Written by:
peru.travel
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
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An unmissable visit in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, in the Peruvian Andes, is the colorful and ancient town of Chinchero. Located 28 km from the city of Cusco, it is a place where you can still feel and appreciate Inka culture not only through the preservation of its customs but also through its fascinating archaeology and craftwork. Undoubtedly, a destination that will capture your heart from the very beginning.
In the Land of the Rainbow, as it is also known, you will discover temples and mansions built on foundations and remnants of what was once the palace of the Inka Tupac Yupanqui, as well as its emblematic Sunday fair, internationally recognized for its excellent work and beauty. Besides, if you visit this city in early September, you will have the opportunity to witness the wonderful celebration of the Virgin of the Nativity, an experience that will help you to understand the immense value that Chinchero has in the Cusco region.
What to do?
Chinchero has a wide variety of attractions, so it will be necessary to plan an itinerary according to your visiting time. Most people explore it in a single day, but if you want to enjoy its charms more leisurely, you can spend the night in one of its comfortable accommodations.
You can start your tour at one of the many textile centers located throughout the city. There, you will learn about the traditional process of manufacturing, sewing, and dyeing used by local master women weavers in all kinds of garments; an inherited cultural heritage that has been preserved over time, passing down from generation to generation.
Another tourist place is the lively and colorful Sunday market located in the main square. This is the most important fair in the Sacred Valley, and here you will find all kinds of food, such as native potatoes and Andean grains, as well as high-quality handmade products. This place is one of the few where the traditional barter system (exchange of products) is still accepted as a form of payment.
The palace of Tupac Yupanqui is another must-visit in Chinchero. Built in 1480, it is located within an extensive archaeological complex, where the main square displays an Inka wall with 12 trapezoidal niches. According to historians, it served not only as a residence for the Inka and his family but also played an important role as a storage facility for provisions and food for Cusco. Here, you will also find the Church of Our Lady of Montserrat, built in the 17th century, which houses baroque altars and numerous paintings from the colonial period.
Chinchero has a large number of attractions, so it will be necessary to create an itinerary according to your visit time.
Credit: Alex Bryce / PromPerú.
A celebration full of tradition and color
Furthermore, if you want to experience the religious spirit and joyful atmosphere that characterizes this Cusco town, the celebration of the Virgin of the Nativity (the patron saint of Chinchero), held every year in early September, is the best opportunity to share and enjoy with the local population.
The festivity presents multiple colorful processions that parade to the rhythm of traditional dances through the main streets, culminating in the pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i, one of the most challenging in Peru, as devotees walk through altitudes above 5000 meters above the sea level and endure temperatures below zero.
Pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i, one of the most sacrificed in Peru. Credit: Daniel Silva / PromPerú.
How to get to Chinchero?
To travel to this locality, you must first make your way to Cusco. From Lima, it takes about 20 hours by bus, with ticket prices ranging from 100 to 200 soles. Another option is by plane, with a flight time of just one hour, at a cost of approximately 350 soles.
Once in the Imperial City, you will have to go to the station located on Pavitos Street, where the buses to Chinchero depart. The ticket cost is 5 soles per person, and the travel time is approximately 45 minutes. Another alternative is to take a shared taxi, which costs between 60 and 120 soles.
If you want to visit not only Chinchero but also the other towns located in the Sacred Valley, such as Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, you can take a tour service organized by a tourism agency. Undoubtedly, it is the most convenient option that provides greater flexibility in terms of schedules and itinerary.
Sources: Boletomachupicchu.com / Cuscoperu.com / Turismoalcuzco.com / Portalmachupicchu.com / Voyageperou.info
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