Sitting at an elevation of 1300 feet above Cusco, Chinchero is overlooking the striking scenery of the Urubamba mountain range. So let us find out more about Chinchero, a very special village in Peru located about 30 km away from Cusco!
What is so special about Chinchero?
The majority of tourists travel to Chinchero to witness its vibrant and well-known market. It is open only on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The local market is situated in a square not far from several ruins and archaeological sites. It is really basic, with no pavements and individuals selling goods on blue canvases spread out on the ground. Market here features a huge selection of products including tons of fabrics, handmade crafts, pink salt as well as fruits, vegetables, fish and meat.
It would surely be enjoyable to see this lively market. So full of bargaining for Peruvian food, which is again a common practice.
Andean Textile in Chinchero:
Other than the market, Chinchero is more famous for women dyeing wool with natural pigments. You will have to wander a bit searching local houses that do weaving. It’s a hint, if you come across any house decorated with flowers in front, stop there and ask for a weaving presentation.
Anybody seeing the process will be mesmerized to see natural wool converting into textile treads! This weaving knowledge is inherited by these locals from their families.
Due to the meticulous and vivid handcrafting. We are sure that it would be tough to resist buying everything. So make sure to check out the best gift shops, Tika Centro de Produccion Textil, Centro Texti Urpi, Samaq LLank’ay, Tupay Textiles and Centro Textil Acllas! You will surely be overjoyed and appreciative that you went to Chinchero and witnessed all those enduring old customs!
It is also a village with women stunningly dressed in traditional but impressive clothes; red shawls, black and white skirts and round red hats with pretty sweaters. Their hair braids create an endearing and appealing appearance.
Chinchero is also ready to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Indulge in a half-day hike with Llamas and Alpacas in Chinchero over the Andes mountains. You will have an unforgettable moment thanks to the magnificent views of Piuray Lagoon and the historic Original Inca Trail (Qhapaq ñan) that is laid through this marvellous village.
Chinchero Church:
Another special thing is the elegant colonial church called Iglesia Colonial de Chinchero. It is worth visiting the interior. You will find it decorated in cheery floral and religious patterns. It is open for visitors from 8 am to 5.30 pm every day.
You can also find several rocks with benches and staircases carved into them if you start walking away from the settlement across the terraces on the right side of the valley. Terracing makes up the bulk of these ruins at Chinchero.
You can go to Chinchero any time of the year, but keep in mind that you are also visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, and the ideal times to travel there are in May, June, September and October.
Visit Chinchero on our Sacred Valley Tour or Sacred Valley Tour with a connection to Machu Picchu Tour.