If you are traveling through the famed Peruvian Sacred
Valley, then it behooves you to make a stop in the
small town of Pisac. As if a stunning Andes
Mountains setting weren’t enough, the Pisac
ruins present some of the most impressive around. Together
with those at Machu Picchu
and the fortress of Ollantaytambo,
the Pisac ruins give insight to the Inca’s advanced
masonry skills. The Pisac markets are also a good reason
to make a stop here, particularly the handcraft market
of Pisac, where you can find some unique and authentic
souvenirs. You can take a bus from Cusco
to Pisac Peru, which takes about 45 minutes, or you can
go by way of colectivo or taxi. If you are interested
in renting a taxi for the whole day to take you from Cusco
to Pisac, the cost is well under $100, and you have the
benefit of your own personal chauffeur of sorts. From
Pisac, you can take a bus to one of the nearby towns,
such as Urubamba, Yucay and Ollantaytambo.
The Pisac ruins remain somewhat mysterious as to what
their absolute purpose was, but it seems likely that they
were part of a settlement along a vital Inca road. With
the Amazon rainforest to the
east of the mountains, it is generally understood that
Pisac provided a connecting point of sorts between the
highlands and the jungle. The Pisac ruins are relatively
large, and they remain in pretty good shape all things
considered. Extensive terracing marks the Pisac ruins,
which are set among patterned fields. Steps and aqueducts
carved from stone round out the complex, and the surviving
Sun Temple is a most
impressive structure. As you explore the Pisac ruins,
you will find that the views of the mountains and valleys
are simply breathtaking. You can gain access to the Pisac
ruins with the “boleto turistico”, which can
be purchased in town or in Cusco. If you are in good shape,
you might consider getting to the ruins by foot along
the hillside path.
Together with the Inca ruins, the Pisac markets are what bring a good amount of visitors to town. The Pisac markets are at their busiest on Sundays, with Tuesdays and Thursdays also seeing a fairly large turnout. The Sunday handcraft market of Pisac is a bit touristy, but it is surely a worthy experience, even if you are not interested in doing much shopping. It boasts a colorful atmosphere, as many natives come from the surrounding mountains donning their elaborate traditional clothing. You can barter at the handcraft market of Pisac, and among the items you might consider buying are sweaters, tapestries, blankets, rugs, ceramics and musical instruments. Hundreds of booths line the main plaza on Sunday, and on the small side streets, locals enjoy the thriving produce markets. On days when the Pisac markets are quiet, as is Pisac Peru. You might consider visiting the market on Sunday, then exploring the Pisac ruins on Monday.
If you are interested in staying in Pisac Peru overnight, which is a good idea if you have the time, your best bet for upscale accommodations is the Hotel Royal Inka Pisac, which offers quite a bit more than you might have expected to find. For under $100 a night, you can splash in the indoor pool and jacuzzi, play a little tennis, enjoy room service, and have easy access to the hotel’s restaurant and bar. If your budget is tight, there are a few nice options for budget Pisac hotels and hostels. A good bet is the Hostal Pisaq, which seems to be part hostel, part bed and breakfast. When hunger strikes in Pisac Peru, you will be happy to know that there are a few good options for places to grab a bite. Even if you only have just one day to spend in town, the Pisac ruins and the Pisac market can both make for a memorable addition to your Peru travel itinerary.
