Chinchero: guide to the Andean weaving town
On the high plateau between Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Chinchero is where Andean weaving traditions are kept most alive. Its colonial church stands on Inca walls, terraces frame the square, and local weavers show how alpaca wool becomes intricate textiles. Here is what to see.
Chinchero at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | High plateau between Cusco and the Sacred Valley, under 1 hour from Cusco |
| Altitude | About 3,760 m, higher than Cusco |
| Entrance to the church and ruins | Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) |
| Market | Busiest on Sundays |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
The home of Andean weaving
Chinchero is famous for its weaving centres, where women in traditional dress demonstrate the whole process: washing alpaca and sheep wool with a natural root soap, dyeing it with plants, minerals and cochineal — a small insect that gives intense reds — and weaving patterns on backstrap looms. Each motif has a meaning passed down through generations. Buying here supports the weavers directly.
Visit Chinchero with a local guide
Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt mines in a half day, with transport and guide.
Inca walls and the colonial church
Chinchero was an important Inca estate, and fine Inca walls and terraces still surround the main square. On top of them stands an early colonial adobe church, decorated inside with colourful murals and paintings. The contrast between Inca stonework and Andean colonial art makes the square one of the most atmospheric places in the region.
The Chinchero market
The Sunday market has a more local feel than other markets in the valley, with produce from the surrounding communities alongside textiles and crafts. It is a good place to buy weavings close to their source. See also the best markets in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
How to visit Chinchero
- Sacred Valley tour: our full-day Sacred Valley tour (US $35) includes Chinchero with Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
- Half day: our Maras and Moray tour (US $30) stops in Chinchero for a natural-dye weaving demonstration.
- Altitude: Chinchero is higher than Cusco, so it is better not to visit on your very first day.
- Bring warm layers, sun protection and cash in soles for the weavers.
Continue with our guides to Moray, the Maras salt mines and the Sacred Valley sites.
Frequently asked questions
For its traditional weaving with natural dyes, its colonial church built on Inca walls and its Sunday market.
The church and archaeological site are included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico). The weaving centres are free to visit.
About 3,760 m, higher than Cusco, so it is best visited after a day or two of acclimatization.
Sunday is the main market day.
It is less than an hour by road. It is included in our Sacred Valley tour and in the half-day Maras and Moray tour.
