Chinchero Peru was the first Inca site on our schedule in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Eager to get to my “real” bucket list destination, Machu Picchu, I wasn’t expecting much at the Moray archaeological site.
After driving 19 miles from Cusco with AdventureSmith Explorations, I got out of our transport van and strolled over to the edge of a grassy knoll and looked down. Spread out beneath were rows-upon-rows of circular agricultural terraces moving down in steps. The fact that there were virtually no other tourists in sight only enhanced my first glimpse into the fascinating Inca culture.
According to local folklore, Chinchero is where the Incas claimed to be the birthplace of the rainbow. At an altitude of 12,500 – even higher than Cusco – frequent rainbows appear in the sky, especially in the rainy season.
Chinchero is known for its colonial buildings as well as its past as an important agricultural center during the reign of Inca Emperor Tahuantinsuyo.
Exploring the Town
We wandered through cobblestone streets of the town to get to Chinchero’s main attraction, the archaeological site of Inca ruins. At the archeological site are sweeping views of the 18,140-foot Chicón snow-capped mountain and the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota ranges.
Just outside of the ruins, on the central plaza, we immersed ourselves in an authentic indigenous market bursting with culture and color. It’s one of the most traditional markets in South America, complete with vendors wearing gorgeous traditional Peruvian apparel and hats, and women with long black braids running down their backs. Myriad of handmade blankets, Pachamama dolls, and other handicrafts were on offer on canvases on the large grassy area. I was dazzled by such varied culture spread out before me – truly a feast for the eyes.
Visiting the Weaving Co-op
Just outside of the archaeological area, we took a short drive to a traditional cooperative. Local women educate (and entertain!) visitors about the centuries-old process of transforming and weaving alpaca wool into colorful textiles and soft sweaters so well-known of Peru’s Sacred Valley. The process consists of washing raw wool in boiling water, letting it dry, and then spinning it onto a… [read more]
Looking for more fun things to do in Peru’s Sacred Valley?
- You Can’t Take Your Clothes Off at Machu Picchu? Now You Tell Me!
- Cheat Sheet to 48 Hours in Ollantaytambo
- How to Eat Guinea Pig in Peru
- 10 Ways Cusco Will Improve Your Life. Brace Yourself for #8.
- Is Machu Picchu Just for Backpackers? Definitely Not!
- Exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley
- Ultimate Travel Guide to Pisac – Peru’s Most Underrated City
About the Author
Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials.” Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal.
Patti has traveled six continents looking for fabulous places and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer (and Gen X!) tribe. You can follow Patti on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Read more about Patti Morrow.
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