Chinchero: The Rainbow Town

The town of Chinchero, situated at an altitude of over 3,754 meters in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, presents itself as far more than a simple stop en route to Machu Picchu. It is a destination alive with the tangible connection between the Incan past and the Andean present. This village will captivate you with its spectacular vistas, the renowned Chinchero archaeological site, and most importantly, the textile tradition that defines its spirit

This significance is not by chance. The Inca Túpac Yupanqui, successor to Pachacútec, personally selected this celestial balcony to erect his palace and home. So, dismiss any notion of it being a simple hamlet.

LOCATION

Palaces and Platforms of Chinchero archaeological site

Chinchero is a must-see town in the Sacred Valley for several reasons. First and foremost, visitors are greeted by impressive Inca agricultural terraces that dominate the landscape. Interestingly, a stunning colonial church sits right on top of what was once a grand Inca palace, a powerful symbol of cultural fusion. In addition to its historical sites, Chinchero is famous for its vibrant Sunday market. Here, you can witness a truly authentic experience as local women demonstrate traditional weaving and dyeing techniques. Finally, as if that weren’t enough, the town offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Andes mountains

Art and Evangelization in Chinchero archaeological site

Upon entering, the interior of the church of Chinchero reveals itself as a jewel of Andean baroque. Specifically, its walls and ceilings are completely covered with vibrant floral murals and religious motifs. These were not just decorative; rather, they were strategically designed to evangelize the indigenous population. Among the highlights, you’ll find the painting of the Virgin of the Nativity and, notably, the mural of the battle against Pumacahua, which adds a powerful, local historical touch.

Church of Chinchero (Our Lady of the Nativity)

Enter the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity and discover a dialogue written in stone. Here, the colonial architecture of the 17th century does not replace the Inca grandeur, but is anchored in it. See how the Spanish faith sits on the indestructible foundations of Tupac Yupanqui’s palace, merging two eras into one sacred place.

Capital of Weaving

Today , Chinchero enjoys worldwide recognition as the birthplace of Andean weaving.  This fame is  due to its women, the 
“chincherinas ,” who are true masters of the backstrap loom, an ancient technique.  
But their mastery doesn’t end there; in fact,  one of the secrets of their art lies in the use of natural dyes.  To do this,  they employ pigments extracted from plants, minerals, and,  
of course,  the famous cochineal, a parasitic insect of the prickly pear cactus.  
As a result,  they manage to create the incredibly vibrant colors that bring each piece to life.

Questions about Chinchero archaeological site

What is the historical importance of Chinchero during the time of the Incas?

Chinchero was a place of great importance. It was chosen by Inca Túpac Inca Yupanqui (successor to Pachacútec) to build his palace and royal residence. It functioned as a strategic royal estate, designed for the nobility’s relaxation, large-scale agriculture, and the celebration of religious ceremonies.

Where can I see the weaving process and buy authentic crafts?

The best way to do this is by visiting the community’s 
textile centers . There, the artisans themselves will show you the entire process: from spinning the sheep or alpaca wool, to dyeing it with natural dyes, and finally, weaving it on the backstrap loom. It’s also the ideal place to purchase their beautiful work directly.

What are those giant terraces you see in Chinchero and what were they used for?

These impressive terraces are known as 
andenes . They were built by the Incas and are a testament to their advanced engineering. Their primary purpose was agricultural, allowing the cultivation of crops like potatoes and quinoa on the mountainsides. They also helped prevent erosion and efficiently manage water.

Why is Chinchero known as the “Clothing Capital”?

Chinchero has earned this title because it is the living center of Andean textile tradition. The community’s women weavers, known as “chincherinas,” are masters of the 
backstrap loom , an ancient technique passed down through generations to create world-famous textiles.

How do they achieve such vivid colors in Chinchero textiles?

The secret lies in nature. The weavers use only 
natural dyes extracted from local plants, minerals, and insects. The most famous is the intense red color obtained from the 
cochineal , a small insect that lives on prickly pear cactus.

What to do in Chinchero archaeological site

The first thing that catches your eye in  Chinchero  is the color. Upon arrival, a local family will most likely invite you into their home to show you something extraordinary: the art of Andean weaving. And this, my friend, is a life lesson. Here you’ll see, step by step, how alpaca and sheep wool is transformed into the wonders you see in the markets. First, they wash the wool with a natural root called saqta. Then, they show you how they spin the wool with a skill that resembles a dance of hands.

Next comes the real alchemy. They’ll teach you how to create vibrant colors using only what Pachamama (Mother Earth) gives you. For example, cochineal (an insect that lives on cacti) produces intense reds and purples, chilca leaves produce deep greens, and purple corn, as its name suggests, gives a spectacular purple. It’s a fascinating demonstration that connects you directly to ancestral wisdom.

Also, a Journey Back in Time at its Archaeological Site

Although it’s famous for its textiles, Chinchero ‘s true treasure is its impressive main square, a place where two worlds collide in a way that will leave you speechless. To one side, the perfection of the Inca agricultural terraces descends majestically into the valley, a testament to what was once the royal estate of Inca Túpac Yupanqui.

Directly opposite, and an indelible symbol of history, stands a beautiful colonial church built directly on the walls of an Inca palace. This striking contrast is even more striking upon entering, where Baroque art and gold-leaf ceilings rest upon the solid stone that gave rise to them. Walking through this plaza is, without a doubt, like reading a fascinating history book.

And if you go on Sunday, the Market Festival

If your itinerary allows, I recommend visiting Chinchero archaeological site  on a Sunday. On this day, the plaza transforms into a bustling, authentic market. Unlike other, more touristy markets, here you can still see locals from nearby communities bartering  , just as their ancestors did.

It’s a spectacle of colors, sounds, and smells. You’ll see piles of native potatoes, mountains of quinoa , and women in their skirts and hats selling their handmade textiles. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy an authentic souvenir, directly supporting the artisan families.

Finally, the Views that Heal the Soul

We can’t talk about  
Chinchero  without mentioning its privileged location. Situated at an altitude of over 3,700 meters, the panoramic views from here will leave you speechless. On a clear day, you can contemplate the majestic 
Vilcabamba mountain range, with the snow-capped peaks of 
Apus Salkantay and Verónica overlooking the horizon. The immensity of this landscape makes you feel small and, at the same time, deeply connected to nature

A Curious Fact

Very close to  Chinchero  is Piuray Lagoon. It’s a perfect place for a quiet stop, taking spectacular photos of the mountains reflected in the water, and simply enjoying the peace.

Tips for visiting chinchero archaeological site

1. Respect the Altitude, It’s the Boss

Chinchero is higher than Cusco (at about 3,765 meters above sea level). So, visit it after you’ve spent at least two days acclimatizing to the city. Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and don’t be embarrassed to take a break. Coca tea will be your best friend.

2. Dress warmly: Layers, always layers!

The weather here is unpredictable. You can have a scorching sun and, five minutes later, a bone-chilling wind. The key is to dress in layers: a polo shirt, a sweater or fleece, and a good windproof and waterproof jacket. This way, you can add or remove clothing as needed.

3. Bring Cash (Soles, please!)

To purchase at the market, tip during the textile demonstration, or even pay for some entrance fees (such as the Maras Salt Mines ticket if you combine the tour), it’s essential to carry cash and the local currency, Soles. Many artisans don’t accept cards.

4. Support Art, Buy Consciously 5. Support Art, Buy Consciously

When you see the textile demonstration and understand the work involved in each piece, you’ll appreciate the artistry even more. If you’re going to buy a souvenir, buy it directly from the artisan families. This way, you can ensure your money goes directly to those who keep this tradition alive.

6. The Tourist Ticket is your Key

Remember that to access the Chinchero archaeological site,   you need the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Have it ready to avoid any setbacks!

Ultimately , Chinchero isn’t just a destination for taking beautiful photos. It’s a place to connect, learn, and be amazed. If you follow these simple tips, your visit will be much smoother and more enriching.

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