Carved by the Urubamba River, a huge Valley stretches out in the middle of the Peruvian highlands, in the Andes. Over the ages inhabited by huge empires and greedy invaders, the mysticism of the Cusco Region still manages to grasp many tourists. As the mind-blowing home to the Inca civilization, the Cusco Region is high on the list of many travelers and backpackers. Not only because of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Incredible panoramic sceneries and tons of ancient Inca sites and ruins. Add to this the spiritual retreat centers and rural jungle and mountain farmers. It is no wonder so many different types of travelers find their way to Cusco. Discover here what all the hype is about.

The town of Chinchero lies over 3700 meters above sea level, higher than Cusco. Founded in a mountainous landscape, this rural pueblo is perfect for a relaxing stroll. The farming village holds some of the most fertile soil of the Sacred Valley. Therefore locals are still growing several local crops needing specific weather conditions. It is thought that Tupac Inca Yupanqui, son of Pachacuti, used the town as a retreat to ponder on the tasks of ruling. He ordered the built of several aqueducts of which most are still in use today.

Chinchero is said to be the birthplace of the rainbow, is known as the Peruvian home for weaving. Also, its less tourist minded crafts market attracts a lot of travelers. You can witness people native to the Sacred Valley there bartering among each other. Don’t feel a stranger, feel free to take part. The location is often missed by people visiting the area due to unreliable public transport. Therefore, it is advised to get there by a tour or a more tourist-focused way of transport like a collectivo.