The trip greatly exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were all places I would look forward to returning to again. Our favorite experiences were visiting the artists and their communities. Those experiences were life changing. Hillary and Andres were careful to see we were always comfortable and safe. Their love of Peru was clear, and they gave us the context to understand and love Peru ourselves.

An immersive experience…that’s the learning adventure charted by skilled and careful Hillary and Andreas. We time traveled through Peru on multiple layers daily tracing its artistic traditions, food, agriculture, history, religion, politics and cultural practices. It was as deep and penetrating as anyone could ask for. No detail left undone. Thank you for a stimulating and joyful time together.

I have just come back from “Peru Great Masters” with Hillary and Andrés. I would highly recommend this trip. It was full of incredible artisans, trustworthy and exceptionally knowledgeable guides, good drivers (so important!), and tasty food. Most of all, I came away with a genuine appreciation and love of Peru and its far-reaching and sometimes dark history, reflected in the art that so often unflinchingly witnesses the past so that it can be contemplated in the present. A deep trip, exhausting at times. Utterly worthwhile. Thank you!

Spent a few glorious weeks with this amazing crew. Very compassionate, educational and FUN. We visited incredible places inhabited by incredible artisans. Felt safe and inspired every moment. A very unique and positive experience ✨️

Last October, I traveled to the Southern Andes of Peru on an International Folk Art Market (IFAM) textiles tour focused on alpaca, textiles and the extraordinary landscapes they come from. Traveling with a small group and guided by Andrés and Hillary, I arrived open and curious, without clear expectations. What unfolded was far more meaningful than I anticipated. For me, the heart of the experience was meeting the artists. Hearing their stories—where they come from, how they learned, and what sustains their work—added depth and humanity to every piece we encountered. One artist I had met before felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Andrés brings knowledge, passion, and an extraordinary ability to translate not just language, but meaning. Hillary’s grace and deep experience in Peru created a sense of ease and care throughout the journey. As a knitter, Puno was a highlight. We met designers. On Taquile Island, I learned a new approach through the knitting tradition of chullo hats and it shifted how I think about knitting in the round—I left both inspired and challenged. That challenge continues to stay with me: how to be influenced by these traditions while honoring their origins, and how to create without appropriating. It’s a meaningful tension, and one I carry forward in my work. The landscapes were breathtaking—vast, otherworldly, and humbling. Seeing a herd of vicuña running free was unforgettable. There were moments of unpredictability—a boat breakdown, water outages—but these became part of the experience rather than disruptions. The home stays, in particular, were deeply moving. The generosity, care, and openness we were met with left a lasting impression. This trip reminded me how easily we view the world through our own narrow lens. Being immersed in these communities expanded that perspective. Even now, in reflection, it continues to deepen. There are many ways to measure a life—and not all of them look like ours. This is not luxury travel. Days can be long, with extended time on a bus. For me, that meant more knitting, chatting with my fellow travelers and time to take in the views. But if you’re looking for comfort and distance from local realities, this may not be the right fit. If you are curious, open, and willing to engage, it is incredibly rewarding. I would absolutely go again. This was my third IFAM tour to Peru with Andrés and Hillary, travels with them are unforgettable.. Strap in and prepare to be amazed