There are many reasons to consider Cusco as a fascinating place to visit. Pisac, a beautiful destination in the sacred valley of Urubamba river, offers a mystical adventure through the ancient Inca ruins and unforgettable landscapes. Lying 33 km northeast of Cusco by paved road, Pisac is the most convenient starting point for a visit to the Sacred Valley.
Pisac Ruins
The area is perhaps best known as Inca Písac, which lies atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. The ruins are separated in four groups: Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay. 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. The beauty of its walls, built of large stone blocks polished with extraordinary symmetry and unique mastery of the stone, leave the visitor amazed.
Pisac Village
Pisac village is famous for three main reasons, one of them is its artisan fair or market every Sunday. Second, its unique Sunday mass (liturgy) which is celebrated on Quechua language (native South American language) and third, the practice of barter or “trueque”, an old peruvian method of exchange by which goods are directly exchanged for other goods without using money, so bargain becomes a necessity in order to obtain a good offer for the “trueque”.
Pisac Market
The Pisac village 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. Its Sunday market has become a real tourist attraction and a cultural meeting place . It starts at 5:30 in the morning after the church bells ring, then artisans and peasants arrive from different villages offering all kind of fabrics, pottery and silver jewelry, which attract a crowd of tourists.
From Cusco to Pisac
You can take a bus from Cusco to Pisac , which takes about 45 minutes, or you can go by way of “colectivo” or taxi. If you want to rent a taxi for the whole day to take you from Cusco city to Pisac village and ruins, the cost is well under $ 100 american dollars, and you have the benefit of your own personal chauffeur. From Pisac, you can take a bus to one of the nearby towns, such as Urubamba, Yucay and Ollantaytambo.
This article was written by a Peru Travel expert at Peru travel Now, available to help you custom design your exciting Peru Tours.