5 Reasons Why Chinchero Cusco Will Transform Your Journey to Machu Picchu

This district of Chinchero Cusco held great importance for the Inca Empire. Here they built an extensive archaeological complex that includes agricultural terraces, a temple, and a central plaza.

Chinchero was also a vital warehouse and redistribution center for produce in the Sacred Valley. The colonial church in the heart of town rises atop an Inca temple foundation, showing the blend of Indigenous and Spanish cultures over the centuries.

One of the biggest draws in Chinchero Cusco is its living textile tradition. Local families still weave garments with ancestral techniques that date back to Inca times.

You can watch how natural dyes, from plants, insects, and minerals, create vibrant yarns. Visitors see each step, from spinning alpaca wool to the final weave, and can purchase authentic hand-made pieces from Chinchero weavers.

Witness ancestral weaving practices passed down through generations.

• Traditional fabrics: hand-made clothing and accessories such as ponchos, blankets, shawls, and scarves created with age-old methods.

• Alpaca and sheep wool: high-quality pieces, sweaters, throws, rugs, made from these prized fibers.

• Natural colors: textiles dyed with plants, insects, and mineral pigments.

• Blankets and tapestries: decorative weavings featuring traditional motifs.

• Hand embroidery: detailed needlework embellishing hats, bags, and more.

• Ceremonial wear: garments used for festivals, including the iconic chullo hat.

• Artisanal accessories: hand-crafted purses, totes, and backpacks.

• Cloth and canvas: raw materials for countless weaving projects.

Textile Centers in Chinchero

• Qori Puskay
• Centro Textil Acllas
• The Textiles Experience: ANDEAN COLORS
• Among others.

The Chinchero market, best known as the Chinchero Sunday Market, is one of the most authentic experiences in the Sacred Valley. Held every Sunday, it bursts with local products, from textiles to fresh fruit and vegetables.

Did you know…?

It’s a perfect place to meet locals, learn about their way of life, and pick up genuine keepsakes. Age-old barter traditions still take place between residents and visitors.

• Hand-woven textiles: ponchos, blankets, shawls, and more, crafted with ancestral techniques.
• Traditional attire: garments such as chullos, hats, and Andean skirts.
• Fresh produce: local fruit, vegetables, tubers, and herbs.
• Ceramic goods: hand-made pottery and utensils.
• Typical food: local dishes and snacks such as empanadas and traditional bread.
• Medicinal herbs: plants and natural remedies used in Andean medicine.
• Wood crafts: carved figurines and utensils.
• Yarns and wool: alpaca and sheep fibers, both raw and dyed.
• Leather goods: shoes, belts, and backpacks made by hand.

Chinchero Cusco also boasts spectacular natural scenery. Snow-capped peaks, terraced fields, and sweeping Sacred Valley views highlight the deep bond between the community and its environment.

Did you know…?

The contrast between the agricultural terraces and nearby lakes is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive nature experience.

Archaeological Sites to Visit in Chinchero

• Chinchero ruins: the main attraction includes terraces, walls, and other Inca structures, plus the plaza and the Temple of the Virgin of the Nativity built atop an Inca shrine.

• Chinchero terraces: hillside agricultural platforms once used to grow diverse crops, an impressive feat of Inca engineering.

• Chinchero church: though technically colonial, this building atop an Inca temple holds enormous historical value and showcases the blend of two cultures.

• Lake Piuray: prized for its beauty and historical role. During Inca times, it supplied water to Chinchero’s terraces.

Marvel at the Inca civilization’s agricultural mastery carved into the hillsides.