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Cusco Art Workshop

overview

Immerse yourself in the legend of the bulls of Pucará

Take a short but inspiring Cusco art workshop and spend a creative session working with a local artist to decorate your very own Pucara bull, one of the region’s most iconic cultural symbols. Surrounded by brushes, pigments, and examples of traditional designs, you’ll be guided step by step through the process of bringing your piece to life. Whether you are an experienced painter or trying your hand at art for the first time, this experience is designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.

During the workshop, you will learn the essential techniques of traditional Cusco art, from patterns and decorative motifs to vibrant color choices that reflect centuries of Andean heritage. You will also discover the cultural significance of the Pucara bull, traditionally placed on rooftops to bring protection, prosperity, and harmony to local households. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the Cusco school of art, a distinctive style that blends Andean cultural elements with European influences introduced during the colonial era.

Your session will be led by a member of the Totemiq Art Collective, a group of local artists dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Cusco’s artistic traditions. Totemiq art collective fuse traditional andean art with modern-day design to create beautiful designs.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with more than just a beautifully hand-decorated Pucara bull. You will have spent two  hours in a relaxed, engaging environment, gaining hands-on skills, learning about the region’s art and history, and connecting with local artists who are passionate about their craft. It’s a fun, educational, and meaningful way to create a personal souvenir while experiencing the heart of Cusco’s artistic tradition.

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Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day when you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.

 

Trip Highlights
  • Decorate your own Pucara bull in a hands-on art workshop.
  • Learn and apply traditional Cusco gilding techniques.
  • Create a unique souvenir to take home.
  • Enjoy a fun, relaxing, and educational two-hour experience.
Included
  • Private art workshop at Florencia y Fortunata Café
  • Ceramic Pucara Bull to take home
  • All gilding and painting materials
  • A cup of coffe or hot chocolate
NOT Included
  • Guide
  • Transport
  • Personal insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Tips
  • International or domestic flights
Pucara Bulls

Equipment & Packing List

Cultural day trips kitlist

Important Trip Details

Trip length
2 to 3 Hours
Difficulty
Easy
Peak altitude
~3,200m
Season
All Year Round
Trip Availability
Private Departure on request only

See What Past Travelers Have to Say

See what our past travelers had to say

John Leivers, who worked with the adventure outfitter Amazonas Explorer convinced me to sign up for a five-day itinerary instead of the more popular four-day trip. I understood John’s reasoning the next day when, after a relaxed afternoon of hiking along the Urubamba River, we arrived at the ruins of Patallacta. After a quick bath in the ice-cold stream, our Peruvian guide Efrain Valles led me into the ruins for a tour by flashlight. ….In the late afternoon, we approached a set of stone steps that vanished into the tropical greenery above. “You go first, Mark,” Efrain said, suppressing a smile. “Let me know what you see up there. “At the top of the stairs the foliage parted and I turned left into a bright patch of sunlight. There I was greeted with a final surprise from the Inca geniuses who’d built this trail a century before. Unfolding before me was a postcard come to life — the dazzling white stone city of Machu Picchu. Check out Mark’s adventure, the incredible 5-day Inca Trail trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu.
Mark Adams | Author of “Turn Right at Machu Picchu”

See what our past travelers had to say

Just to say that everything went perfectly on our weekend trip to Llactapata, so thanks so much for arranging that – and the vodka was really appreciated!! Peter, the director, also commented on how smoothly it all went and how good the staff and food were. We were lucky with the weather, the solstice did exactly what it was supposed to do, and aren´t the views from there amazing? Will speak to you soon, but just wanted to write quickly to say thanks. Our team of travel experts created Adrian’s own personalized adventure according to his preferences. If you would like to do the same, get in contact with one of our experts, and see what we can create for you.
Adrian Gallop | National Geographic

Peru EXPERTS

I’m not sure anyone knows more about having adventures in the Cusco area of Peru (and beyond) than Amazonas Explorer. Guides are properly trained, itineraries are well-thought-out; the emphasis is on safety but also on FUN! They do the classic trips brilliantly but also have lots of ideas for more offbeat escapades. And they’re a B Corporation, too, so have excellent environmental credentials. Check out Sarah’s adventure, our in depth Sacred Valley Explorer, here.

Amazonas Explorer delivered an unforgettable

We recently returned from a two-week adventure in Peru organized by Amazonas Explorer, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the trip was flawlessly executed and thoughtfully tailored to meet our specific needs and pace. Whether it was the gentle start to the Inca Trail to help with altitude, the high-quality accommodations, or the balance of activity and rest, every detail showed how much care went into planning our journey. The highlight, of course, was hiking the Inca Trail with our incredible guide, José Rivas, whose deep knowledge and calm presence made each step more meaningful. The entire support team—our cook, porters, and crew—provided not just logistics, but genuine hospitality that made us feel completely cared for. After the hike, Amazonas Explorer kept the magic going with a stunning train ride aboard the Andean Explorer across the high plains to Lake Titicaca. There, we explored the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island, adding a whole new cultural dimension to our adventure. Amazonas Explorer delivered an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience—from mountain passes above the clouds to peaceful moments on the highest navigable lake in the world. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they put into making this trip so personal, rich, and memorable. Good work everyone!

Exceeded expectations- We loved Peru

Paul and I arrived home from Peru last night and I wanted to let you know that we had the most fantastic time. Our itinerary packed so much into the few days that we had available and Elias was a superb guide, he was easy company, friendly, knowledgeable and clearly loved the sites that we visited as much as we did. You are very lucky to have him as part of your team. Special mention also for Ninos, our driver.  We felt safe with him behind the wheel at all times, despite very tricky roads and he never kept us waiting.  Elias and Ninos worked very well together. Overall our trip far exceeded expectations and we loved Peru. Many thanks for all of the organisation that made it possible.   Check out Paul’s adventure, The Machu Picchu Express, and find out for yourself what makes it so special.

How do we begin to thank you for the truly amazing experience you planned for us?

How do we begin to thank you for the truly amazing experience you planned for us? With three weeks in Peru and only the barest outline of where we wanted to go and what we like to do, you filled in the blanks and gave us the trip of a lifetime! Each day was a new adventure full of wonderful sights, people, and experiences. The places we stayed were wonderful and the food in Peru was fabulous, but it was your people who put the trip over the top. The execution of the plan was flawless – everyone was prompt, knowledgeable, friendly, and fun to be with. They took great care of us and eliminated all the usual stress of travel. You planned for us the perfect balance of “guided” time and independence; the hiking and biking days were perfectly suited to our age, ability, and altitude. We’re telling everyone we know to visit Peru and plan their trip with Amazonas!

Robin and OJ Burns

Our team of travel experts created OJ and Robin’s own personalized adventure according to their preferences. If you would like to do the same, get in contact with one of our experts, and see what we can create for you.

We loved Peru and it was so different from any other country I’ve visited

As you could tell by the pictures – I still have more to post – it was a memorable trip. We loved Peru and it was so different from any other country I’ve visited. It has a unique culture and the scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Plus, the history – man – the Inca were busy little buggers. It’s amazing to wonder what kind of structures still remain uncovered. At Machu Picchu, Gonzalo (guide) pointed out a massive aqueduct across the valley/river from the site. It had just been discovered in the last nine months. Crazy. He told us they estimate less than 50% of Machu Picchu has been exposed and just a bit more than 20% of Choquequirao has been identified. Speaking of Gonzalo, he was great. If I were you, I wouldn’t hesitate to request him to guide future guests you send to Peru. He’s warm, upbeat, enthusiastic, and funny and he knows his stuff. Plus he is so proud of his country and his heritage. Having a private guide and vehicle really enhanced our experience. Check out Susan’s adventure, our Choquequirao Trek, here.
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