Pisac Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Pisac, Peru with our comprehensive travel guide covering all the main attractions, activities, food, and local customs.


Introduction to Pisac

Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in Southern Sierra, Peru, Pisac is a charming Andean town that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by lush green mountains, this sleepy town is famous for its traditional Sunday market and archaeological sites that attract tourists from all over the world. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through all the must-visit attractions and experiences in Pisac.

List of Places to Visit in Pisac

Day trip to Pisac can be overwhelming since there are so many places to visit and so much to do. Here’s a list of the top places to see in Pisac.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Pisac Archaeological Site: A must-see spot in Pisac is the Pisac Archaeological Site, located on top of a mountain. It is an ancient Incan ruin that showcases the intricate stonework and architecture of the Inca civilization. Don’t miss the Intihuatana stone that is believed to have been used by the Incas as a sundial.
  2. Museo de Arte Precolombino: This is a small museum but hosts a collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts from the Andean region.
  3. Santuario del Senor de Huanca: This is a sacred site for Catholics, located about an hour’s drive from Pisac. The site is known for its miraculous healing powers and beautiful mountain vistas.

Natural Attractions of Pisac: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Pisac Market: One of the most popular destinations in Pisac is the Sunday market that sells colorful handmade crafts, textiles, and Andean jewelry. Also, vendors sell exotic spices, fruits, and vegetables at the market.
  2. Pisaq Hot Springs: Take a peaceful break in the natural hot springs located just outside the Pisac town.
  3. Apu Linli (Pisac) viewpoint: Admire the incredible views of the valley from this viewpoint, which is about a two-hour hike from the Pisac town center.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pisac

Pisac is a hiker’s paradise with its beautiful landscapes and scenic routes. Some of the must-do hiking routes around Pisac are:

  1. Intihuatana Trail: A 3-4 hours hiking experience starting from Pisac Cemetery to Pisac Inca site. The trek follows the mountainside discovering amazing views of the Pisac town and the Sacred Valley.
  2. Inca Trail to Huchuy Qosqo: A 16km moderate hike going through the archaeological places, and grassland finishes with a fantastic view of Lake Piuray.

Best Things to Do in Pisac: Activities and Tours

  1. Tour the Pisac Market: Witness the bustling energy of Pisac’s local market, where you can find unique souvenirs, crafts, and textiles to bring home.
  2. Inca Trail Trek: Experience Peru’s incredible Inca history by taking a 4-day trek through the Andes mountains that ends at the famous Machu Picchu.
  3. Horseback Riding: Explore the stunning scenery around Pisac in a more relaxed way by taking a horseback riding tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pisac

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Pisac to help you explore this beautiful town to the fullest.

Day 1: Take a walking tour of the Pisac town and visit the Pisac Market. Day 2: Explore the Pisac Archaeological Site and hike to the Intihuatana stone. Day 3: Go horseback riding or mountain biking around the Pisac area. Day 4: Visit the Pisaq Hot Springs and consider a climb to the Apu Linli (Pisac) viewpoint for breathtaking views. Day 5: Take a day trip to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo to explore its famous ruins. Day 6: Journey to Machu Picchu to end the day exploring this captivating wonder of the world. Day 7: Return to Pisac.

Food and Drink Scene of Pisac

Pisac has a rich culinary tradition influenced by Andean culture and Spanish cuisine. Here’s what you must try when you’re in Pisac.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Cuy Chactado: A traditional Peruvian guinea pig dish that’s a delicacy in Pisac.
  2. Lomo Saltado: A stir fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and paprika served with rice and French fries.
  3. Aji de Gallina: A spicy chicken dish in a cream sauce often served with potatoes and rice.

Local Beverages

  1. Chicha: A fermented corn beer that locals have been drinking for centuries.
  2. Pisco Sour: A cocktail made with Peruvian pisco, lemon juice, egg white, and bitters.

Where to Stay in Pisac: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pisac has a wide array of lodging options ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s a list of some of the most popular accommodation options.

Luxury Hotels

  1. Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado: A stunning riverside hotel offering breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
  2. Tambo Del Inka Resort & Spa: A five-star resort with a luxurious spa, restaurant, outdoor jacuzzis, and an indoor pool.

Budget-friendly Accommodations

  1. Hospedaje Inti: A family-run hostel with comfortable beds and affordable prices.
  2. Pisac Inn: A comfortable inn with cozy rooms and a beautiful garden.

What to Buy in Pisac: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Pisac’s market is famous for its handmade souvenirs, including textiles, pottery, and jewelry. You can also buy Andean herbs and spices, such as aji amarillo, huacatay, and cumin.

Local Culture and Customs of Pisac

Pisac has a rich cultural heritage that’s worth exploring. The locals are known for their textiles and crafts, which are an essential part of their culture. They are also known for their traditional clothing, which includes dark woven ponchos and colorful cloth hats.

Best Time to Visit Pisac

The best time to visit Pisac is from June to September when the weather is dry and sunny. Expect chilly mornings and evenings, with warm and sunny afternoons.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pisac

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Try the local food and beverages.
  3. Bargain at the Pisac Market while shopping.

Don’t:

  1. Take photographs of locals without their consent.
  2. Wear revealing clothing, particularly when visiting sacred sites.
  3. Litter or damage the natural or historical sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pisac

Pisac is a safe town to visit, and the locals are welcoming to tourists. However, it’s best to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night.

Health in Pisac

When traveling to Pisac, drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne diseases. Altitude sickness is common in high-altitude regions, and Pisac is located at an altitude of 3000m, so make sure to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated and resting.

Getting to Pisac: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pisac

The closest airport to Pisac is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, which is about 30 km away from Pisac.

Bus Stations Near Pisac

Cusco is the main hub for intercity buses in the region. From there, you can catch a bus to Pisac.

Other Options

You can also take a private taxi or hire a car to travel to Pisac.

How to Get Around in Pisac

Pisac is a small town that is best explored on foot. You can also rent a bike, a scooter, or a car to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Pisac: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby places that you can visit from Pisac:

  1. Machu Picchu: A World Heritage site and one of the most iconic places in Peru, Machu Picchu is just a short train ride away from Pisac.
  2. Ollantaytambo: A beautiful Inca town that’s just an hour’s drive from Pisac.
  3. Moray: A pre-Columbian Inca site located about 7.5km from Pisac.

Conclusion

Pisac is a small town filled with Andean charm and natural beauty, making it a great destination for travelers looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. With its blend of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, and traditions, Pisac is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Peru.

Condor in the Animal Sanctuary in Pisac, Cusco Condor in the Animal Sanctuary in Pisac, Cusco Some of the intensive Inca terracing within the Pisac Archeological Park Some of the intensive Inca terracing within the Pisac Archeological Park Farming area in Pisac, with a view of the city in the background Farming area in Pisac, with a view of the city in the background The Intiwatana district of the Pisac Archeological Park The Intiwatana district of the Pisac Archeological Park Street view, showing Ulrike`s Cafe, with mountains in the background Street view, showing Ulrike`s Cafe, with mountains in the background