Chinchero, which means "town of the rainbows," is a beautiful little village located in the center of the Sacred Valley halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu. It got its name because it is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. There are amazing views of the Vilcabamba mountains and the snow-capped peak of the Salkantay in the west. Like many of the villages in the valley Chinchero still holds onto it's pre-Hispanic days of traditional clothing and centuries-old houses.

Chinchero was a popular spot for Inca royalty, possibly because of the beautiful views of the nearby river and snow-capped mountains. In fact, this village was the favorite spot for Tupac Yupanqui, who built a palace and agricultural terraces around the Rio Vilcanota. The ruins also make historians and scientists suspect that Chinchero was largely populated during Incan times.

The striking remnants left behind by the Incas suggest that Chinchero was once an important village in the empire. The massive stonewall in the main plaza and the agricultural terraces which are still in use, were built by Tupac Yupanqui, who used Chichero as a country resort.

There is also an adobe colonial church from the early 17th century, which was built upon the foundation of an Inca temple or palace. Inside the ceiling and walls are covered in amazing floral and sacred designs, which can be viewed on Sundays when it opens for mass. Lake Piuri is also worth a visit, which is only a half hour walk away. A walk around the lake takes about three hours as you pass through quaint villages.

Map of The Sacred Valley

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