Chinchero

Chinchero is the most traditional-feeling of the Sacred Valley towns, and a stop that rewards a little more time than the usual twenty minutes on a tour. It sits on the high plateau about 28 kilometers from Cusco, on the road to Urubamba, and at around 3,700 meters it is higher than Cusco itself, with big skies and views across farmland to the snowy peaks of the Urubamba range. The heart of the town is a plaza that is half Inca, half colonial. On one side, a long Inca wall with twelve trapezoidal niches marks the palace of the Inca Tupac Inca Yupanqui, built around 1480, and below it spread the terraces of an archaeological complex that served as a royal residence and a storehouse for supplies to Cusco. Above the plaza stands the 17th-century Church of Our Lady of Montserrat, built on Inca foundations, with baroque altars and an interior covered in colonial paintings and painted decoration. Chinchero is also one of the great weaving centers of the Andes. Several textile centers in town demonstrate the whole process, from washing alpaca and sheep wool with natural soap root to spinning, dyeing with plants and insects such as cochineal, and weaving on backstrap looms; the demonstrations are free, and the textiles are for sale. On Sundays, the market in the main square is one of the most important in the valley, with native potatoes, Andean grains and handicrafts, and it is one of the few places where barter is still practiced among villagers. The archaeological site and church are included in the Boleto Turistico. Fit: travelers interested in living Andean culture, textile lovers, history buffs and photographers.

How to visit: most Sacred Valley day tours stop at a weaving demonstration and allow a quick look at the plaza, which is a pity. If you can, come independently or with a private driver and give it two or three hours: start at the church and Inca wall, walk down through the terraces of the archaeological park, where an Inca trail leads down a valley toward Urubamba for walkers who want a longer outing, and finish at a weaving cooperative. On a Sunday, add the market. Respect the church rules on photography inside, and ask before photographing people.

Buying textiles: prices for handwoven pieces reflect weeks of work, so expect to pay far more than for machine-made goods in Cusco markets. Natural dyes give softer, slightly uneven colors, and the best centers will explain how each color is made. Buying directly here supports the weavers and their families. For deeper background, the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco works with Chinchero weavers among other communities.

Practical notes: buses and shared minivans to Chinchero leave Cusco from the Pavitos street area and take about 45 minutes, and taxis are also available. Chinchero is high, cold and windy, so bring layers. The nearby Lake Piuray is the starting point for the Huchuy Qosqo trek. On the plain beside the town, the long-planned new international airport for Cusco has been under construction, so expect works traffic on the approach road. The national tourist ticket introduced by law in 2026 was still being regulated in late 2026; carry your Boleto Turistico and confirm current terms.