Chincheros: Church, Pampas Valley and Local Culture

Chincheros combines a distinct town center with cultural and scenic attractions in the surrounding area. The Church of San Juan Bautista stands right on the Plaza de Armas; nearby destinations add the Valle del Río Pampas, historic religious buildings and archaeological sites to the picture. When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to consider whether your trip will focus more on the town itself or on exploring the wider Chincheros area.

Church on the Plaza de Armas

The Church of San Juan Bautista de Chincheros is located directly on the Plaza de Armas. Its stone walls and wooden roof create a striking combination of materials. The main altar also makes its own impression: it is decorated with depictions of Saint John the Baptist and other sacred figures. The church’s architecture and altar decorations make it a tangible point of interest for visitors interested in culture. In the District of Chincheros, the Festividad de San Juan Bautista also features processions and traditional dances.

The Río Pampas and the surrounding landscape

The nearby Valle del Río Pampas stretches along the Río Pampas. The river crosses the Province of Chincheros and forms the boundary between Apurímac and Ayacucho. Scenic routes through the valley offer panoramic views of the Río Pampas and its surroundings. The valley can also be described in terms of its agriculture: crops grown there include avocados, oranges, papayas, mangoes, cherimoyas and bananas, as well as sugar cane, sweet potatoes and cassava. The natural environment and agricultural landscape thus represent two distinct aspects of the surrounding area.

Religious buildings and historic sites

The nearby Templo Colonial de Cocharcas, also known as the Santuario de Cocharcas, is a historic religious building dating from the 16th century and was declared an artistic monument in 1941. The temple houses significant paintings from the Cusco School, as well as works by several Spanish artists. It also houses the image of the Virgen de Cocharcas, which is associated with popular pilgrimages. Historic architecture, painting and devotion to the Virgin Mary thus come together in one place.

The directions from Chincheros to Cocharcas are also specific: a 40-kilometer route leads from the Plaza de Armas to the Templo Colonial along paved roads. The drive in a private car is stated to take about one hour. This information can help you take nearby destinations into account when choosing where to stay.

Muyu Muyu: History and views

The nearby archaeological site of Muyu Muyu dates back to the Chanka period and is located in the District of Uranmarca. According to local accounts, major battles took place there during the expansion of Chanka territory and the wars with the Inca. From the summit of Muyu Muyu, there are expansive views across the region, including the Río Pampas in the distance. Local historical accounts and scenic views give this site two distinct facets.

In the wider Chincheros destination

The wider Chincheros destination includes other scenic and cultural sites. The Bosque de Piedras de Ccenhua features large, naturally eroded rock formations with shapes resembling people and animals. Two entrances form a circular hiking route between the upper and lower areas; at the top, a viewpoint overlooks the District of Ranracancha.

The Laguna de Anori offers a different kind of scenery: a lake of glacial origin between two hills. Queñua, chachacoma and alder trees grow along its shores; there are also reed beds, various algae, wild ducks, gulls and pejerrey. The wider Chincheros area also has a cultural history: the pre-Columbian archaeological complex of Conjunto Arqueológico de Paqwayranra is located in the District of Cocharcas, in the Province of Chincheros, and is under provisional protection.

Go to the main travel overview: Chincheros.