The Pisac Archaeological Site is located on the Apu Inti Huatana mountain, in the town of Pisac, province of Calca, about 30 km from the city of Cusco. The park covers an area of 4 square kilometers and contains various archeological remains, such as cultivation terraces, aqueducts, roads associated with walls and gates, channeled watercourses, cemeteries, and bridges. The exact date of construction of the ruins of Pisac is unknown, but it is estimated that it was no earlier than 1440. The name “Pisac” comes from the Quechua word “pisaqa”, which means “partridge”, and it is said that the ancient city was built in the shape of this bird. Today, Pisac is known as an astronomical observatory.
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What to do in Pisac?
Pisac is a picturesque town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. It is known for its handicraft market and for its impressive archaeological site, which is located on top of a hill with panoramic views of the valley. Here are some recommendations on what to do in Pisac:
- Explore the archaeological site of Pisac: The archaeological site of Pisac is one of the most popular attractions in the area. It is located on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the sacred valley. You can walk through the ancient agricultural terraces and explore the ruins of Inca temples and fortresses.
- Visit the handicrafts market: The Pisac market is one of the largest and most popular in the sacred valley. Here you can find a variety of Peruvian handicrafts, including weavings, ceramics, jewelry and more. It is an ideal place to buy souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
- Walking through the town and its cobblestone streets: Pisac is a picturesque town with cobblestone streets and colonial houses. You can walk through its streets and visit the small stores and local restaurants.
- Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the area, including the hike to the top of the hill where the archaeological site of Pisac is located. You can also hike through the sacred valley and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and the Urubamba River.
- Visit the Church of San Pedro Apostle: The church of San Pedro Apostle is a colonial church located in the center of Pisac. It is known for its impressive architecture and for being one of the few places in Peru where mass is celebrated in Quechua.
These are just some of the things to do in Pisac. There are many other attractions and activities that may be of interest to you, such as visiting the nearby hot springs or participating in traditional Andean ceremonies and rituals.
How to get to Pisac?
Pisac is a town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. There are several ways to get to Pisac depending on your starting point and travel preferences. Here are some common options:
By bus
- There are several bus companies that offer services from Cusco to Pisac. Buses usually leave from the Cusco bus terminal, located on Huayruropata Avenue. The bus trip takes about an hour and a half and the price of the ticket varies according to the company and the type of service you choose. Among the best known companies are Cusco Bus, Wari Palomino, and Urubamba.
By cab
- Another option to get to Pisac is to take a cab from Cusco. Cabs can be easily found anywhere in the city, and the trip to Pisac takes about an hour. It is important to agree on the price of the cab with the driver before getting into the vehicle. The price is usually around 60-80 soles.
On a tour
- If you prefer a more organized experience, you can join a tour that takes you to Pisac and other places in the Sacred Valley. There are many tours available in Cusco and they can be booked online or through travel agencies. Some tours include visits to archaeological sites and lunch at local restaurants.
Whichever option you choose, it is important to remember that Pisac is a popular destination for tourists, especially on weekends. If you plan to visit the Pisac handicraft market, we recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
