Found between Cusco and Urubamba, the small hill town of Chinchero was thought to be a country retreat of Inca Tupac Yupanqui. Be warned that this is one of the highest locations in the Sacred Valley at 3,763m so acclimatising to the altitude and taking it slow are both very important. The town is famous across the Sacred Valley for its weaving, and it’s common to see women wearing traditional garb performing demonstrations for paying tourists.
Parque Arqueológico de Chinchero – Blessed with rich soil, many of the Incan terraces built here are still in use today. The walls that hold up the terraces show off the incredible Incan stonework and spread along the hills near the town.
Iglesia Colonial de Chinchero – Sitting at the top of the hill near Chinchero is the adobe church Iglesia Colonial de Chinchero. Similar to the Spanish approach taken at Qorikancha, in 1607 a church was built over the Incan palace. Look for the impressive wall with 10 smooth-cut niches carved into it. Step inside the pretty church with shows off some indigenous art as well as escuela cuzqueña (Cusco school) works.