Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero in the month of August, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Chinchero, often referred to as the 'rainbow town,' showcased a different kind of magic during this time of the year.

Situated 28 kilometers from Cusco, at an elevation of 3,780 meters above sea level, Chinchero is surrounded by the grandeur of snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay, Verónica, and Soray. The Huaypo and Piuray lagoons added to the breathtaking scenery, creating a captivating backdrop for the archaeological center.

Exploring the ancient ruins in August offered a unique perspective. The weather was crisp, and the air carried a sense of tranquility. The historical significance of Chinchero came to life as I wandered through the well-preserved site. The remnants of the past, set against the majestic mountains, created a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

What struck me most was the cultural richness of Chinchero. The locals, proud of their heritage, shared stories and traditions that added a deeper layer to my visit. The archaeological center, with its informative displays, provided a fascinating insight into the history of the region.

Even in August, Chinchero did not disappoint in its natural beauty. While the rainbow phenomenon is more prominent in the rainy season, the charm of the 'rainbow town' persisted. The vibrant colors of the town, set against the mountainous landscape, created a picturesque setting that left a lasting impression.

If you're planning a visit to Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero, August is a fantastic time to experience the blend of history, culture, and nature. The archaeological treasures and the stunning surroundings make Chinchero a must-visit destination, offering a truly marvelous journey for those seeking a connection with the past and the beauty of the present.

Beautiful inca ruins in a serene setting next to church. Church is closed to visitors but whole area is very nice to walk and enjoy views.

Lovely place, very big and intriguing. From Cusco we hired a car to visit this place. Well worth the visit with your own car, due to the amazing trip by getting there via the sacred valley.

Most folks who go to chinchero only see a weaving /dying demonstration. They miss this opportunity to view the ruins and the colonial church. A six soles van ride from downtown Cuzco. Don't miss these other attractions.

Loved interacting with the locals during carnival.

The Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero, located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, is a captivating archaeological site that provides an authentic and immersive glimpse into the Inca civilization.

The Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero is a hidden gem in the Sacred Valley, offering a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of an Inca ceremonial center. Unlike some of the more heavily visited archaeological sites, Chinchero retains an air of authenticity and tranquility that makes it a truly special destination.

The main attraction here is the well-preserved Inca terraces and agricultural fields, which showcase the advanced farming techniques of the Inca civilization. The terraces are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, adding to the site's charm.

One of the standout features of Chinchero is its colonial church, built atop an Inca temple. This juxtaposition of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture provides a fascinating insight into the cultural and religious changes that occurred during the Spanish conquest. Inside the church, you can still see original Inca walls and foundations, underscoring the historical layering of this site.

The vibrant local market in Chinchero is another highlight. It's a great place to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, as local artisans sell textiles, crafts, and traditional products. You can also witness the traditional process of weaving using natural dyes and techniques that have been passed down through generations.

The breathtaking scenery surrounding Chinchero, with its rolling hills and Andean peaks, adds to the overall appeal of the site. It's an excellent place to take in the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley while appreciating its historical significance.

In summary, Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero is a hidden treasure in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Its combination of Inca ruins, colonial history, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes creates a rich and immersive experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding of Peru's cultural and historical heritage.

This is from Inca times. The history is quite fascinating until the Spaniards came and destroyed the local civilizations to pave way for forced Christianity.

We had a chance to visit the place totally without people on lovely September Thursday, so we have enjoyed it perfectly in calm and without being constantly targeted by aggressive vendors.

These ruins tell a story and it is even better if you have a native guide to share the history and culture of the Incan civilization.

The winding road up is interesting and the scenery is great.

At the site, take the time and venture around the whole site- residential, religious, and agricultural areas of the site.

Take some soles for local vendors and for the bathroom!

Walking up the stairs is harder here, but the place is truly beautiful.

I went in October and I arrived in the morning and it was almost empty. My taxi driver said it gets busy in the afternoon thats when the tour buses show up. It was a nice place to walk and explore. The grounds are well maintained. & the view is nice.
They do have a restroom, but you have to pay like 2sols.

Gorgeous landscape and beautiful ruins to explore with a guide. A bit of an initial walk up if you’re still adjusting to the altitude. Bring along some agua de floridas and coca leaves for an offering (guide explains) and we saw some great wildlife while there, too.

I love it. The views are outstanding, the sky, the edifications all around are amazing, the government is building an International Airport that will be ready in 5 five years 😀 💙 😊

Beautiful culutral site with great views

Great place, cheap souvenirs in the plaza and more detailed with the families.

Chinchero was our first stop on a 12-hour bus tour through the Sacred Valley outside of Cusco. Chinchero is a small town and Inca ruins over 1,000 years old. There were temples, buildings, and walls made out of large cut boulders, stacked perfectly.
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When the Spanish took over, they tore down most of the structures to build their own churches and buildings, and only left the heaviest rocks standing. This same process was repeated all over Latin America.
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Chinhero was originally a farming and weaving town and both are still practiced today with the descendants of the original peoples still living here.
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The history and the views are amazing here!

Very cool ancient Inca site.

It is a really cool archeological site well worth the visit. You can spend a few hours exploring the site then explore the city near to do some shopping.

intricate stonework and terraces were a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of the Inca civilization.

The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys added to the breathtaking beauty of the site.

The knowledgeable guides provided fascinating insights into the history and significance of Chinchero

Nice ruins to check out for an hour