Different travel interests take center stage in Chincheros: archaeological sites, colonial religious architecture, pilgrimage history, and highland landscapes.
Archaeological sites and living traditions
Muyu Orcco is an archaeological site in the district of Chincheros, in Chincheros Province. A provisional protection period of two years was established for the site on August 26, 2025. The pre-Columbian Conjunto Arqueológico de Paqwayranra is in the district of Cocharcas, in Chincheros Province, and is also under provisional protection.
The archaeological site Sondondo Sector A y B was also declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation; it is located in Huaccana, Chincheros, Apurímac. In the province, the Fiesta de Pascua de Uripa in the district of Anco Huallo has also been declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation. History and oral tradition, the use of the Quechua language, culinary practices, and local forms of music and art contribute to the continuity of traditional knowledge and practices there.
The archaeological site Muyu Muyu is associated with the Chanka period and is of historical value. According to local oral traditions, major battles took place there during the Chanka expansion and the war with the Inca. This tradition offers a distinctive way to learn about the site's history, which you can explore as an orally transmitted interpretation.
Colonial architecture and pilgrimage history in Cocharcas
The Templo Colonial de Cocharcas, also known as the Santuario de Cocharcas, is a historic religious building of colonial origin dating from the 16th century. It was declared an artistic monument in 1941 and is a Baroque-style building made of dressed stone. The image of the Virgen de Cocharcas is housed in the temple; the site is a popular pilgrimage destination.
The Plaza de Armas de Cocharcas is a colonial square associated with evangelization and the development of Marian devotion from the late 16th century onward. Its history includes former pilgrim shops, built between 1598 and 1680 to accommodate the faithful arriving on September 8. The square and temple thus represent different aspects of local religious history: the development of public Marian devotion and the pilgrimage to the image of the Virgen de Cocharcas.
Rock formations, a lake, and highland wildlife
The Bosque de Piedras de Ccenhua in Ccenhua, Ranracancha, features large, naturally eroded rock formations with human-like and animal-like shapes. Two entrances form a circular route between the upper and lower areas. In the upper area, a viewpoint looks out over the district of Ranracancha. This lets you take in the rock landscape and circular trail together, while the viewpoint offers a distinct perspective on the district.
Highland and Puna wildlife can be observed in the Bosque de Piedras, including Andean foxes, squirrels, various birds, and several Puna bird species. Laguna de Anori is a glacial-origin lake 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 view of the lake brings together its location between the hills and the diverse life along its shores and in its waters.
The summit of Muyu Muyu also offers a wide view across the region, including the Río Pampas in the distance. Together with the rock formations of Ccenhua and Laguna de Anori, this viewpoint offers a different perspective from visits to religious and archaeological sites: here, the focus is on the highland landscape, its features, and wildlife.
Plan your journey and check event dates
The route from the bus station in Uripa to the Templo Colonial de Cocharcas covers 31 km. The trip takes about an hour by combi on an unpaved road. Check the route details locally again before planning your journey.
The Encuentro Interregional del Carnaval Originario Wari-Chanka-Inka has been held at Laguna de Anori since 2018, toward the end of March or the beginning of April. If you want to plan your trip around this gathering, check the date in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Chincheros, Aymaraes, Andahuaylas Province.
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