4 / 5 - 4 reviews
How to get there
45 minutes from Cusco by bus
When to go
Between May and September
Minimum stay
Half a day
Pisac (Peru)
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Émilie Couillard
Practical information about Pisac
Reviews of Pisac
Pisac: a wonderful site that remains still very well preserved today and where you can see and appreciate the ingenious system of terraces developed during the pre-Inca era in all its splendour.
My suggestion:
When I went to Pisac, I explored the site via the little path that takes you around it. The walk lasts for about an hour and gives you the opportunity to see the site from various different perspectives.
Summary:
When I visited Cusco, I purchased a ticket that included entrance to various archaeological sites located close to the city. This is how I eventually found myself at the archaeological site of Pisac, located around 30 kilometres from the ancient Inca capital. Pisac is divided into two zones. The archaeological part lies high up on the valley's slopes, whilst the village itself is located at the lower end of the site. I only visited the archaeological part. However, it is possible to go on a short excursion from the village to the site, and vice versa.
I advise you to make a trip to this archaeological site when you're visiting Peru. I personally found it a very enjoyable place to see and explore. The scenery around it is superb, the terraces are still preserved in good condition, and the site has a rich and interesting history behind it.
One of the things I saw there was a mountain slope full of holes. These are actually tombs: the Incas placed the mummified bodies of noble members of society in these. It's actually one of the largest Inca cemeteries discovered to date.
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Émilie Couillard
32km from Cuzco, Písac is a pretty village in the sacred valley of the Incas. In addition to its pretty market, you will find an important archeological site there.
My suggestion:
Entry to the site is free every day from 16:00 when the tourists have already left. The impression the village has on you is even more grandiose when you are alone in Písac.
Summary:
Returning from the mythical Machu Picchu during my trip to Peru, I went to visit the archeological site of Písac in the sacred Incan valley.
Once you arrive at the village, you must climb a further 8km to reach the ruins. You can either go by taxi or take the 2 hour walk - it's up to you. I opted for the second option and even though the climb might seen tough, it is not impossible and the walk is actually quite pleasant. With its farm terraces, houses, temples and fortress in ruins, Písac really does remind you of Machu Picchu. It is magical and the view of the valley makes it an exceptionally beautiful place.
When you return to the village, I advise you take a tour of the pretty market. Even though it is very touristic, it is nevertheless interesting to buy souvenirs there and find some original pieces.
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David Debrincat
A small village in the Sacred Valley known for its Sunday market and eponymous archeological site.
My suggestion:
Spend the night there! The hippie chic vibe run by bobos who come from all over the world to live and live an alternative lifestyle against an Andean backdrop is really worth seeing.
Summary:
The village of Pisac is really cool. The buildings are colourful, the landscapes superb (oh magnificent Andes...) and the market great, making it an ideal place to find souvenirs of your trip.
On the other hand, don't expect to end up in an authentic village... There are pizzerias, pancake houses and other bars on the main square with everybody chattering away in English. It has to be said, you are in one of the most touristic places in the country, and this village has evidently been taken over by Western expats looking for an alternative way of life.
It doesn't really matter though, I found that it was still worth visiting, especially for the superb Incan citadel that dominates the village. Another new place to add to your Peruvian itinerary!
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VasenkaPhotography
Pisac is the first archaeological site in the Sacred Valley, and it is worth spending a few days visiting all around Cusco.
My suggestion:
In order to save a bit of money, I would advise you first to travel through the Sacred Valley by bus, then on to Machu Pichu by train, which is much more expensive.
Summary:
Like Ollantaytambo, Chinchero or Moray, Pisac is a place to visit before getting to Machu Picchu. I'm not really a fan of ruins, but this one, I found spectacular and very pleasing to the eye.
Pisac is a village situated at the top of a mountain ridge, on barren land. In order to save space in the valley, irrigated terraces were constructed on the hillside. Pretty clever, these Inca! It's funny how big the steps are. During my trip to Peru, one of the guides told me that the construction work is able to withstand earthquakes because it is sloped.
Please note that the tourist ticket allows entry to other sites within the Sacred Valley, and the ticket is amortized after 2 visits. An excellent foretaste of Machu Pichu, it would be a pity to rush through this perfect little jewel.
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juliesjourneys.fr
230 travellers' photos
