Chincheros: Church, Culture and Landscape

When searching for hotels in Chincheros, it helps to distinguish the town itself from the wider Chincheros area. Cultural and scenic interests extend beyond the town to nearby areas and other districts. You can plan accordingly, depending on whether you want to explore Chincheros itself or the wider area.

Church and Religious Tradition in the Town

The Church of San Juan Bautista de Chincheros is located on the Plaza de Armas in Chincheros. Stone walls and a wooden roof define the building. The main altar is decorated with depictions of Saint John the Baptist and other sacred figures. The church thus combines a strong connection to the town with furnishings dedicated to its religious heritage.

In the Chincheros district, the Festividad de San Juan Bautista includes processions and traditional dances. This religious celebration broadens the focus from the church building itself to traditions across the district.

Cultural Heritage in the Wider Chincheros Area

In the nearby district of Cocharcas is the Templo Colonial de Cocharcas, also known as the Santuario de Cocharcas. The religious building dates back to the 16th century and was declared an artistic monument in 1941. It is a Baroque-style structure built of hewn stone. The temple houses the image of the Virgen de Cocharcas, and the religious building is a popular pilgrimage destination. It also contains important paintings from the Cusco School, as well as works by several Spanish artists.

The Plaza de Armas de Cocharcas also tells the story of the region’s religious history. The colonial square has been 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 worshippers who arrived on September 8.

Routes from the Plaza de Armas

From the Plaza de Armas in Chincheros, a 40-kilometer route along paved roads leads to the Templo Colonial de Cocharcas. The drive takes about an hour in a private car. From the same square, Ahuayro is 19 kilometers away; by taxi, the drive along paved roads takes approximately 25 minutes. The two figures refer to different destinations and modes of transport, so the travel times are not directly comparable. Treat them as approximate planning estimates and check the route details before setting out.

Landscape and History in the Wider Chincheros Area

The nearby Valle del Río Pampas stretches along the Río Pampas. The river crosses Chincheros Province and forms the border between Apurímac and Ayacucho. Scenic routes in the valley offer panoramic views of the Río Pampas and its surroundings. Agricultural produce in the Valle includes avocados, oranges, papayas, mangoes, cherimoyas, bananas, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, and cassava.

In the district of Uranmarca is the nearby archaeological site of Muyu Muyu, which dates to the Chanka period. According to local tradition, major battles took place there during the expansion of Chanka territory and the wars with the Inca. From the summit, there are expansive views across the region, with the Río Pampas in the distance.

In the wider Chincheros area, in the district of Ranracancha near Ccenhua, lies the Bosque de Piedras de Ccenhua. Large, naturally eroded rock formations resemble human and animal shapes. Two entrances form a hiking loop between the upper and lower areas. At the top, a viewpoint overlooks the district of Ranracancha. Highland and Puna wildlife that can be spotted there includes Andean foxes, squirrels, and various birds, including several Puna bird species.

The Laguna de Anori offers a different kind of landscape: a glacial lake 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.

For the wider travel overview: Chincheros.