Planning on visiting Pisac Peru soon?
One of the many remote villages nestled within the mountains of the Sacred Valley, Pisac is renowned for its fascinating ancient ruins, beautiful colonial architecture and old traditions that are still kept alive to this day. Before your visit it’s worth getting to know Pisac better, including which sites are must-visits and how to make the most of your time here.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the famous Pisac Peru town in the Sacred Valley. This includes why it’s worth visiting, how to get here, as well as the best way to make the most of your trip. We’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.
Everything You Need To Know About Pisac Peru
Is Pisac Worth Visiting When In Peru?
If you’re heading to Cusco and want mysterious Inca ruins, traditional markets and spectacular scenery – then Pisac is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Located within the Sacred Valley region, Pisac is surrounded by towering Andean mountains and lush valleys. This means that you will always have spectacular views even when exploring the town, and also many opportunities to go hiking throughout the surrounding region – such as up to the Taray Mirador for sweeping Andes vistas. Pisac is also located at a lower elevation than Cusco’s higher altitude – which offers relief for those who may get altitude sickness up in this higher-lying Andes city.
How To Get To Pisac
Pisac is just a one hour drive from Cusco, making it an easy day trip to undertake regardless if you are choosing public transport or taxis. The majority of tourists take local colectivos from the city, which are quite affordable (between $1-2) – however only leave once they are filled. Alternatively, you can easily take a taxi which is quicker and more convenient, usually costing between $15-25 for a one-way trip.
The 5 Best Things To See And Do In Pisac
Wander The Famous Pisac Market
While we can find many colourful markets throughout the Sacred Valley, Pisac Market easily ranks as one of the very best of its kind in all of Peru. An artisan market where indigenous locals bring handmade goods, here stalls overflow with alpaca clothing, silver jewellery and beautiful ceramics. Prices are very conservative which makes it easy to pick up multiple souvenirs for a good price, while its atmosphere offers a unique glimpse into traditional Andean culture. This alone makes it a great stop for those who are travelling between Cusco and Machu Picchu – before reaching the iconic Inca citadel.
Explore The Ancient Pisac Ruins
Perched high above the Sacred Valley and town of Pisac, the impressive Pisac Ruins are one of the very best sites that you can visit. Here we can wander through agricultural terraces, explore ceremonial temples and enjoy impressive views out from the various lookout points. Unlike other sites such as Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo Ruins which can feel quite busy with crowds, Pisac Ruins is often much quieter – which means you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere with no rush to walk around.
Wander Through The Historic Colonial Town
After having explored the colourful market in town, tourists can also enjoy a wander through Pisac’s charming colonial center. Cobblestone streets incorporate a mix of Spanish elegance, along with the ancient Inca aqueduct canals that run down the middle of the narrow passageways. The picturesque main square is the biggest highlight with its overflowing fountain and pretty church, and especially on Sundays when local crowds reach their peaks with a larger town market.
Visit An Andean Ceramic Or Weaving Workshop
Pisac has become a hub for talented artists and handicraft makers who preserve ancient Andean crafting techniques. This includes handmade pottery and weaving, and within the town centre we can find many workshops that show visitors how products are created – such as fine textiles woven using natural dyes. Not only can you take a direct step into the ancient past of the region by watching a demonstration, purchasing these goods also helps to support the local community.
Experience The Sacred Valley’s Spiritual Side
Pisac has long attracted travellers who are interested in spirituality and wellness, given the region is famous for its Andean traditions and remedies. Within the town, there are many yoga classes, meditation centres and traditional ceremonies using native plants (such as cacao and san pedro) – while in the nearby mountains we can experience a more secluded retreat experience. Both offer a great way to really relax during your travels, and especially when compared with the busier, more hectic atmospheres of Cusco and Lima.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pisac Peru
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about Pisac Peru, as well as anything else you need to know.
Is Pisac Peru Worth Visiting?
Out of all the small towns and settlements dotted around the Sacred Valley, Pisac is often ranked within the top three for tourists to visit when in Cusco. This is due to its beautiful blend of colonial architecture and ancient Inca ruins, as well as the breathtaking Andean landscapes that can be enjoyed when hiking around the region or when heading up to the viewpoint of Taray.
How Long Does It Take To Visit Pisac?
Usually the majority of tourists only need a single day to explore the very best highlights of Pisac, which include the town square, market, Pisac ruins and perhaps the nearby Taray Mirador. However those who want to really relax during their time in the Sacred Valley may prefer 2-3 days, while those who want to enjoy a spiritual mountain retreat could spend weeks at a time here.
What Is Pisac Peru Known For?
Pisac Peru is best known for its ancient Inca history, with this town once being one of the many important settlements in the Sacred Valley for this ancient civilization. Vital aqueducts built by the Inca that run through the heart of the town can still be observed to this day, while the fortified ruins right above the town are also still in very good condition – which can easily be explored during a guided walking tour.
Overview Of Pisac Peru Town In The Sacred Valley
And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about Pisac Peru.
Famous for its fascinating ancient history and ruins, Pisac is quickly becoming one of the most popular places for tourists to explore in the Sacred Valley region. And as we’ve seen, there are many worthwhile things to see and do here – while the short distance of just an hour from Cusco makes it an ideal destination to visit as a day trip.
Looking to explore the very best highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley in the most straightforward way possible? Here at TroncoTambopata we operate Our Popular Five Day Cusco Tour – where you’ll visit the ancient ruins and town of Pisac, the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu and other top destinations in the Sacred Valley – with all private transport and accommodation included.