CHINCHERO PEOPLE
Attractions:
craft fair
The Chinchero fair is one of the most important in the region due to the high quality of the handmade products sold there, internationally recognized for its excellent work and beauty. In these fairs we can see that barter (old form of exchange of products) still in force; in Chinchero, the granddaughters of the Inca princesses, continue weaving wool and making garments, as did the ajllas for the children of the Sun, in imperial Cusco.
Living Culture
Chinchero is one of the few places where it seems that time does not pass, as Inca traditions and culture still persist. The people who inhabit it are of Inca blood and the predominant language is Quechua, although almost all the inhabitants of this area speak Spanish as a second language.
Farming
Their fertile lands make them excellent producers of potatoes, ollucos, geese, beans, barley and wheat, traditional products whose sowing goes back to the time of the Incas and even today constitute the axis of agricultural trade in the area.
The Archaeological Park of Chinchero
The Archeological Park of Chinchero is one of the main attractions of the town. It is an important agricultural enclosure of up to 43 hectares made during the Inca period and that was previously inhabited by the Killke culture. It stands out for its stairs, Inca walls and beautiful platforms where camelids were grazed and the land was cultivated with different products. In it were found ceramic pieces, bone remains and stone works that are currently displayed in the Site Museum.
It is estimated that in 1480 and during the government of Tupac Yupanqui a palace was built where the Inca resided with his family. This was made with 10 trapezoidal niches and fine stone works. With the arrival of the Spaniards, the viceroy Toledo ordered the construction of the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat on the palace of the Inca. This as a measure of cultural submission. Currently, this religious sanctuary has become a tourist attraction. It is characterized by presenting works made by the famous Cuzco painter Diego Quispe Tito. The atrium is finely made of gold leaf. There is the Virgin of the Nativity.
Currently, the Archaeological Park of Chinchero still keeps treasures to discover. In January of 2018 another set of enclosures and andenería was found buried several years ago during the construction of houses and the Site Museum of the place. It is estimated that part of the town of Chinchero was built on Inca remains.
What else to see in Chinchero?
Chinchero Archaeological Park is not the only attraction to visit in this traditional town. In addition there are other places and activities ideal for tourism. To next, some of them.
Mercado de Chinchero – In the Plaza de Armas de Chinchero there is a market that on Sundays transforms into a fair. This is characterized by retaining many of the village’s traditions. There you can still buy products under the barter or exchange system. In addition, objects made of llama wool, alpaca, instruments native to the area and characteristic edible products are sold.
Chinchero Site Museum – It is located in the Main Square of Chinchero. It is the museum built to keep the pieces found during the excavations and put to the public of the Archaeological Park of Chinchero. It consists of two environments. The first exhibits Inca pieces rescued from the area and the second traditional typical costumes of the place as well as paintings elaborated by Diego Quispe Tito and other representatives of the Cusco school.
Textile Centers – Chinchero is recognized worldwide for its textile centers that preserve the tradition of their ancestors. The vast majority of them work with alpaca wool. In addition to demonstrating how the garments are made, the visitor has the opportunity to buy the product they like.
Piuray Lagoon – Chinchero also offers adventure for the visitor. The Piuray lagoon, located just 3.5 kilometers from the town, offers paddle tennis, a sport that consists of climbing on a surfboard and paddling with a paddle. In addition you can do yoga sessions near the lagoon.
Office hours
From Monday to Sunday from 07:00 a.m. at 06:00 p.m. (The Chinchero Archaeological Park is included in the Tourist Ticket of Cusco).