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. 

Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
4 out of 5
Ave. El Sol 954, Cusco, Cusco
The price is CA $178 per night from Apr. 5 to Apr. 6
CA $178
CA $196 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
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Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2024

Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
5 out of 5
Plazoleta Santo Domingo No 259, Cusco, Cusco
The price is CA $393 per night from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9
CA $393
CA $485 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a full-service spa, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and Quechua Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (751 reviews)
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Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2024

Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
Novotel Cusco
Novotel Cusco
4 out of 5
San Augustin 239 Esquina, Cusco, Cusco
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $216 per night from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1
CA $216
CA $238 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
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Reviewed on Mar. 23, 2024

Novotel 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! (1 review)
"This was an excellent adventure, the host was so friendly and she helped us in all that we needed…The room has and excellent view. Also we visited Machuqolqa because it is close to the room"

Reviewed on Jan. 3, 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 terrace, a garden, and concierge services. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and Archaeological Center of Chinchero ...
Alpaca Lodge
INCREDIBLE VIEW IN MODERN AND DELUXE PENTHOUSE 4 rooms
INCREDIBLE VIEW IN MODERN AND DELUXE PENTHOUSE 4 rooms
Cusco
Stay at this apartment in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Plaza Tupac Amaru and Wanchaq Market are located nearby. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Lovely apartment
"Spacious, great view, accurate listing. Would definitely recommend property."

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 2023

INCREDIBLE VIEW IN MODERN AND DELUXE PENTHOUSE 4 rooms
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.

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