Chinchero, in the Heart of the Navel

Textiles Weaving Chincheros

Halfway between Cusco and Urubamba, at 3800 meters this place offers many of the places inside the capital of the Incas.

Perhaps the evening is the best time to visit Chinchero. It is the time when there are fewer visitors and the light that comes from the mountains of the Cordillera de Vilcanota, glows gold fields, rocks and terraces of its archaeological site. The church, which stands on the terraces, creates games of shadows giving the whole place, known as the land of rainbow, a unique atmosphere.

In Chinchero focuses a bit of all the wealth that has the department of Cusco. Located next to Chahuaytire and highland communities around Ausangate, in this place the best textiles are produced in the area. These fabrics are offered every day in positions that artisans up in the central square and the large square where transport vehicles arrive with tourists.

The main exhibitions are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and the villagers come from miles around to exchange their agricultural products, their crafts and antiques. These woven fabrics made from sheep or alpaca and dyed with natural dyes, also can be seen in the characteristic dress of the locals, in the predominantly red and black, in chullos of men and the monteras with the women cover their heads.

Archaeological Palace:

The archaeological site, which was the palace of Tupac Inca, is impressive, consisting of huge zigzag terraces and polished stone walls, where several niches that line the wide explanade of grass, making them a natural view of Mount Veronica . Next to one of the terraces Titicaca is a mass of stone which shows carved images of lions and snakes, and forms a narrow and labyrinthine way reminiscent Q’enqo archaeological site.

Next to this archaeological site is the church of the Virgin of the Nativity, the seventeenth century. The temple has inside an extraordinary collection of murals, covering all corners of the walls and ceilings. Behold here one of the best expressions of Cusco Andean Baroque. Opposite, at the other end of the main square, the house is located Matthew Pumacahua and a small museum.

With the afternoon light descending from the main square in the narrow stone streets, white houses surrounded by mud and small folk art shops. Our journey ends with a final treat, the freshly cooked corn and cheese offered a small group of smiling women.

With peru4x4adventures.com Landscape and archaeological tours you can see experience unique tours as described above but most of all the interesting part is that you get to se spectacular landscapes, towns villagers and interact with locals. Its a different way of travelling where you are not conditioned by time. Look up our web site www.peru4x4adventures.com and www.domiruth.travel.

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