The town of Chinchero: a beautiful tourist spot

The rustic and charming town of Chinchero is located in the middle of the Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Urubamba.  It is a small town of about 3,000 inhabitants, many of them of Quechua descent. This town is known for its rich cultural heritage as well as its stunning natural beauty. Visitors to Chinchero can explore the town's ancient ruins, shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the local market and learn about traditional weaving techniques at the Chinchero Weavers' Cooperative.

Chinchero is located at  12,342 feet (3,762 meters) above sea level, probably the highest town in the Sacred Valley. Despite its high altitude, Chinchero offers a pleasant , warm climate with sunny days and cool nights. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, and lots of vegetation, making it a popular spot for hiking and other outdoor activities.

One of Chinchero's main attractions is the Chinchero Market, which is held every Sunday. This market is known for its colorful textiles, handmade crafts such as handbags, purses, jewelry, pottery, and fresh produce. It is a great place to buy souvenirs to take home. Visitors to the market can browse through stalls selling everything from woven blankets and ponchos to pottery and jewelry. The market is also a great place to taste some local food, such as roasted guinea pig, known as  cuy and chicha, a fermented corn drink.

Another popular attraction in Chinchero is the Chinchero Ruins. These ancient Inca ruins are located on a hilltop overlooking the town and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The ruins include a series of terraces, walls, and buildings that were once used for farming, religious ceremonies, and living quarters. The ruins have some impressive stonework, which shows the engineering skills of the Incas. In Chinchero visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history and culture of the Inca civilization.

One of the most unique experiences in Chinchero is a visit to the Chinchero Weaving Cooperative. This cooperative is run by a group of local women who are preserving the traditional art of Andean weaving. Visitors can learn about the weaving process, from shearing the wool to dyeing the yarn and weaving the final product. The cooperative sells a range of handmade textiles, including scarves, hats, and blankets, all made from locally sourced materials. Visitors can also purchase weaving supplies and take part in workshops to learn basic weaving techniques.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Chinchero is well known for its unique festivals and celebrations. One of the most important festivals in Chinchero is the celebration of the Virgen de la Natividad, which takes place every September. This festival includes traditional dances, music, and parades, as well as a large market selling food and crafts.

Another festival in Chinchero is the Q'apaq Raymi, which takes place in February. This festival celebrates the end of the agricultural season and includes traditional ceremonies, like offering coca leaves to the earth (Pachamama) and the sun (Inti). The festival also includes music, dance, and food, and is a great way to get to know the people and their customs.

Chinchero is a beautiful and unique tourist spot that offers lots of attractions for travelers. From the colorful textiles at the Chinchero Market to the ancient ruins and traditional weaving techniques, there is something for everyone in this charming Andean town. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Chincherowill have something perfect for you. Book now and enjoy our tour through Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit these beautiful places and live the true Inca experience.