EN 
ES Our Mission
A Powerful Purpose
The driving force behind Andean Colors is a desire to support single mothers who have overcome unimaginable obstacles. We’ve invested the time to help many of them learn and perfect the art of creating world class Peruvian textiles. Then, by working at our site and selling their products through our beautiful boutique, they are able to independently care for their children while uncovering opportunities for a much brighter future.
When you book a tour package at Andean Colors and purchase items from our boutique, you are directly contributing to the success of these strong, talented women.
How did Andean Colors adopt this meaningful mission? It all started with Hilda, the founder.
The Story Behind Andean Colors
Hilda Mayta
The Founder, Co-Owner & Acclaimed Textile Expert
Hilda and her four siblings were born and raised in Racchi, one hour northeast of Cusco. But when Hilda was 12, their mother tragically died. That left Hilda, the eldest daughter, to help care for the other children. As if her life was not already hard enough, she began suffering from repeated domestic abuse by her own father. She made the heartbreaking choice to run away from home once she finished her secondary education.
Once Hilda left, she ended up in Cusco—alone and vulnerable. There, she met a man who became the father of her two children, but the horrible cycle of abuse continued. When he tried to take her life, Hilda was overcome with fear and knew she had to make a gut-wrenching decision. Escaping was the only choice, but it ended up being one that changed everything.
Marco Zuniga
The Co-Owner & Highly Accomplished Tour Guide
Marco was born in the community of Ccachin, located in the district of Lares, province of Calca. From an early age, he faced significant challenges. At just five years old, he lost his father, leaving his mother to care for him and his two siblings. Life in Ccachin revolved around subsistence farming, and there were months when his family barely had enough to eat. His mother, limited by cultural norms that didn’t allow women to work like men, did her best to provide for her children.
Quechua was the language of his community and the heart of his identity. Yet, at school, it was forbidden to speak Quechua. Classes were taught in Spanish, which Marco hardly understood. The students unable to respond in Spanish quietly continued to speak Quechua in defiance. These barriers, however, did not break Marco’s spirit; they fueled his determination to rise above.
The Beautiful Impact
Lidia
The Power of a Fresh Start
Lidia was born in the district of Pitumarca in the community of Finaya, a remote place near the second-highest mountain in Peru. As a child, she lived with her paternal grandmother and spent her days herding alpacas and llamas on the slopes of the majestic Ausangate mountain.
From a young age, Lidia participated in national craft fairs, showcasing her talent in textile arts. As she got older, her achievements in the artisan world were a stark contrast to a personal life filled with sadness. Every time she returned home, she faced a painful reality due to the domestic abuse she suffered from her partner. She felt trapped, with no clear way out.
It was during this difficult time that a friend introduced her to Hilda Mayta, the founder of Andean Colors. Hilda offered Lidia support and encouraged her to take control of her life, reminding her that she was valuable and deserved happiness.
With Hilda’s help, Lidia found the strength to leave her abusive relationship and begin a new chapter in her life. Beyond emotional support, Andean Colors provided her with new opportunities to grow, reinforcing her independence and empowerment.
Today, Lidia continues to participate in national craft fairs, but with a completely different outlook. She is now a strong, confident, and happy woman. Her story is one of resilience, proving that the right support can change lives. She has also taken on a leadership role in her community, helping other women find new opportunities and build better futures.
“Being part of the Andean Colors family has genuinely been life-changing for me,” Lidia said. “I feel like I have a true purpose now, and I know that anything is possible.”
Noemí
The Strength of Inspiration
High in the mountains of Lares in the community of Pampacorral lives Noemí, a woman whose resilience reflects the strength of the Andes that surround her. Her life has been a continuous struggle against adversity, yet also a testament to how hope can be reborn even in the darkest moments.
For Noemí, speaking only Quechua in a world that does not always value indigenous languages made her feel invisible. At an early age, she met the father of her two children—a son and a daughter. What initially seemed like a promise of stability soon turned into a relationship marked by domestic abuse.
After years of suffering, Noemí made a decision that would change her life and the lives of her children. She bravely chose to leave, even though that meant facing an uncertain future. With her children as her greatest motivation, she sought ways to survive and move forward in her community.
It was in this moment of vulnerability that she met Hilda Mayta, founder of Andean Colors. Hilda had arrived in Pampacorral with a mission to work alongside women weavers, preserving the ancestral art of Andean textiles. Hilda saw beyond Noemí’s hardships; she saw her talent, her strength, and the enormous potential she had as an artisan.
Hilda began working with Noemí, helping her not only to refine her weaving techniques but also to regain her self-esteem. Hilda patiently supported Noemí and remained by her side, showing her that her story and her textiles had a unique value.
Today, Noemí is an essential part of the Andean Colors project. Her work represents not only the cultural richness of the Andes but also the struggle and resilience of a woman who chose to stand up for herself and her children.
Though the journey remains challenging, Hilda continues to support Noemí, who now inspires other women in Pampacorral. Her story proves that empowerment is not a destination but a process that flourishes through community support and the determination to never give up.
“Weaving is my connection to my roots, to my children, and to myself,” said Noemí. “Thanks to Hilda and Andean Colors, I now know that my work has a purpose and a value.”
Paulita
The Passion for Independence
Paulita was born in the community of Pachcancha in the district of Ollantaytambo, and her life has been a testament to perseverance, strength, and unconditional love. From an early age, she faced challenges that shaped her path and forged her unwavering determination.
After losing her mother, she was raised by her aunt and paternal grandmother, who cared for her with love and dedication. However, her life changed drastically when her father decided to take her to live with him and his new partner.
In that home, far from the love she had known, Paulita endured years of mistreatment by her stepmother. Day after day, she endured in silence, dreaming of the moment when she could take control of her own destiny.
Finally, she made a courageous decision to leave her father’s home and pursue an education in administration despite having no family support. During that time, she also gave birth to her son, which was a turning point in her life. From the very first moment, he became her greatest reason to fight. Despite the hardships of being a single mother, Paulita found in her son the motivation to push forward every single day.
As she searched for a better life, Paulita met Hilda Mayta, founder of Andean Colors. Hilda saw in Paulita a strength and determination that needed to be nurtured. She invited her to join the project, offering her not just a source of income but also a pathway to financial freedom. Hilda was confident that Paulita could break free from the cycle of dependency and hardship.
Through Andean Colors, Paulita refined her artisanal skills and learned to value her own work. With Hilda’s support, she realized that her talent and dedication could translate into economic independence. This opportunity not only provided her with financial stability but also restored her confidence in herself and her ability to build a better future.
Today, Paulita is a key member of Andean Colors, dedicating her time and energy to crafting beautiful textiles that weave stories of perseverance and triumph. Her son remains her greatest inspiration, reminding her every day that all sacrifices are worth it.
“Everything I do, I do for him,” Paulita said. “I want my son to know that, no matter how difficult the path, it is always possible to move forward.”
Paulita has not only transformed her own life but also inspires other women to seek their independence and believe in their own worth. Her story is a powerful example that obstacles can be overcome with love and determination, and true financial freedom can be achieved.
