Definition
Chinchero District is an administrative district of the Urubamba Province in the Cusco Region of southeastern Peru.
Overview
The district lies in the Andean highlands of the Sacred Valley, approximately 30 km (19 mi) north of the city of Cusco. Its capital is the town of Chinchero, which serves as a local center for commerce, administration, and cultural activities. The district covers an area of roughly 128 km² (49 sq mi) and is situated at an elevation of about 3,800 m (12,467 ft) above sea level. According to the 2005 census, the district had a population of approximately 4,700 inhabitants, most of whom are of Quechua descent and speak Quechua alongside Spanish.
The local economy is based on agriculture, livestock raising, and increasingly on tourism. Traditional crops such as potatoes, quinoa, and maize are cultivated on terraced fields, while alpaca and llama husbandry are common. Chinchero is renowned for its textile tradition; weaving cooperatives and workshops produce fabrics using pre‑Inca and colonial techniques, attracting visitors interested in indigenous art and culture.
Culturally, the district hosts several annual festivals, most notably the celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria in February, which combines Catholic and Andean elements. Archaeological sites within the district include Inca ruins and colonial-era churches, and the area is traversed by sections of the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Chinchero” is believed to originate from the Quechua language, though its precise meaning is not definitively documented. Some sources suggest a connection to the Quechua word chinchu (a type of plant), while others propose it may refer to a historical figure or local geographical feature. Accurate information is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Geography: Mountainous terrain with steep valleys; part of the Urubamba River watershed.
- Climate: High‑altitude temperate climate with dry winters and a wet season from November to March.
- Demographics: Predominantly indigenous Quechua population; bilingual in Quechua and Spanish.
- Economy: Agriculture (potatoes, quinoa, maize), alpaca and llama breeding, textile production, and tourism.
- Cultural sites: Colonial church of San Salvador de Chinchero, Inca ceremonial terraces, traditional weaving cooperatives.
- Transportation: Accessible via the paved highway connecting Cusco to Urubamba; local roads link villages within the district.
Related Topics
- Urubamba Province
- Sacred Valley (Urubamba)
- Cusco Region
- Inca Trail
- Quechua people and language
- Andean textile traditions
- Colonial architecture in Peru