Aula Artesana adheres to fair trade principles. We pay our partners the price they ask for and never negotiate, except when we feel that the proposed price is too low. To learn more, read our values or write us with any specific questions or concerns.

Aula works with people who are passionate about what they do, offer high-quality handmade products and want to share their knowledge and art. We are always interested in working with new partners across Peru who share our values. However, we are also conscious of biting off more than we can chew, so we prioritize strengthening and maintaining the relationships we already have.

We believe that this is a sustainable model for both our partners and Aula. Our partners are passionate about their work, craft and art and are looking for retail and workshop opportunities, all of which Aula is keen to help facilitate.

We maintain continual communication with our partners across Peru, visiting them regularly and in-person and meeting with the artisan associations, community members and leaders. Some of our partners are reachable by telephone, while others live in areas outside of phone service. In those cases, we schedule visits more frequently in order to keep up communication. Trains, planes, cars and canoes - we do  whatever it takes to reach our partners!

Aula was founded in Peru, where it works alongside artisans and communities to develop workshops for our customers. Its founder, Sonya, has in Peru for years, and she has developed Aula’s workshops in close consultation with the artisans. Our team takes great care to make sure that our guests are happy, comfortable and learning, while leaving the teaching and expertise to our partners.

We do not cut corners when it comes to experience or safety; we craft our workshops and itineraries with our guests in mind and are constantly working to improve the experience of both our guests and our partners. We are honored to develop these workshops and bring makers together from across the world, and we take our role as facilitator and guide very seriously.

Groups typically range from about 8 to 10 participants and are accompanied by group leaders, local guides and translators. We prefer smaller groups to create a more intimate experience for everyone involved.

Aula requires a non-refundable deposit of either $500 (double occupancy) or $650 (single occupancy) to secure your place in an artisan retreat. From there, you can either pay the full amount of the trip or pay in two installments leading up to the retreat. We require that the reservation be paid in full no later than 60 days prior to the trip. If final payment is not received at this time, Aula Artesana reserves the right to cancel your booking.

Read more about our payment plans and Terms & Conditions here.

All food, transportation throughout your itinerary, accommodations, workshops, guides, translations and other activities are included in the cost.

Alcoholic beverages unless otherwise stated in the retreat description, airfare or other transportation costs from your home country to the retreat destination, travel insurance and personal expenses.

Travel insurance covers our guests in case of flight cancellations, illness, strikes, theft, etc. We are confident and experienced travelers in Peru, but we also know that weather can be unpredictable, as can labor disputes or civil strikes. We suggest Allianz as a reliable travel insurance company.

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism purposes. If you are traveling under a passport from another country, please consult your local government or Peruvian consulate to determine whether a visa is required to enter the country.

If you wish to cancel your reservation, you must please notify Aula Artesana, in writing, of your desire to cancel. Below is our refund policy:

- If the booking is cancelled at least 60 days prior to departure, Aula will refund in full any prior payments, with the exception of the initial deposit and any non-refundable purchases made on your behalf.

- If the booking is cancelled at least 30 days prior to departure, Aula will refund 50% of any prior payments (with Aula retaining the remaining 50%), with the exception of the initial deposit and any non-refundable purchases made on your behalf.

- Reservations cancelled within 30 days of departure are not eligible for refund.

Read more about our cancellation and refund policy in Terms & Conditions.

Peru is generally a safe place to travel, but we would suggest consulting a doctor regarding vaccinations, particularly for jungle-based workshops.

Altitude affects everyone differently and has very little to do with physical fitness. If you have experienced issues with altitude in the past or if you’re not sure how altitude affects you, consult your doctor to find out what options may be available to you regarding preventative measures.

Aula takes altitude into consideration when designing workshop itineraries. We build in some time for guests to acclimatize before attempting any strenuous physical activity. We also carry oxygen with us as a precaution.

In order to maintain the health of our guests, partners, guides, drivers and staff, we have implemented the following safety protocols:

• Requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test, antigen or PCR, taken within one week of workshop start date; and/or, requiring proof of vaccine as soon as it is readily available in your home country


• Number of workshop guests limited to 4-8, depending on workshop setting and outdoor space available


• All workshops in open air, with masks required


• All meals in open air


• Where possible, use of transportation larger than the group's need to allow for spacing between guests


• Daily temperature checks, as well as follow-up and coordination of quarantine and testing in case of fever


• Sanitation protocols before entering spaces such as hotels, workshops, transportation


• Hand sanitizer available at all times; each guest will be given a personal bottle, and our team will have more sanitizer on hand


• Itinerary adjustments if necessary, depending on closures of local sites


We ask that all guests respect these protocols regardless of vaccination status. We wish to respect the local rules regarding mask-wearing and social distancing kept in place to protect our partners and locals in Peru, most of whom do not have access to vaccination at this time.