Chinchero

Travel Guide
Chincheros showing heritage elements
Glimpse traditional Andean village life in this picturesque town, best known for its lively market and stunning mountain views.

Chincheros is an unassuming village in a dramatic location high above the plains of the Urubamba Valley. Its Sunday market has a low-key, traditional atmosphere despite its popularity. Aside from the famous market, the town also has interesting Incan ruins and a lovely colonial church, both worth exploring.

According to ancient Incan legends, Chincheros is the birthplace of the rainbow. You might spot one in the sky, particularly if you visit during the rainy season.

Wander through the village’s streets, where local residents often still dress in traditional clothing. Admire old-fashioned mud-brick houses. Look for the Urubamba and Vilcabamba mountain ranges on the horizon, as well as the rugged peak of Salcantay.

Browse the handicraft and produce sections of the Chinchero Market. The handicraft market is one of the region’s best places to shop for Andean textiles. The market is open every day, but it’s particularly busy on Sundays when artisans make the journey from nearby mountain villages to sell their products.

Be sure to explore the town’s Incan ruins, including a well-preserved set of agriculture terraces, still used today. In the town’s main plaza, you’ll find an enormous stone wall with 10 trapezoidal niches. The wall was once part of the palace of 15th-century Túpac Inca Yupanqui.

Look for the town’s Iglesia Colonial de Chinchero church, which was constructed in 1607 on top of limestone Incan ruins. Don’t miss the frescoes that decorate the church’s porticoes, as well as the colorful murals found inside.

Take a quick look inside the Museo de Sitio, a modest archeological museum that houses a collection of Incan ceramics and instruments. For a longer excursion, hike along the Wayllabamba trail leading across the Sacred Valley to Yucay.

Chincheros is located 17 miles (28 kilometers) northwest of Cusco, and can be reached by bus, colectivo (shared van) or car. A tourist ticket is required to visit the town’s market and church.

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
5 out of 5
Esquina De La Calle Ruinas 432, y San Agustin, Cusco, Cusco
The price is $255 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$255
$322 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
awesome stay
"A beautiful hotel and conveniently located. We had an enjoyable stay in Cusco. highly recommend this property"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
4 out of 5
Ave. El Sol 954, Cusco, Cusco
The price is $119 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
$119
$131 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 1 - Jul 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Clean, friendly, safe, delcious food at the restaurant, 5 star service, nice rooms and good location!"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024

Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
4 out of 5
Santa Teresa N 344, Cusco, Cusco
The price is $158 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$158
$174 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"Excellent location and service"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024

Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
SKY DOME PERU
SKY DOME PERU
2 out of 5
sky dome peru, Chinchero, Cuzco
Stay at this cabin in Chinchero. Enjoy free breakfast, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Machuqolqa and Archaeological Center of Chinchero are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Joel and Cidelia were amazing hosts who treated us like family. Joel built his home and the sky domes from scratch. We had the wonderful opportunity to cook with Cidelia and have dinner with their family. The domes were awesome. It does get a little cold, but they were more than accommodating with ..."

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024

SKY DOME PERU
Alpaca Lodge
Alpaca Lodge
2 out of 5
Calle Bolivar sn Chinchero, Chinchero, Cuzco
Stay at this cabin in Chinchero. Enjoy a garden, concierge services, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and Archaeological Center of Chinchero ...
Alpaca Lodge
Allinkay Cusco Apart Hotel
Allinkay Cusco Apart Hotel
3 out of 5
Urbanizacion Lucrepata E-1, Cusco
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2023

Allinkay Cusco Apart Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Chinchero