If you plan to visit Cusco and want to discover more beyond Machu Picchu, Pisac is a place you cannot overlook. This picturesque town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and a vibrant cultural life, standing out especially for its famous traditional market. Located about 30 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
In Pisac, you can explore the famous archaeological site that reveals the secrets of Inca engineering and culture. Additionally, its market is an ideal space for those seeking handicrafts, fresh local products, and an authentic Andean experience. At Machu Picchu Wayna, you will find everything you need to make the most of your visit, from its historical attractions to how to enjoy your time at the market.
History of Pisac
Pisac’s history is intertwined with Inca culture, which built one of the most important archaeological complexes in this location. Pisac was not only a religious and ceremonial center but also a strategic point for agriculture and territorial control during the Tahuantinsuyo empire.
The archaeological site of Pisac, located atop a mountain overlooking the valley, stands out for its architectural design and the Incas’ advanced engineering. It consists of agricultural terraces, houses, temples, and a storage system (collqas) that demonstrates this civilization’s ability to adapt to the natural environment. One of its most important structures is the Intihuatana, a solar clock used to measure time and agricultural cycles, highlighting the Incas’ connection with astronomy and nature.
During the colonial period, Pisac was relocated to the lower valley, where the current town was founded in 1570 under the direction of Viceroy Francisco Álvarez de Toledo. This relocation aimed to control and evangelize the local indigenous population, a common practice during the Spanish conquest. Despite this, Pisac has preserved ancestral traditions that remain part of its cultural identity today.
Pisac’s traditional market, one of its best-known attractions, is a legacy of this mixed history between the Inca and colonial periods. Although the market originated as a point for trading goods between local communities, today it combines this purpose with tourism, offering handicrafts, textiles, and fresh products that reflect the area’s cultural richness.
Important Facts About Pisac
Pisac is one of the most important archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, originating during the Inca period. This site was built under the mandate of Inca Pachacútec and is believed to have served defensive, ceremonial, and residential functions. Pisac’s architecture includes impressive agricultural terraces, temples, and canals that showcase the Incas’ advanced hydraulic engineering and mastery of stonework. This site was also a place of worship for Inti, the sun god, and its structure reflects the Incas’ relationship with the stars and their environment.
When Was the District of Pisac Created?
On June 21, 1825, during the administration of Liberator Simón Bolívar, the district of Pisac was officially established as part of the territorial structuring of Peru after its independence. It belongs to the province of Calca, within the department of Cusco, and is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Although its roots date back to Inca times, during colonization, the town was relocated to the lower valley to facilitate control and evangelization of its inhabitants. Today, the district of Pisac is one of the most visited places in the Sacred Valley and has become a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage.
What Does the Word Pisac Mean?
The term “Pisac” derives from the Quechua word “pisaq” or “p’isaca,” referring to the partridge, a bird characteristic of the Andean region. It is believed that the name is related to the shape of the Pisac archaeological site, which, according to some interpretations, resembles the profile of this bird when viewed from a certain perspective.
What to See in the Archaeological Park of Pisac?
The Pisac Archaeological Park offers a complete experience that immerses you in Inca history and culture. Here are the main points you can explore within the archaeological complex:
The Intihuatana
The Intihuatana is a solar clock and astronomical observatory used by the Incas to measure time and determine agricultural cycles. This place also had ceremonial significance, and its strategic location offers breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
Its name in Quechua means “place where the sun is tied,” representing the importance of astronomy in the Incas’ lives. It is a sacred site, and the energy felt there makes it a unique place.
Agricultural Terraces
The terraces or cultivation platforms are one of the site’s most outstanding features. These structures, built on mountain slopes, not only allowed efficient farming on steep terrain but also helped prevent soil erosion. They also demonstrate the Incas’ advanced agricultural knowledge.
Religious Sector
This sector includes temples and ceremonial altars. One of the most notable is the Temple of the Sun, made of finely carved stone, reflecting the Incas’ architectural skill and their spiritual connection with their main deity.
Inca Cemetery
The Pisac cemetery, located on the mountainsides, is one of the largest from the Inca era. Numerous tombs carved into the rock can be found here, although many were looted during the colonial period.
The Traditional Market of Pisac
The Pisac market is one of the most traditional and picturesque in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There, you will find a wide variety of products, both local and artisanal, that reflect the cultural and agricultural wealth of Andean life.
What Products Will You Find in the Pisac Market?
The Pisac market offers a wide variety of products, from handmade crafts to fresh fruits, medicinal herbs, and alpaca textiles. Local artisans showcase their work in blankets, ponchos, jewelry, and ceramics that reflect Andean art and culture.
- Handicrafts: The market is known for its extensive selection of handmade textiles, such as blankets, ponchos, bags, and scarves. These products are made using traditional techniques and are often crafted from alpaca or sheep wool. You will also find decorative and functional ceramics, including plates, cups, and figures inspired by Incan designs.
- Jewelry: The market features handcrafted jewelry, primarily made of silver, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Many of these pieces are adorned with Andean motifs or semi-precious stones such as quartz and turquoise.
- Agricultural products: The market offers fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the region, such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, kiwicha, and chili peppers. You will also find medicinal herbs and local spices used in Andean cuisine.
- Artifacts and traditional objects: Visitors can purchase masks used in traditional dances, musical instruments like pan flutes and quenas, and woven bags known as “chuspas,” traditionally used for carrying coca leaves.
- Clothing and accessories: In addition to textiles, the market sells modern clothing inspired by Andean designs, such as hats, gloves, and knitted vests.
- Traditional food: While the market is primarily a place for buying and selling goods, there are also stalls offering typical Cusco dishes, such as corn with cheese, empanadas, and chicha de jora, a traditional fermented corn drink.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Market?
To fully enjoy your visit to the market, it is best to arrive early to explore at a leisurely pace and talk to artisans about their products and techniques. Do not hesitate to bargain, as it is a common and accepted practice. It is also advisable to bring cash, as many shops do not accept cards. The market is an excellent place to buy souvenirs and sample local food at stalls offering Andean specialties.
How to Get to Pisac from Cusco?
There are several ways to reach Pisac from Cusco. Here are the available options so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style.
Transportation Options: Bus, Taxi, and Tours
- Bus: From Cusco city, you can take a bus from the Puputi stop to Pisac. This is an economical journey that takes approximately one hour, making it an ideal option for travelers seeking a more authentic experience with nature.
- Taxi: If you prefer more comfort, you can take a taxi from Cusco to Pisac. This ride is faster, taking between 40 and 50 minutes, although it is more expensive than the bus.
- Guided tour: Another option is a guided tour, which typically includes transportation, a guide, and additional visits to other points of interest in the Sacred Valley. This option is ideal if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Pisac and other sites in the region. If you choose this option and book one of our tours, we will accompany you every step of the way to ensure you get the most out of your visit to Pisac.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pisac
To help you plan your visit to Pisac smoothly, here are answers to some of the most common questions.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Pisac?
The best time is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, the weather is warmer with less rain, making it easier to explore archaeological sites and enjoy outdoor activities. Additionally, it is recommended to visit the market on Sundays when it is at its busiest.
From November to March, although it is the rainy season, the landscape is greener and more vibrant, but you should be prepared for frequent rain, especially in the afternoons.
Is It Safe to Visit Pisac?
Yes, Pisac is a safe place for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take care of your belongings and take normal precautions, especially in crowded places like the market.
How Much Time Is Needed to Explore the Archaeological Park?
The time needed to explore the Pisac Archaeological Park and enjoy its main points of interest varies depending on each visitor’s pace and the areas they wish to explore. On average, it is recommended to dedicate between 2 and 4 hours to tour the archaeological complex, as this time is sufficient to enjoy the site’s main attractions.
Tips for Your Visit to Pisac
- Bring sun protection: The sun in Pisac can be strong, so it is important to carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Stay hydrated: Bring water to keep yourself hydrated during your visit to the archaeological park.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The archaeological park has steep paths, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear for walking.
