The Town of Chinchero

A place full of tradition and colorful customs is the magical town of Chinchero. It’s an essential stop on any tour of the Sacred Valley, where you will not only find Inca architectural remains but also see how the traditions preserved here are a living reflection of Andean culture. Discover everything this town has to offer by exploring Chinchero.

Contents

• What will I find in Chinchero?
• Where is Chinchero?
• What are the best activities I can do in Chinchero?
  • Chinchero Archaeological Site
  • Chinchero Textile Workshops
  • Adventure Sports
  • Poc Poc Waterfall
  • Chinchero Lagoons
• Tips for visiting the town of Chinchero
• Frequently Asked Questions

What will I find in Chinchero?

Chinchero is a small town located in the Sacred Valley. As you explore it, you’ll experience one of the most traditional places in the Cusco region, where you’ll learn about and observe some of the customs and way of life of Andean culture.

Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking views of the valley, mountains, snow-capped peaks, lagoons, and Inca constructions that give Chinchero a truly unmissable landscape. The visit offers a wide range of experiences, from cultural activities and nature walks around the area to adventure sports made possible by its unique geography.

Where is Chinchero?

Chinchero is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about 30 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The travel time to get there is usually around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The magical town of Chinchero is one of the highest places in the Sacred Valley, sitting at approximately 3,760 meters (12,336 feet) above sea level. Because of this, it’s important to visit well-dressed for the altitude. If it’s one of your first days in the region, take it slow or acclimatize beforehand to avoid altitude sickness.

What are the best activities I can do in Chinchero?

Chinchero’s geographic location makes it ideal for many activities. You’ll need at least a full day to experience and explore its most popular attractions. Discover the best things to do in Chinchero and immerse yourself in its culture.

• Chinchero Archaeological Site

  Probably the main attraction of Chinchero is its archaeological site, where you can learn more about the iconic constructions of the Inca culture. Through a brief tour, you will see stone gateways, Inca walls, stone enclosures, water channels, and the famous agricultural terraces found throughout the Sacred Valley.

  Next to this archaeological site is the ancient palace of Túpac Inca Yupanqui, of which only the foundations remain, as the current Church of Our Lady of Monserrat was built on top of it. Inside, you can appreciate a wide variety of pictorial art.

  

• Chinchero Textile Workshops

  The textile workshops or centers are almost a mandatory stop during your visit to Chinchero. Here, you will learn about the traditional textile art of a culture that still uses ancestral techniques today. You will see how their textiles are made, as well as natural dyeing techniques, witnessing some of the magic involved.

  These places display each textile composition they create, from ponchos, coats, hats, to accessories and souvenirs, allowing you to take a lasting memory of Chinchero and its culture.

• Adventure Sports

  Thanks to Chinchero’s vast geographical diversity, you can enjoy activities that will give you adrenaline-filled moments alongside the most beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Some of the most notable activities include cycling routes, ATV rides, and paragliding.

  Additionally, it is an ideal place for hiking and trekking, as its captivating views and great biodiversity invite moments of tranquility and peace.

• Poc Poc Waterfall

  One of the most incredible natural attractions is the Poc Poc Waterfall, located 3 kilometers on foot from Chinchero. It is a destination that involves a short hike, through which you can learn more about this traditional territory.

  The Poc Poc Waterfall has a drop of approximately 35 meters, and part of the route passes through the iconic Inca trail (Qhapac Ñan). Admission is completely free, so you can visit whenever you want.

  

• Chinchero Lagoons

  In Chinchero, you will find two of the most popular lagoons in all of Cusco: Huaypo Lagoon and Piuray Lagoon. Both offer similar landscapes, surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks, and these places also host a wide variety of wildlife, including birds.

  Piuray Lagoon is only a 15-minute drive from Chinchero, while Huaypo Lagoon is 25 minutes away. Both spots offer a peaceful day for outdoor activities or picnics, as well as adventure sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Tips for visiting the town of Chinchero

If you are planning to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and discover the magical town of Chinchero, we offer you a series of tips that can help you have a more informed trip, enriching your travel experience and ensuring you don’t miss any detail.

• Chinchero is located at an approximate altitude of 3,760 meters (12,336 feet) above sea level, so it is highly recommended to dress warmly and acclimatize in Cusco at a lower altitude for a few days prior to your visit.
• You can visit the Chinchero archaeological site from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Entry to the Chinchero archaeological site is included with the Cusco comprehensive tourist ticket or with the Circuit 3 tourist ticket.
• Visit the textile centers in Chinchero, where you can learn more about their ancestral techniques and be amazed by their garments and accessories.
• Carry plenty of water and snacks for any of your journeys through the Sacred Valley; most places you visit will offer a perfect setting to relax.
• If you visit the town of Chinchero during the dry season (April to October), you will find sunnier and clearer weather, providing you with landscapes in their full splendor.
• The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an ideal place to acclimatize during your first days in Cusco, thanks to its altitude of approximately 2,972 meters (9,751 feet) above sea level. The place offers a temperate climate perfect for resting.
• During the rainy season (November to March), there will be a higher chance of precipitation in Chinchero, but tourism will be less crowded.
• Remember that entry to the Chinchero archaeological site is only possible with the Cusco Circuit 3 tourist ticket, which also allows you to visit Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray in the Sacred Valley.
• Take your time to explore the magical town of Chinchero, so you can discover and be surprised by each iconic view this place offers.
• The town of Chinchero and its archaeological site are part of the classic tours of the Sacred Valley, which helps make the visit much easier and more available.
• Remember you can plan your tour of Chinchero and the Sacred Valley by deciding the route you want. Consult with our advisors and learn about all the available options to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What is Chinchero?

  Chinchero is considered one of the most representative towns in the Sacred Valley due to its blend of Inca history, colonial architecture, and traditions.

• 2. What type of climate does Chinchero have?

  Chinchero has a cold and dry climate for most of the year, especially from April to October. During the rainy season, from November to March, rainfall is more frequent, although the environment becomes greener.

• 3. What is the best time to visit Chinchero?

  The best time to visit Chinchero is during the dry season, between April and October. During these months, the weather is more stable, the skies are clear, and the landscapes can be enjoyed with greater clarity.

• 4. How do I get to Chinchero from Cusco?

  From the city of Cusco, Chinchero is 30 kilometers away. The drive takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

• 5. What is the Chinchero archaeological site?

  The Chinchero archaeological site is a set of Inca structures that include agricultural terraces, stone walls, water channels, and gateways. It is also notable for being the location of the palace of Túpac Inca Yupanqui, over which a colonial church was built.

• 6. What are the Chinchero textile workshops?

  The Chinchero textile workshops are community centers where local families showcase and preserve ancestral weaving techniques.

• 7. What adventure activities can be done in Chinchero?

  Thanks to its diverse natural surroundings, Chinchero offers activities such as cycling, ATV rides, paragliding, and hiking.

• 8. What natural attractions can I find in Chinchero?

  Among the main natural attractions are the Poc Poc Waterfall, just 3 kilometers on foot from the town, and the Piuray and Huaypo lagoons, both accessible by car in less than 30 minutes.

• 9. Is a ticket required to enter Chinchero?

  Entry to the Chinchero archaeological site is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket, either in its comprehensive version or Circuit 3, which covers several sites in the Sacred Valley.

• 10. At what altitude is Chinchero located?

  The town of Chinchero is located at approximately 3,760 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the Sacred Valley.