‘OK,’ Scott calls to the group, making everyone fall silent. ‘This morning we’ve brought you to meet a local co-op of women who don’t do things the way we are all used to.’ He turns and gestures to the women behind him who are either stood in their stalls or gathered round preparing to get to work on creating something. There are children happily running around their feet or hanging from their mothers’ backs in slings; it’s a very calm and tranquil environment. ‘You can see from the traditional way they dress that they’re not buying their clothes online at Gap or H&M. These clothes are made to last, they’re made to keep them warm and to be functional, they’re made in the most sustainable way possible – from the land around them.’ Scott’s good at his sales pitch, pausing in all the right places and breaking it down so that we all have a moment to look at the women in awe over what they’re able to do with their hands, all while taking in the matching outfits they’re wearing. The red-rimmed hats with thick straps looping under their chins, the white blouses with a frilly detail running down the front, the bright red cardigans embroidered with a delicate white-threaded design of plants travelling up the front panels to their shoulders, the same cardigans then piped with a punchy green trim, the cuffs and pockets a vibrant blue with the same white-threaded pattern. Their black skirts are just as pleasing to look at, the red trim just hitting their knees – the look finished off with flat slippers that look comfy and practical. The women look impressive, especially gathered in a group, and I can’t help but wonder if they dress like this normally or if this is more of a uniform they’re wearing for our benefit. I’ve definitely seen women wearing similar items and wearing the colourful wool blankets to carry their young while we’ve been travelling around, especially in central Cusco, but the fact they’re all completely matching makes me think this is a little more contrived. This is a tourist destination after all, even though we’d all like to believe we’re on a completely unique journey on a previously untrodden path.

‘This morning they’ll show you how they work,’ continues Scott. ‘How they weave local alpaca wool, and then you’ll be given the chance to buy some of their handmade crafts. I strongly urge you to, because your input makes a huge difference to these women and their families in this ever-changing world. It helps keep their culture, their language and the traditions of the Inca alive.’ Scott raises his eyebrows at the group. ‘Right, off you go. Let me know if you have any questions.’