HUALHUAS

This weaving town 20 minutes north of Huancayo produces tapestries, rugs, and clothing—mostly from hand-spun wool and natural dyes. The highest quality is found at Victor Hugo Ingaroca Tupac Yupanqui (Huancayo 315, Hualhuas, tel. 064/967-0462). His weavings, based on pre-Columbian techniques used by the Nasca and Paracas cultures, are stunning. His rugs sell for close to $400 at www.novica.com, but can be bought for a better price at his home.

Antonio Cáceres (28 de Julio 888, Hualhuas) produces more affordable weavings and is an expert on the natural plants, bugs, and minerals used to make his bright, natural dyes.

To see a busy workshop of weavers at their looms, stop at Taller Ecotextil (Alfonso Ugarte 1175, Hualhuas, tel. 064/67-0353, ecotextil@hotmail.com). Production here is high volume and of a wide variety, with purses, ponchos, and rugs of various sizes and styles.

A mother-and-daughter team sell their weavings at affordable prices at Artesenia El Inca (Parque Principal 1046, Hualhuas).

To reach Hualhuas, catch a combi at the corner of Giráldez and Huancas ($0.50, 20 minutes).