A Guide to Visiting Pisac, Peru

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, you absolutely must consider visiting Pisac. This quaint little town is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Also, Pisac is home to some of the most incredible ancient ruins and natural scenery in the region. Here’s a guide to visiting Pisac that will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the world.

Getting to Pisac

The easiest way to get to Pisac is by taking a bus or taxi from the city of Cusco, which is about 30 km away. The journey takes around an hour and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. 

Once you arrive in Pisac, you’ll find that the town is small enough to explore on foot. The ruins are within walking distance of the town center. You can also wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the colonial architecture of the buildings. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike up to the top of the nearby hill to get a panoramic view of the town and surrounding area.

Exploring the ruins

One of the main reasons to visit Pisac is to explore the incredible Inca ruins that are scattered throughout the town. The ruins are divided into four main areas: Pisaqa, Inti Watana, Qalla Q’asa, and Qanchis Raqay. Each area offers its own unique features, from stunning agricultural terraces to impressive stone buildings. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water. Be aware that the ruins are spread out and require a fair bit of walking.

As you explore the different areas of the ruins, you’ll discover fascinating details about the Inca culture and architecture. For example, Pisaqa features around 20 Inca buildings, while Qalla Q’asa is home to impressive towers that protected the town from invaders. Inti Watana is believed to have been an important religious site, while Qanchis Raqay probably served as a checkpoint to Pisac.

Shopping at the market

Pisac is famous for its vibrant artisan market. This traditional market takes place every day and attracts visitors from all over the world. The market is filled with stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, and handicrafts. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and negotiate with the vendors to get the best prices.

Hiking in the surrounding area

The landscapes surrounding Pisac are breathtaking. Hiking in this area offers amazing panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, including the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River. Pisac is surrounded by diverse terrain, including mountains, valleys, rivers, and forests. This variety provides a unique and challenging hiking experience for every level of hiker

Additionally, Pisac is home to the Pisac Archaeological Park. This site contains impressive Inca ruins, including temples, terraces, and houses built into the mountainside. Hiking in this area allows visitors to explore and learn about the history of the Inca civilization.

Hiking in Pisac also provides the opportunity to see unique wildlife species, such as llamas and alpacas, as well as a variety of bird species. Also, Pisac is a traditional Andean town, and hiking in the area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture, interact with the local people, and learn about their way of life.

Enjoying the local cuisine

Peruvian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique ingredients, and Pisac is no exception. Be sure to try some of the local dishes, such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and rocoto relleno. You can find plenty of restaurants and cafes in the town that offer delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients. Also, you can try local delicacies, such as cuy.

Cuy, also known as guinea pig, is a popular dish in Peruvian cuisine. It has been a traditional Andean food for thousands of years and is still considered a delicacy in many parts of Peru. Cuy is usually roasted or fried and served whole, often with potatoes, corn, and other Andean vegetables. 

Despite its small size, cuy is packed with protein and is considered a healthy and nutritious food. While some may find the idea of eating guinea pig unusual, it remains an important cultural symbol in the Peruvian cuisine, representing a connection to ancient Andean traditions and a celebration of the country’s diverse culinary heritage.

Visiting Pisac on a budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, visiting Pisac is still an affordable option. There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels and guesthouses, and the market offers plenty of cheap eats and souvenirs. You can also save money by taking a bus to Pisac instead of hiring a taxi.