CHINCHERO

Located in a high, extensively terraced valley, Chinchero is one of many villages dating from before the conquest. Noted for its Inca terraces, ancient church, and marketplace, where colorful clothing and hats indicate the village of origin.

Chinchero is high up on a plateau, around 14,000 feet above sea level, halfway between the Sacred Valley and Cusco. There is another spectacular view of the valley and a glacier from the side of the church. This town was home to the Shining Path terrorist group in the Cusco area a few years ago. It is slowly starting to lure tourists back, but there are no accomodations in the town. There is a steep walk through a narrow walkway to get to this church. There is a market just before the entrance. Again, the Spaniards built the church on top an ancient Inca religious site. The foundation is the original Inca stone foundation. The interior of the church has a glorious gold altar and beautiful frescoes painted by Cusquenian Indians.