!
Vanessa MacDonald, Scotland
PUCHKA has a very unique itinerary and great style of doing things. The tour was a personally empowering experience for me and one for which I will be forever grateful.
Jennifer Smythe, United Kingdom
The weavers blew me away with their skill and it was an honour to work with them. Thank you so much for everything – sharing your knowledge of Peru and its textiles, organizing a wonderful adventure for Doug and me – being there for us – so many times – way beyond anything we could have imagined.
Sandra Crompton, Canada
An as non-weaver, the visit to the Chanchamayo Valley, Satipo and Oxapampa was the highlight of the tour for me. I really enjoyed visiting the high jungle and seeing pineapples, bananas, avocados, oranges, papayas and coffee actually growing and Memo was an excellent guide.
Doug Crompton, Canada
How can I ever thank you enough for this once in a lifetime trip to Peru? I have difficulty expressing in words how wonderful it was to not be “just another tourist” but to have more of an inside look, meet people, especially your friends, more on their terms. I came home laden down with many stories as well as a suitcase full of textiles. Thank you a thousand times over for going out of your way to make it so special.
Doreen MacLauchlan, Canada
I had a wonderful time traveling with PUCHKA and I’m glad that such a textile tour exists that lets one glimpse into the real people and diverseness of Peru rather than just the main tourist attractions. The teachers were great, the food was fabulous as were the accommodations leaving me with a great impression of Peru and many amazing memories.
Sylvia Minarcin, Canada
This is a perfect way to travel and to learn all about Peruvian traditions, folk art and textiles. It is a grand adventure and you learn from the best. I felt a very intense connection with all the people I met and was deeply honoured to learn from them. Thank you very much for sharing your vision with me. I had the most fantastic time.
Beatrice Messerli, Holland
The caliber of the artists was top notch and the planning and logistics were superb.
Barbara Trengove and Nancy Ballentine, United States
Go with PUCHKA and see the REAL Peru.
Marjo Hofland, United Kingdom
Design of the tour was just excellent. Good balance between study and sightseeing. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Andean craftspeople and a unique opportunity to share their company long enough to develop mutual appreciation and affection, as well as learn from them.
Celia Fairclough, Canada
We arrived well at home, but our thoughts are always in Peru. We feel at home like guests - that shows how far from home we have been with our soul and feeling. We have traveled for 40 years but this was one of the three most impressive tours we participated in! This travel was so intense, that it took 4 - 5 weeks to be back here at home! And with every photo we feel like returned to Peru!
Rosemarie and Wolfgang Kaufmann, Germany
Wow! I’m still reeling from all the wonderful activities, people, workshops, archaeological sites, great fun knitting and so much to take in I will spend years remembering it all with such great pleasure.
Sharon Youngson, United States
My “off the tourist trail” adventure with PUCHKA was the best tour in which I’ve participated. I can’t believe how much I learned in such a short time. I’m going back with you and soon!
Brenda Brookes, New Zealand
My feet are not yet back on the ground. What a splendid time I had and I will never be able to thank you enough or put into words how much it all has meant to me.
Elaine Sumka, Australia
Peru is more beautiful and Peruvians more hospitable than anything I imagined before arriving. Thank you for helping me meet my goals for learning to braid and for being so flexible and helpful before I arrived with respect to my needs. I had a fabulous time and was particularly taken with Tarma and our workshops there.
Donna Gordon, United States
I came to realize, with great humility, that my country is definitely not the center of the universe and that the lessons I learned from my new Peruvian friends are more profound than anything I’ve learned in my long life. Muchas gracias for everything!
Susan Moore, United States
I thought I knew how to knit before traveling to Peru! I loved every minute of it and was surprised by how delicious the meals were, how delightful the people and how truly safe and comfortable I felt everywhere. What an utterly fascinating country and a fabulous adventure I had all around.
Elizabeth Macrae, United Kingdom
As a non-textile participant, as I had hoped for and was rewarded, the introduction to Peru and the land of the Incas by PUCHKA and your travel partners was an unforgettable experience and exceeded my expectations. I have snapshot vignettes of parts of the tour that are indelible portraits in my head. In many ways, certain areas of Peru are reminiscent of Honolulu years ago as I recollect as a child growing up and perhaps I was trying to identify with this feeling. Whatever it was, Peru has cast a spell on me forever thanks to you and PUCHKA tours and I wish you the very best for the future.
Charlette Lee, Switzerland
A huge thank you for all the organisation of the trip. It was totally wonderful, all the way. Everything was such a feast for the eyes. I have taken many photos, which I will treasure for ever. I have all the Peruvian hangings etc displayed around the house - they look great. Thank you again, so much, for the Puchka holiday.
Lorna Cady, United Kingdom
It really was a wonderful experience - a trip of a lifetime - certainly for me. People are still e-mailing each other and exchanging photos and memories and some of us are going to give talks and slide shows to our local Guilds. But how does one reduce 500+ photographs to a manageable and enjoyable number when I really want to show them all? I wish I was back in Arequipa - what a lovely place!!
Elizabeth Hampton-Yates, United Kingdom
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