Chinchero and Manco Inca: the Last Stronghold of the Incas

Chinchero is a historic town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the Cusco region of Peru. Known as the “Land of the Rainbow,” this place combines a rich archaeological, cultural, and natural heritage. Below, I present a detailed guide to Chinchero, including its discovery, directions to get there, geography, population, tourism, cultural activities, flora and fauna, and a detailed itinerary.

Discovery and History of Chinchero

Pre-Inca Period
Chinchero was inhabited by the Ayllu Pongo and Cuper Ayllu human groups, part of the Ayarmaca ethnic group. These communities settled on the shores of the Piuray Lagoon and in the highlands of Anataquilca and Sauco.
Inca Period
During the reign of Túpac Inca Yupanqui, Chinchero became an agricultural and residential center. Agricultural terraces, ceremonial enclosures, and pre-Hispanic roads were built, forming part of the Qhapaq Ñan.
Colonial Period
With the arrival of the Spanish in 1533, Chinchero underwent significant changes. Encomiendas were established, and the colonial church of Nuestra Señora de Monserrat was built on the remains of the Inca palace.
Chinchero Today
Today, Chinchero preserves its monumental character, blending Inca and colonial architecture. It is a key tourist destination in the Sacred Valley, famous for its textile traditions and artisan market.

Location and Geography

Chinchero is located 30 km northeast of Cusco, in the province of Urubamba. It is situated at 3,754 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Huaypo and Piuray lagoons. From its streets, you can see the snow-capped mountains of Verónica, Soray, and Salcantay.
Climate
Chinchero’s climate is semi-dry and temperate, with cool winds at certain times of the year. The best time to visit is between April and October, when rain is less frequent.

How to Get to Chinchero

From Cusco
– By bus: You can take a colectivo from Pavitos Street in Cusco. The trip takes approximately 50 minutes.
– By taxi: A private taxi ride takes about 40 minutes.
– By organized tour: Many agencies offer excursions that include Chinchero along with other sites in the Sacred Valley.

Population and Culture

The people of Chinchero maintain their ancestral traditions. Their handcrafted textiles, made with techniques inherited from the Incas, are particularly noteworthy. Bartering of goods is also practiced, a custom that allows for a diverse diet.
Festivities
Among the most important festivities are:
– Cruz Velacuy: Religious celebration in honor of the Holy Cross.
– Corpus Christi: Traditional festival with dances and processions.

Tourism in Chinchero

Archaeological Sites
– Agricultural terraces: Built by the Incas to optimize farming.
– Colonial Temple of Monserrat: Built on the palace of Túpac Inca Yupanqui.
– Pre-Hispanic roads: Part of the Inca Qhapaq Ñan road system.
Tourist Activities
– Visit textile workshops: Where you can learn about the traditional dyeing and weaving process.
– Hiking: Walks to the Huaypo and Piuray lagoons.
– Landscape photography: Capture the snow-capped mountains and agricultural fields.

Flora and Fauna

Flora
Chinchero’s vegetation includes:
– Queñua and taya: Trees native to the Andes.
– Ichu: Tall grass that grows in cold areas.
Fauna
Among the animals that inhabit the area are:
– Andean condor: Emblematic bird of the Andes.
– Andean fox: Mammal that adapts to the altitude.

Historical Review

Chinchero has been the scene of several key historical events that have shaped its development and cultural legacy. Here are some of the most important:

Founding by Túpac Inca Yupanqui

Between 1471 and 1493, Inca Túpac Inca Yupanqui ordered the construction of a palace in Chinchero, turning it into a recreation and administrative center within the Tahuantinsuyu.

Burning of Chinchero by Manco Inca

In 1540, during the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquistadors, Manco Inca burned Chinchero to prevent the invaders from obtaining supplies as they fled to Vilcabamba.

Construction of the Colonial Church

During the colonial era, the Spanish built the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat on the remains of Túpac Inca Yupanqui’s palace, blending Inca and Baroque architecture.

Legend of the Piuray and Huaypo Lagoons

According to local stories, these lagoons near Chinchero have a mythical origin linked to the Andean worldview and the history of the first settlers. These events have defined Chinchero’s identity, making it a place of great historical and cultural value.

Manco Inca Yupanqui

was one of the most important leaders of the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquest. Initially, the Spanish recognized him as ruler of Tahuantinsuyu in 1533, but after suffering abuse and humiliation, he decided to rebel in 1536.

Manco Inca’s Rebellion
Manco Inca organized a major uprising against the conquistadors from the Sacred Valley. His army besieged Cusco for months and nearly succeeded in expelling the Spanish. However, the arrival of European reinforcements weakened his offensive.

Retreat to Vilcabamba

After the defeat at Cusco, Manco Inca established an independent Inca state in Vilcabamba, from where he continued the resistance until his assassination in 1545. His successors, Sayri Túpac, Titu Cusi Yupanqui, and Túpac Amaru I, continued the struggle until the final fall in 1572.

Impact of the Resistance

Manco Inca’s rebellion was the last major attempt to restore Inca rule. Although he was ultimately defeated, his struggle inspired future indigenous resistance against colonial rule.

The resistance of Manco Inca Yupanqui had a profound impact on Peruvian history, marking the beginning of a prolonged struggle against Spanish domination and leaving a legacy of Indigenous resistance.

Consolidation of the Inca Resistance

Manco Inca organized a rebellion in 1536, successfully besieging Cusco and attacking Lima. Although he failed to expel the Spanish, his struggle inspired his successors in Vilcabamba, who maintained the resistance until 1572, when the last Inca, Túpac Amaru I, was executed.

Creation of the Neo-Inca State of Vilcabamba

After the defeat at Cusco, Manco Inca established an independent state in Vilcabamba, from where he continued the fight against the Spanish. This enclave was the last bastion of the Inca Empire and symbolized Indigenous resistance to colonialism.

Inspiration for Later Movements

Manco Inca’s rebellion influenced future indigenous resistance and independence movements. His struggle was remembered by leaders such as Túpac Amaru II, who led a rebellion against Spanish rule in the 18th century.

Impact on National Identity

Manco Inca’s resistance is seen as a symbol of pride and resilience in Peruvian history. His legacy lives on in the collective memory and in the vindication of Inca culture.