Complete Travel Guide to Visit Pisac Ruins & Market.

Located in the foothills of the Andes, Pisac is rich with history and culture that can’t be found anywhere else. It is a world away from its bustling markets to its archaeological sites.

Pisac Terraces

What is Pisac?.

Pisac is a small town located in the Cusco Region of Peru. The city is situated in a picturesque valley at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Pisac is known for its traditional artisan market, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The market sells various handmade goods, including pottery, jewelry, textiles, and carved wood.

Location.

Pisac is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of Cusco. It is situated at an altitude of 2,900 meters (9,500 feet) above sea level in a valley formed by the Urubamba River. Pisac is best known for its traditional market and Inca ruins.

History.

Pisac was an important Inca site with a large market and craftsmanship district. The market at Pisac was one of the leading trade centers for the Inca Empire. The Inca Emperor Pachacuti founded them in the 15th century.

Pachacuti redeveloped Cusco and the surrounding area and built many new roads and bridges. One of these roads led from Cusco to Pisac. Pisac quickly became an important stop on this road due to its location in the Sacred Valley. The Spaniards arrived in Pisac in 1533 during the Conquest of Peru. Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who led the expedition, described Pisac as “a wonderful and large city.” The Spaniards plundered the city and destroyed many of its buildings.

Today, Pisac is a popular tourist destination where visitors can explore the Inca ruins, shop for traditional textiles and pottery, and experience the Andean culture.

Geography.

Pisac is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a valley in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Home to some of the most beautiful scenery, with its towering mountains, lush green fields, and winding rivers. The town is on a ridge above the Urubamba River, which flows through the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. It enters the Amazon Rainforest until it joins the Amazon River.

Climate.

The climate in Pisac is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20 degrees Celsius during the day and 5 to 10 degrees Celsius at night. The rainy season is from November to March, and the dry season is from April to October. Pisac is located in the Andes Mountains, so the climate can be more relaxed than in other parts of Peru.

How to get to Pisac from Cusco?.

To get to Pisac from Cusco, you have a few options. You can take a taxi or bus from the city center or book a tour that includes transportation.

Collectivo from Cusco: You need to go to Calle Puputi in Cusco and take the collectives to Pisac, which costs 10 soles to the town. From the village of Pisac, you will need to take a private taxi to Pisac, and the cost will be around 80 to 100 soles. To visit Pisac Inca ruins, you need to buy entry tickets and hire a tour guide that might charge about 50$ per 2 hours.
Private Taxi from Cusco:Traveling from Cusco in a private taxi will be most recommended than traveling by collective. However, this could be expensive. The average cost of a round trip private taxi will be around 240 soles (80$). To enter Pisac, you must buy an entrance ticket and hire a private tour guide.
The
best way to visit Pisac is to book a tour
with a travel company; most tours to Pisac Include transportation, a tour guide, entry tickets, and even lunch if it is a full-day Sacred Valley tour.
Places to visit :There are plenty of places to visit in Pisac, including the following:

Pisac Ruins.

Perched atop a hill above the Sacred Valley, the Pisac Ruins offer sweeping views of the valley below. The site was once an important Inca city, and today the ruins are popular tourist destinations. The main section of the ruins is the ceremonial center, which includes an expansive plaza and several temples. The plaza was likely used for religious ceremonies and other public gatherings, while the temples were reserved for elite members of Inca society. Near the ceremonial center are the remains of an Inca cemetery, where many of the city’s most prominent citizens were buried. Also nearby is an extensive agricultural terracing system used to cultivate crops on the steep hillside.

Pisac Market.

The Pisac Market is open daily for visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The market is located in the main square of Pisac, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area and offers a wide variety of goods for sale, including traditional Peruvian textiles, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Ñusta Encantada.

Nusta Encantada, or the Enchanted Princess, is a rocky hill in Pisac; the name comes from its female-like appearance. The legend tells that Inquill Chumpi, the daughter of Pisac cacique Huayllapuma, was compelled to marry a prince who could build a bridge in a single night.

Most people couldn’t afford to build this bridge in such a short time. After numerous possible candidates refused due to the project’s challenges, Prince Asto Rimac proposed to the princess, and they fell in love. While Asto Rimac was constructing the bridge, Inquill Chumpi needed to climb the hill without looking back until his love fulfilled the request, or they would both be turned to stone.

Inquill Chumpi was worried if Asto Rimac was able or not to finish the bridge in one day, her fiancé after hours of work and just missing the bridge, but she was curious and turned back, and both were turned to stone for disobedience.

Santuario del Senor de Huanca (Sanctuary of the Lord of Huanca).

Situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the Sanctuary of the Lord of Huanca is a must-see for any traveler to Pisac. Though it was initially built in the 16th century, the sanctuary has been renovated and expanded. It now features a beautiful main church, several outbuildings, and a large plaza. The highlight of any visit to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Huanca is undoubtedly the main church, which is adorned with intricate Baroque-style carvings and paintings. The church is open to visitors daily, and Mass is held every Sunday.

Iglesia San Pedro Apóstolo.

Iglesia San Pedro Apóstolo is the main church in the town. The church was built in the 16th century and is known for its Baroque architecture. The church has a large central nave with side aisles and a transept. The main altar is decorated with detailed carvings and paintings. The church also has several smaller altars and shrines.

The Iglesia San Pedro Apóstolo is open to visitors daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free.

Comunitario Museum.

The Comunitario Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area. The museum has various exhibits showcasing the traditional way of life. You can also learn about the Inca civilization and how it influenced the area. The museum is a great place to spend a few hours if you are interested in learning more about the site.

Sunday market.

The Sunday market is a great place to find locally-made arts and crafts. You can also find fresh fruits, vegetables, and local hand-woven textiles. Bargaining is expected, so be prepared to haggle! The market is open from early morning until early afternoon.

Traditional food.

A few dishes stand out when it comes to traditional food. One of the most popular is pachamanca, a type of meat and potato stew cooked in a pit oven. Other popular dishes include ceviche (a seafood dish), quinoa soup, and llama skewers. If you’re looking for something sweet, try alfajores (a cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche).

Shamanic experiences in Pisac.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is home to many shamanic traditions. In Pisac, you can find shamans who practice energy healing, crystal therapy, and other alternative healing modalities. You can also participate in traditional ceremonies such as Ayahuasca and Despacho offerings.

Where to stay.

There are a few options for accommodation in Pisac, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some hotels might be away from Pisac.

What are the opening days?.

Pisac Ruins are open every day. Also, the Pisac markets are open every day.

How much does the entrance to Pisac ruins?
The entrance fee to Pisac is 70 soles; this ticket includes several places in the Sacred Valley. You can also buy a combined ticket with Cusco that gives you access to all the archaeological sites in the Cusco and Sacred Valley for 130 soles.

Tips for visiting the town.

Although it is a popular tourist destination, it is still a traditional Andean town. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit:

Get there early. Pisac gets crowded with tourists later in the day, so aim to arrive in the morning. This will also allow you to beat the heat, as it can get pretty hot in Pisac during the afternoon.
Visit the market. The Pisac market is one of the largest and most popular in the Sacred Valley. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and try local foods. The market is open every day except Sunday.
Explore the ruins. The Pisac Ruins are located just outside town and are worth visiting. They offer stunning views of the valley below and are a great way to learn about Inca history and architecture.
Hike to the lookout point. For those who are up for a bit of a hike, there is a trail that leads up to a lookout point above Pisac with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike takes about an hour round trip and is considered moderate in difficulty.
Take a cooking class. If you’re interested in learning how to cook traditional Peruvian food, there are several cooking classes offered in.