Chincha - Peru

About 200km / 120mi south of Lima is the city of Chincha, or Chincha Alta as it is officially known. The city is home to a large black population, giving the city its own unique flair. Afro-Peruvian culture can be seen and heard here in some of the Peñas (bars) in the district of El Carmen, just south of Chincha. The folkloric music and

traditional dancing carry on all night.

Chincha is also well known for the ancient Chincha culture that once inhabited the area. The best preserved sites near Chincha are Tambo de Mara and Huaca Centinela. This former Inca-Chincha capital was also used by the Inca once they moved into the area.

There are a few annual festivals in Chincha and El Carmen. The most important ones are Verano Negro in late February and the festival of the Virgen del Carmen, held in July.