Chincheros, Peru

High Andean Village, Traditional Weaving, Inca Terraces

A low-angle view shows the facade of a church or colonial building in Chinchero, Peru, with a white upper section and a base of reddish-brown Inca stone blocks, all sitting atop a large, rough stone retaining wall under a brilliant, clear blue sky.

Overview

Chincheros, Peru Cruise Port

Chinchero (or Chincheros) is a traditional Andean village located high in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, approximately $28 \text{ km}$ from Cusco. Set at an altitude of about $3,780 \text{ meters (12,400 feet)}$, it is famous for its commanding views of the Andean mountains, its well-preserved Inca agricultural terraces, and, most notably, its vibrant Sunday market and rich tradition of textile weaving.

Chinchero is not a cruise port but is an essential stop on land-based excursions from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The village stands on the site of an Inca imperial estate, marked by massive Inca stone walls and foundations, over which a beautiful colonial church was later built. Visiting Chinchero offers an authentic window into Peruvian highland culture, history, and ancient textile techniques.

Top Things to Do When Visiting Chincheros, Peru

Attend the Sunday Market

Experience the famous Chinchero Sunday market, where local villagers gather. While it has tourist elements, it remains a traditional bartering market where textiles, fresh produce, and artisanal goods are traded.

Tip: Go early in the morning for the most authentic and less crowded experience.

Visit a Traditional Weaving Demonstration

Chinchero is renowned for its elaborate, hand-woven textiles and the use of natural dyes. Visit a cooperative to watch local women demonstrate the entire process, from washing and spinning wool to creating complex patterns using dyes made from plants and insects.

Tip: This is a great place to buy high-quality, authentic alpaca and llama wool products, often directly supporting the weavers.

Explore the Inca Agricultural Terraces

Walk around the massive, well-preserved Inca terraces that ring the town. These were built into the mountainside to maximize agricultural production in the high altitude, demonstrating the Inca's advanced engineering skills.

Tip: The terraces offer the best panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

See the Colonial Church (Templo de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat)

Examine the 17th-century adobe church, which was strategically built on top of the original Inca temple or palace foundations. The church's interior is famous for its intricate frescoes and painted ceilings.

Tip: Notice the blend of Inca stonework in the foundation and colonial Spanish design above it, symbolizing the clash of cultures.

Walk the Inca Wall Foundations

Observe the large, meticulously carved polygonal stones used in the Inca walls near the main plaza. These foundation stones are characteristic of Imperial Inca architecture, showing a high level of precision and fit.

Tip: Guides often point out the trapezoidal niches and doorways typical of Inca design.

Enjoy the Views of the Andes

Simply take a moment to absorb the stunning scenery. Chinchero offers a magnificent perspective across the plateau, with several snow-capped mountain peaks, including Verónica and Salkantay, visible on a clear day.

Tip: Because of the high altitude, the light is incredibly clear, making photography exceptional.

Cruises from Chincheros, Peru

The vibrant, colorful houses of Santa Ana Hill and the massive La Perla Ferris wheel along the waterfront of the Guayas River in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

14-night Peru And The Galapagos Islands Cruise/Land Package

Lima

Sacred Valley

Machu Picchu

Cuzco

Chincheros

Cuzco

Lima

Guayaquil

Isla Baltra

Las Bachas

Isla San Cristobal (Galapaguera)

Punta Pitt

Isla San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno)

Galapaguero Cerro Colorado

Isla Española

Gardner Bay

Punta Suarez

Floreana Island

Cormorant Point

Isla Champión

Post Office

Punta Moreno

Mangle Point

Eden Islet

North Seymour

Guayaquil

Isla Baltra

+24 more

Aboard

Isabela II for Tauck

From

Lima, Peru

10 Sailings

Mar 26 - Oct 22, 2027

Published prices from

$14,790

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

A close-up of a blue-footed booby chick with a vibrant blue beak and bright blue eyes, nestled in its nest, partially obscured by dry twigs in the remote bird sanctuary of Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island.

14-night Peru and the Galápagos Islands Cruise/Land Package

Lima

Sacred Valley

Machu Picchu

Cuzco

Chincheros

Cuzco

Lima

Guayaquil

Isla Baltra

Las Bachas

Isla San Cristobal (Galapaguera)

Punta Pitt

Isla San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno)

Galapaguero Cerro Colorado

Isla Española

Gardner Bay

Punta Suarez

Floreana Island

Cormorant Point

Isla Champión

Post Office

Punta Moreno

Mangle Point

Eden Islet

North Seymour

Guayaquil

Isla Baltra

+24 more

Aboard

Isabela II for Tauck

From

Lima, Peru

8 Sailings

Mar 27 - Oct 9, 2026

Published prices from

$14,190

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

View All Chincheros, Peru Cruises

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Chincheros, Peru Cruise Port

Top Things to Do When Visiting Chincheros, Peru

Attend the Sunday Market

Tip: Go early in the morning for the most authentic and less crowded experience.

Visit a Traditional Weaving Demonstration

Tip: This is a great place to buy high-quality, authentic alpaca and llama wool products, often directly supporting the weavers.

Explore the Inca Agricultural Terraces

Tip: The terraces offer the best panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

See the Colonial Church (Templo de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat)

Tip: Notice the blend of Inca stonework in the foundation and colonial Spanish design above it, symbolizing the clash of cultures.

Walk the Inca Wall Foundations

Tip: Guides often point out the trapezoidal niches and doorways typical of Inca design.

Enjoy the Views of the Andes

Tip: Because of the high altitude, the light is incredibly clear, making photography exceptional.

Chincheros, Peru

Chincheros, Peru Cruise Port

Top Things to Do When Visiting Chincheros, Peru

Attend the Sunday Market

Visit a Traditional Weaving Demonstration

Explore the Inca Agricultural Terraces

See the Colonial Church (Templo de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat)

Walk the Inca Wall Foundations

Enjoy the Views of the Andes

Cruises from Chincheros, Peru

14-night Peru And The Galapagos Islands Cruise/Land Package

$14,790

14-night Peru and the Galápagos Islands Cruise/Land Package

$14,190

Chincheros Cruise Lines

The reviews are in

Chincheros, Peru Cruise Port

Top Things to Do When Visiting Chincheros, Peru

Attend the Sunday Market

Visit a Traditional Weaving Demonstration

Explore the Inca Agricultural Terraces

See the Colonial Church (Templo de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat)

Walk the Inca Wall Foundations

Enjoy the Views of the Andes

Cruises from Chincheros, Peru

14-night Peru And The Galapagos Islands Cruise/Land Package

$14,790

14-night Peru and the Galápagos Islands Cruise/Land Package

$14,190

Chincheros Cruise Lines

The reviews are in