Chincheros: Cultural Heritage, Archaeological Sites and Landscapes

In the province of Chincheros, colonial religious history, archaeological sites and varied landscapes come together. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether you would mainly like to explore historic buildings and cultural traditions, or focus on nature destinations and wildlife watching. The places described are located in different districts, including Chincheros, Cocharcas, Anco Huallo, Huaccana and Ranracancha. This thematic overview can also help you tailor your search for a hotel in Chincheros to your travel interests.

Cultural Sites and History in Chincheros

Among the archaeological sites is Muyu Orcco in the district of Chincheros. By resolution dated August 26, 2025, the site was placed under temporary protection for two years. The pre-Columbian archaeological complex Conjunto Arqueológico de Paqwayranra is located in the district of Cocharcas and is also under temporary protection. The archaeological site Sondondo Sector A y B in Huaccana, Chincheros, Apurímac, was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. These different sites add a historical dimension to your trip without requiring them to be treated as a single sightseeing complex.

The Fiesta de Pascua de Uripa in the district of Anco Huallo was also declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. It is associated with history, oral tradition and the use of the Quechua language, as well as culinary practices and local musical and artistic expressions. These traditions help pass on knowledge and practices, and offer a different way to experience the province’s culture than visiting archaeological sites.

In Cocharcas, the Templo Colonial de Cocharcas, also known as Santuario de Cocharcas, shapes the historic character of the area. This colonial-era religious building dates from the 16th century, was built in the Baroque style from cut stone, and was declared an artistic monument in 1941. The image of the Virgen de Cocharcas is housed in the temple; the site is a destination for popular pilgrimages. Visitors interested in architecture and religious history will find several aspects represented in this named building: its period, architectural style, material and pilgrimage tradition.

Plaza de Armas de Cocharcas is a colonial square associated with evangelization and the development of Marian devotion since the late 16th century. It includes former pilgrims’ shops, built between 1598 and 1680 to accommodate the faithful arriving on September 8. The plaza also serves as an initial point for visits and rest, as well as a starting point for guided tours of the temple. Together, the plaza and religious building offer distinct historical highlights in Cocharcas.

Landscapes, Rock Formations and Wildlife

Bosque de Piedras de Ccenhua combines a striking rocky landscape with a described hiking route. Large, naturally eroded formations resemble human and animal shapes. Two access points form a loop between the upper and lower areas; at the top, a viewpoint looks out over the district of Ranracancha. Highland and Puna wildlife can be observed in the Bosque, including Andean foxes, squirrels, various birds and several Puna bird species. The landforms, route and wildlife each offer their own highlights.

The summit of Muyu Muyu offers wide-ranging views across the region, including the distant Río Pampas. The archaeological site of Muyu Muyu dates to the Chanka period and has historical value. Local accounts tell of major battles during the Chanka expansion and the war with the Inca; this part of the history has been passed down through oral tradition. The Uranmarca RAYMI was held at the Muyu Muyu fortress on November 12. If you would like to plan your trip around an event such as this, check the latest event dates in advance.

Laguna de Anori is a lake of glacial origin between two hills. Native Queñua, Chachacoma and alder trees grow along its shores; there are also reed beds, various algae, and wild ducks, gulls and pejerrey. From 2018 onward, the Encuentro Interregional del Carnaval Originario Wari-Chanka-Inka was held at Laguna de Anori toward the end of March or the beginning of April. Such historical information about an event does not confirm current dates, so check them if you are planning your trip around it.

Getting to Santuario de Cocharcas

The route from the bus station in Uripa to Templo Colonial de Cocharcas is listed as 31 km, with travel by combi along an unpaved road taking approximately one hour. Check these route details locally before setting out to visit the temple. Alongside the cultural and natural highlights, this specific route information provides a practical reference for planning a trip to Chincheros.

Discover more destinations: Chincheros, Aymaraes, Andahuaylas Province.

For the overarching travel overview: Apurímac.