Chinchero is a small, traditional Quechuan town that can be easily visited from Cusco. The town has some Inca ruins, notably the massive stone wall in the main plaza, complete with 10 trapezoidal niches. There are other ruins in the town, some of which may well be the remains of Inca palaces, as the 10th Inca Emperor, Tupac Yupanqui, is believed to have made Chinchero his country residence. There are also agricultural terraces here dating back to Inca times, some of which are still in use today. Inca customs and practices also thrive here and locals wear traditional dress. The main square has an attractive 17th century adobe church, built on Inca foundations, which is decorated with religious and floral motifs both inside and out. The church has recently been restored.
Chinchero is also the site of the Centre for Traditional Textiles in Cusco (CTTC), a weaving co-operative. Founded by a local woman, the centre is dedicated to upholding traditional weaving skills, with the older women passing on their knowledge and techniques to the younger generation. As the income from farming declines, weaving has become more important in family finances. The centre helps weavers from many surrounding villages, each of which has its own designs and patterns. Articles judged to be of a high enough standard are then displayed for sale. This is an excellent chance to obtain high quality, traditonal textiles that should not be missed.
Chinchero also hosts a lively market, each Sunday which attracts the inhabitants of local villages in the region, who gather to buy and sell agricultural produce and handicrafts. This a much less tourist-orientated market than that at Pisac and is a good chance to experience an authentic market, watch the bartering, enjoy the lively atmosphere and maybe pick up a bargain!
Chinchero is set high above the valley floor and has some of the best views of the Sacred Valley, another great reason to visit this attractive little town.
