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Discover Chinchero, Peru
Why Is It Called Chinchero? (Meaning)
The town of Chinchero gets its name from Quechua, the language of the Inca. Historians debate
its exact meaning.
Some believe the name comes from the Quechuan word “sinchi,” and means “brave man.”
However, more scholars argue the city’s name alludes to “Chinchay” or “Kay Pacha,” a
powerful, divine puma or jaguar in Andean spirituality.
Chinchay is one of the three powerful, god-like animal spirits in Inca mythology (and the
contemporary, syncretic Quechua religion). The puma symbolizes the spiritual power of the
present: the land of the living, strength, the earth, and the hearth (home).
The name “Chinchero” might also stem from the Quechua word K’uychi, meaning “rainbow.” If
so, it fits. Chinchero’s lush mountain climate, and its position at the edge of a cloud forest,
makes rainbows commonplace. In certain cosmologies, Chinchero is the birthplace of the
rainbow itself.
Climate of Chinchero, Peru
Chinchero has a semi-dry, temperate climate with a rainy season and a dry season.
- Köppen Climate Classification: Dry-winter, Subtropical, Highland
- Avg. Annual Precipitation: 527 mm (20.7 in)
- Rainy Season: November - April
- Avg. Daytime Temps: 18°C (64°F) - 22°C (72°F)
- Avg. Nighttime Temps: 7°C (45°F) - 10°C (50°F)
- Dry Season: May - October
- Avg. Daytime Temps: 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64°F)
- Avg. Nighttime Temps: -3°C (26°F) - 9°C (48°F
Where Is Chinchero, Urubamba Province, Peru?
The town of Chinchero is in the southern Andean Highlands.
District: Chinchero
Province: Urubamba
Region: Cusco
Nation: Peru
The Chinchero District encompasses multiple Andean mountains.
Chinchero Altitude (Elevation)
Avg. Altitude of Chinchero : 3,762 m. (12,343 ft.)
Altitude Range of Chinchero District: 2,980 m. (9,780 ft.) - 4,400 m. (14,436 ft.)
5 Best Things To Do & See In Chinchero
There’s plenty to enjoy in the Chinchero District and its namesake town.
Tour Ancient Wonders In Chinchero Archeological Park (Arqueológico de Chinchero)
Chinchero Archeological Park protects and preserves ancient ruins.
Step into the past when you set foot on Qhapaq ñan, roads built by the Wari to traverse the mountainscape. Explore remains of an Incan royal palace and ancient, tiered Incan crop terraces.
Finally, round out experience with the Spanish Colonial Church built on the Incan palace’s ruins.
Canoe or Kayak In Piuray Lagoon
Piuray Lagoon is a pristine freshwater lake on the west side of Chinchero. Visitors can enjoy paddling across the glacial waters, fishing, and touring the scenic waterscape. Bikes and ATVs are available to rent and ride on the lakeshore.
Explore Chinchero’s Open-Air Market & Artisan Street Fair
The town of Chinchero hosts two lively markets: Mercado Chinchero and Perú Arte (also called Mercado de Artesanias).
Mercado Chinchero is food-centric, while Perú Arte features handmade, artisan goods. Handwoven alpaca textiles, silverwork, and pieces crafted with traditional, indigenous Andean metallurgy are highlights.
Dine On Authentic & Fusion Peruvian Cuisine
Many dining spots in Chinchero serve iconic Peruvian and Quechua cuisine.
Try papa rellena (savory, meat-stuffed, potato puffs), or, for a veggie option, tacu-tacu (savory, fried rice-and-bean cakes).
For dessert, a bowl of sweet-spiced purple corn pudding, mazamorra morada.
Enjoy Chinchero, Peru With Caravan
Caravan’s 8-Day Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu offers guests the Peruvian journey of a lifetime.
Caravan’s all-inclusive tours bundle the best food, overnight stays, and experiences into one affordable trip. To book a spot, call our team toll-free at 1-800-227-2826. Or, call +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.
2026 Hotels
2026 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Lima
Marriott Courtyard Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.
Days 3, 4, 5 • Urubamba
Rustica Hotel Urubamba-Cusco
Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba is a brand-new boutique retreat nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. With just 32 spacious rooms, each offering panoramic views of the Andes, the hotel provides an intimate and serene experience. Resident alpacas freely roam the hotel grounds offering guests a chance to interact and take photos with these gentle Andean locals. Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba has a restaurant, bar, heated outdoor pool, and three jacuzzis. Spa services are available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.
Day 6 • Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a luxury hotel housed in the beautifully restored 16th-century San Augustin convent, just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The hotel offers oxygen enriched rooms, two restaurants, and a boutique gift shop. Guests can unwind at the full service spa which features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room - all available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.
Day 7 • Lima
Marriott Courtyard Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Marriott Courtyard Miraflores (Calle Schell 400, Miraflores) in Lima. Once you have exited customs and collected your baggage at the airport, proceed to the counters for official taxi companies such as Taxi Seguro and Green Taxi. Here you can request your taxi. You can book and pay at the counter before exiting the terminal. The driving time from the airport to your hotel, Marriott Courtyard Miraflores, is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic. You can pay using U.S. Dollars, Peruvian Soles, or with a credit card. Taxi fares range from 90 - 130 Peruvian Soles, or $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars (depending on the exchange rate) plus tip. ATMs and a currency exchange are available at the airport. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes fixed departure transfers from your hotel to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), scheduled to arrive at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. These transfers are only available at these set times on the day the tour ends. If you extend your stay in Peru or if you wish to go at a different time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Please ask the hotel bellman to arrange a taxi. Fares are approximately $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars per taxi, plus tip. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
Peru requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Lima | Urubamba | Machu Picchu | Cusco | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 79/68 | 1.0 | 73/51 | 5.5 | 69/53 | 13.4 | 62/44 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 80/69 | 1.6 | 73/51 | 4.1 | 69/53 | 12.8 | 62/44 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 80/68 | 1.3 | 73/51 | 3.6 | 70/53 | 13.4 | 63/44 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 76/65 | 0.5 | 74/48 | 1.9 | 70/53 | 7.3 | 64/41 | 1.1 |
| May | 72/62 | 0.3 | 74/43 | 0.3 | 71/51 | 2.3 | 65/36 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 69/61 | 0.5 | 74/40 | 0.5 | 72/50 | 2.0 | 64/33 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 67/60 | 0.6 | 74/38 | 0.2 | 72/49 | 2.1 | 64/32 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 67/59 | 0.5 | 75/41 | 0.4 | 74/50 | 2.4 | 64/35 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 67/60 | 0.4 | 75/45 | 0.5 | 74/52 | 3.0 | 65/39 | 0.5 |
| Oct | 69/61 | 0.4 | 76/49 | 1.9 | 73/53 | 6.4 | 65/42 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 72/63 | 0.3 | 76/50 | 2.7 | 73/54 | 6.8 | 65/43 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 76/65 | 0.5 | 74/51 | 4.2 | 70/54 | 10.8 | 64/44 | 3.2 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | ||||||||||||
| temp | 79/68 | 80/69 | 80/68 | 76/65 | 72/62 | 69/61 | 67/60 | 67/59 | 67/60 | 69/61 | 72/63 | 76/65 |
| rainfall | 1.0 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Urubamba | ||||||||||||
| temp | 73/51 | 73/51 | 73/51 | 74/48 | 74/43 | 74/40 | 74/38 | 75/41 | 75/45 | 76/49 | 76/50 | 74/51 |
| rainfall | 5.5 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 2.7 | 4.2 |
| Machu Picchu | ||||||||||||
| temp | 69/53 | 69/53 | 70/53 | 70/53 | 71/51 | 72/50 | 72/49 | 74/50 | 74/52 | 73/53 | 73/54 | 70/54 |
| rainfall | 13.4 | 12.8 | 13.4 | 7.3 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 10.8 |
| Cusco | ||||||||||||
| temp | 62/44 | 62/44 | 63/44 | 64/41 | 65/36 | 64/33 | 64/32 | 64/35 | 65/39 | 65/42 | 65/43 | 64/44 |
| rainfall | 4.2 | 3.8 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 3.2 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
