Chinchero, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is a town where past and present live side by side: Inca terraces, an imposing colonial church and a lively craft center where Andean traditions are part of everyday life.
The Inca terraces
Climb the andenes, the farming terraces the Incas built on the hillsides. Notice the precision and know-how behind this technique, which is still used to farm the land today.
The colonial church
Visit the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat, an imposing colonial building that rises above the terraces. Inside, don’t miss the main altarpiece, a work of Baroque art.
The craft center
The Chinchero craft center offers colorful handwoven textiles, silver jewelry with traditional designs and pottery made with age-old techniques. Buying there means taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir and supporting the work of local artisans.
Festivals and traditions
If your visit coincides with a local festival, take the chance to see Chinchero’s traditions up close, with Andean music, folk dances and Peruvian food.
What else to do in and around Chinchero
- Sunday market. A traditional market with fresh produce, crafts and much more.
- Weaving class. Join a workshop and learn to weave with traditional techniques.
- Moray. A set of circular, concentric terraces the Incas used to experiment with different crops.
- Hiking. Take a walk around Chinchero and enjoy the views of the Sacred Valley.
Tips for your visit
- Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Drink plenty of water: it helps you cope with the altitude.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
Want to add Chinchero to your itinerary?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. We run tours of the Sacred Valley and of Maras and Moray, and we can help you fit Chinchero into your itinerary.