Discovering Chinchero and Its Andean Treasures

Chinchero, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, Peru, represents a rich cultural, historical, and archaeological legacy. This destination is famous not only for its archaeological heritage but also for its vibrant community life, which still preserves ancient practices and rituals. Visitors to Chinchero can expect to be transported to a world where every corner tells a story, and every view offers a natural spectacle. Discover Chinchero, a treasure of the Sacred Valley, with impressive landscapes and archaeological remains. In this blog, we invite you to explore its rich Inca and colonial history, ancient ruins, and the essence of a living culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Chinchero!

History

Pre-Inca Era

Historically inhabited by the Ayarmacas, Chinchero was home to two main human groups: the Ayllu Pongo and the Cuper Ayllu. These groups still exist today as farming communities. Ayllu Pongo is located to the south and southwest, and Cuper Ayllu to the northeast of Chinchero, extending to the shores of Lake Piuray through the Urquillos ravine up to the high areas of Anataquilca and Sauco.

Inca Era

Chinchero was a political, administrative, and residential center within the Inca Empire, as well as a military and commercial post. This site was the residence of the Inca Túpac Inca Yupanqui, who chose these lands as part of his personal property. In 1536, Manco Inca, leader of the Inca resistance, retreated to the Yucay Valley after battling the Spanish at Lake Piuray. During his retreat, Manco Inca set fire to the palaces of Chinchero to prevent the Spanish from seizing supplies and capturing him.

Colonial Era

During the Spanish invasion, Chinchero underwent a profound transformation in its social and economic organization through the implementation of encomiendas. The area had three encomiendas, with the notable Cuper Pongo established in 1549 under the administration of Alonso de Loayza, its first encomendero. Later, in 1572, Viceroy Francisco de Toledo established the Señora de Monserrate de Chinchero, where a colonial Catholic church was built on the foundations of an ancient Inca huaca.

Chinchero Today

Chinchero is a town that preserves and shares its monumental architecture. Additionally, it is undergoing significant change with the construction of an International Airport, aiming to boost tourism and the local economy, making this ancient Andean treasure more accessible.

Location

Chinchero is located in the Urubamba province, 28 km from Cusco, at an impressive altitude of 3,762 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by sacred snow-capped mountains like Salkantay, Veronica, and Soray, and the beautiful lakes of Huaypo and Piuray. The landscape is dominated by Inca structures blending with colonial architecture and vast fields cultivated using ancient agricultural techniques.

Climate

The climate in Chinchero is typically temperate and semi-dry. The annual average temperature ranges from 14ºC to 22ºC, with a marked dry season and a rainy season. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is milder and the chances of rain are lower.

Flora

Chinchero is famous for its extensive cornfields (Zea mays). Beyond these crops, the area is adorned with cantuta (Cantua buxifolia), queuña (Polylepis), chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa), aliso (Alnus glutinosa), quishuar (Buddleja incana), ichu (Stipa ichu), and other species.

Fauna

The fauna of Chinchero is equally fascinating, featuring species like the skunk (Cone Patos Rex), weasel (Mustela sp), Andean tinamou (Nothoprocta), vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia), and various hummingbirds (Trochilidae) that play a crucial role in pollinating native flowers.

Chinchero, the Rainbow Town

Chinchero is known as "the land of the rainbow" or "Kuychi," derived from ancient legends about this sacred natural phenomenon. During the rainy season, this magnificent meteorological event can be observed. This town, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, attracts visitors from around the world with its picturesque atmosphere and deeply rooted history. Traditional textiles display a rainbow of vibrant colors and complex patterns, reflecting the artisans' skill and creativity. The town of Chinchero is made up of 12 communities still organized under the ayllu system, led by a family chief called a varayoc. Barter and border demarcation are still practiced today.

The Chinchero International Airport

The construction of the international airport in Chinchero is a topic of great expectation and debate. This project is expected to bring economic progress and well-being. In terms of tourism, it will propel mass tourism to the region, potentially increasing income for local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and other tourist services. The airport’s construction also promotes infrastructure development like roads, transport, and public services. However, it also brings demographic changes, increased migration to the area, and population growth. The Chinchero airport is currently under construction.

Important Sites in Chinchero

Chinchero Archaeological Site

This archaeological complex is a significant testament to Inca architecture, featuring a fusion of Spanish colonial architecture. Highlights include agricultural terraces that maximize land use and huacas, places considered sacred. The site includes a set of architectural structures with different functions, including enclosures, kallankas, huacas, water channels, Inca roads, plazas, and the magnificent colonial church of Monserrate, representing Spanish culture.

Key Sectors in Chinchero Archaeological Site

• The Great Inca Plaza Capellanpampa
• The 12 Niches
• The Main Plaza of Chinchero
• The arches where the three Ayllus of Chinchero enter
• The Pumaqaqa and Teteqaqa Huacas
• The channels and drains
• The terraces and agricultural terraces

The Colonial Church of Chinchero

The church of Chinchero is called the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat. Built between 1570 and 1607 by Viceroy Toledo, this temple is constructed on the foundations of an Inca palace. It is a fascinating example of the fusion of Inca and colonial architecture. The church features Cuzco paintings and works by Diego Quispe Tito. These paintings or frescoes are made with gold leaf, visible in their murals and interior ornaments. Additionally, it preserves an excellent painting by Francisco Chihuantito from 1679, depicting the plaza, atrium, church, tower, and cross, identical to the 19th century.

Textile Centers: Awana Canchas

The Awana Canchas workshops are textile production centers. Visitors can interact with local artisans and learn about the art of weaving, a craft passed down through generations. Women dressed in their typical and original attire explain the production process from obtaining camelid wool to weaving using ancient tools. As a result, Chinchero offers garments made by local artisans at affordable prices. These items, made from alpaca and baby alpaca wool, can be purchased in each shop.

The Palace of Túpac Yupanqui

Located next to the main plaza, the remains of an Inca wall with 12 trapezoidal niches are considered the palace of Inca Tupac Yupanqui. This palace served as the residence of one of the most powerful Inca rulers and as an administrative center during the Inca era.

Chinchero Site Museum

The museum is located in the Chinchero plaza. It is an archaeological and ethnographic collection from archaeological investigations in the area. Created in 1996, it has two large rooms displaying lithic pieces, metals, textiles, ceremonial and utilitarian ceramics, mortars, and a lithic sculpture of a puma. The ethnographic collection includes farming tools, textiles, typical clothing of the area, and colonial paintings from the Cusco school.

Sunday Market

On Sundays, the native market showcases how nearby farming communities come to buy and sell their products, including handmade textiles, a variety of fresh produce, and crafts. The market also features bartering, a tradition since Inca times.

Poc Poc Waterfalls

Located 3 km from the Chinchero archaeological site, in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco. You can access it through a pleasant hike among Andean landscapes. On the way to Urquillos, you will find the 50-meter-high Poc Poc waterfalls. The waterfalls create a natural spectacle that invites reflection and enjoyment of the area's tranquility with impressive panoramic views.

Inca Trail: Chinchero to Urquillos

These trails are part of the Qhapac Ñan road system. The most well-known path from Chinchero leads to Urquillos, connecting to the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. These paths are paved in various sections. During the Inca era, they served for the movement of Ayllu Pongo and Yanacona groups. Today, these Inca trails are still in use. This path leads to the Poc Poc waterfalls and finally ends in the Sacred Valley, specifically in Urquillos.

Surrounding Lakes to Visit in Chinchero

Chinchero is surrounded by pristine nature, including several lakes essential to the local ecosystem, which offer opportunities for bird watching and other recreational activities.

Huaypo Lake

Located near Chinchero, 15 km northeast at about 3,500 meters above sea level, Huaypo is an oasis of calm. This lake stretches 1,500 meters long by 800 meters wide, surrounded by sacred mountains. Huaypo Lake is essential for local agriculture and a recreational site for boating or picnicking by the water.

Piuray Lake

This lake is crucial for the water supply of the Cusco region, making it a vital source of life for thousands. The surroundings of Piuray are a natural canvas, where the green of agricultural fields blends with the vibrant blue of the water. It is also important for local fishing and activities like rowing, attracting both locals and tourists seeking peace and connection with nature.

Recommendations on How to Get to Chinchero

How to Get from Cusco

Chinchero is only 30 km from Cusco and easily accessible by road. Visitors can arrive in less than an hour by private vehicle or public transport.

Public and Private Transport Options

• Public Transport: You can take a bus from the Santiago Terminal in Cusco. Buses usually leave every 15 minutes, and the trip takes about an hour. It is an economical option and allows you to experience the journey as the locals do.
• Taxi or Private Transport Service: You can hire a taxi or a private transport service. This option is more expensive but offers comfort and the flexibility to travel directly from your location in Cusco to Chinchero without stops.
• Organized Tour: Many travel agencies in Cusco offer tours to Chinchero, including round-trip transportation, a tour guide, and often other stops at nearby sites of interest. This is the most recommended option if you prefer a more structured experience with detailed information about the places you visit.

Tour Recommendations

• Sacred Valley Tour: Participating in a Sacred Valley tour allows visitors to explore not only Chinchero but also other important historical archaeological sites with expert guides who delve into the region's history and culture.
• Maras Moray Chinchero Half-Day Tour: This tour is perfect for those with limited time, offering a comprehensive look at the impressive Maras salt mines and the circular terraces of Moray before concluding in Chinchero.

Typical Dishes of Chinchero

• Timpu or Puchero: This is a very popular dish, especially during Carnival. It is a hearty soup made with beef or lamb accompanied by various vegetables.
• Merienda Chincherina: This typical dish from Chinchero consists of various portions, such as Lisa stew or Lisa chu, accompanied by corn tortillas and guinea pig.
• Roast Guinea Pig is an iconic dish of Andean cuisine. The guinea pig is marinated in spices like cumin, chili, and garlic and then roasted. It is served with potatoes and fresh vegetable salad.

Sports and Adventures in Chinchero

Hiking and Trekking in Chinchero

Chinchero offers numerous hiking trails that allow you to explore the rich history and geography on foot. Walk along the Inca trail, starting in Chinchero and ending in Urquillos, providing an authentic and enriching Andean experience.

Cycling

For adventurers, bike tours start in Chinchero, taking rural paths to the Cruz Pata community, passing through Moray terraces, and heading to the Maras salt mines before ending in Urubamba. Cycling offers an opportunity to enjoy nature while exercising.

Paragliding

Paragliding is done in the high part of Chinchero. It is an exciting adventure to experience the air. Paragliding offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, including distant views of Salkantay. This activity is for those seeking adrenaline and a different perspective of the landscape.

ATV Routes

Exploring Chinchero on an ATV is a fun and vibrant way to see the terrain. Routes can take you through traditional farming fields around Huaypo Lake, visit the circular terraces of Moray, and end at the Maras salt mines.

General Tips for Visitors

Travel Tips

• Leave early to avoid crowds.
• Bring identification or a passport for tourists.
• Wear appropriate clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
• Waterproof jackets or rain ponchos in case of sudden rains.
• Comfortable shoes or trekking sneakers for the tour.
• A camera to capture unforgettable moments.
• Cash to buy textiles and valuable items you might want to purchase.

Safety and Health Tips

• The altitude can be challenging, so proper acclimatization is essential.
• Carry more than a liter of water and stay hydrated.
• Maintain good hygiene and personal care.
• Use sunscreen, hats, and caps.
• Avoid restricted paths to prevent accidents.
• Do not walk in quiet and dark places at night.

Recommendations for Souvenirs and Local Purchases

Buying local crafts provides a unique souvenir and supports the local economy. Textiles, especially, are famous for their quality and beauty. Unique traditional and typical outfits from Chinchero.

Cusco Tourist Ticket: Includes Chinchero

You can purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which includes Chinchero, in the Comprehensive Tourist Ticket (BTG) that allows access to 16 tourist destinations in Cusco and optimizes your travel budget. This ticket allows you to visit museums, archaeological sites, and cultural centers. It is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase.

Another option is the Partial Tourist Ticket on circuit 3, which is valid for two days and includes a visit to Chinchero and other archaeological centers in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Entry Hours to Chinchero

The visiting hours at the Chinchero archaeological site are from Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Entrance Fee to Chinchero

The entrance fee includes your visit to Chinchero in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. It varies according to the ticket you wish to purchase. There are two options mentioned before.

Ticket Type

Rate for Minors Aged 10 to 17

Minors aged 10 to 17 must purchase their tourist ticket by presenting their valid ID or passport in the case of foreigners. The tourist ticket is free for minors.

Rate for University Students Aged 18 to 25

Students can purchase their tourist ticket by presenting their original and valid student ID card or ISIC card. The entry fee is S/. 70.00.

Options to Purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket

The Cusco Tourist Ticket is available to anyone and can be purchased in various ways:

• COSITUC Office: This is the main office for ticket purchases, located at Avenida El Sol Nº 103, office 102 (Tourist Gallery).
  • Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm - Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
• The tourist Ticket includes all places except the Qosqo Center for Native Art, the Museum of Popular Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Similar Places

Maras

Located about 40 kilometers from Cusco in the Sacred Valley, Maras is famous for its historic salt mines. These more than 5,000 salt pools, used since pre-Inca times, are key to the local economy and attract numerous visitors interested in traditional production methods. The town not only offers a direct link to ancient practices but also highlights the adaptability and survival skills of Andean communities over the centuries. This charming town is a witness to human ingenuity and a cultural link to the Inca and pre-Inca past.

Moray

A fascinating archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about 48 kilometers northwest of Cusco and 7 kilometers west of Chinchero. This place stands out for its magnificent circular agricultural terraces, which sink like amphitheaters into the ground. It is believed that the Incas used these terraces as an experimental agricultural laboratory to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops.

Pisac

Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about 33 kilometers northeast of Cusco. This complex includes a mix of impressive Inca architectural constructions and agricultural terraces that snake down the mountain slopes, highlighting Inca engineering and agricultural mastery. Pisac's importance lies in part due to its strategic position, serving as a defensive stronghold and religious center, playing a crucial role in the control and management of the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo

A fortress located 60 kilometers northwest of Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This site is notable for its well-preserved Inca urban structure, including agricultural terraces and stone-carved temples. Ollantaytambo is also one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish conquerors. The town retains its original design with water channels and cobbled streets, reflecting advanced Inca urban planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a guide to explore Chinchero?

Yes, having a guide not only enriches the experience with valuable information about the sites but also ensures a respectful and safe visit.

What should I bring for a day trip to Chinchero?

Remember to bring warm clothes, sunscreen, enough water, some snacks, and, of course, a camera to capture the stunning views.

Can I participate in weaving workshops in Chinchero?

Yes, many artisans offer the opportunity to learn about traditional weaving techniques, which is a unique way to interact directly with local culture.

Is Chinchero accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Although some areas may be difficult to access due to the uneven terrain, some agencies provide services to facilitate visits for everyone.

How much time is recommended to visit Chinchero?

A full day allows a good exploration of the main attractions, but if you can spare more time, you will find many more activities to enrich your experience.

Are there ATMs in Chinchero?

Banking services are limited, so it is better to bring cash from Cusco to avoid inconveniences.

What is the best time of year to visit Chinchero?

The months of May to September offer a drier climate and clearer views, making this period ideal for visiting.

Is Chinchero a suitable place for children?

Yes, there are many activities suitable for children, though it is important to care for them, especially at high altitudes.

What safety measures should I follow during my visit to Chinchero?

Avoid walking alone in isolated areas and always follow recommended routes.

Are there international food options in Chinchero?

Most restaurants focus on local dishes, but for more international options, the best alternative is in Cusco city. It offers various cuisines, from Andean and novoandina to international dishes for those who prefer a less traditional diet.