Pisac Peru Travel Guide & 8+ Awesome Things to Do
A mighty hilltop Inca fortress encircled by stone terraces. Bustling markets tucked into twisting cobblestone streets. An authentic Peruvian village with a very bohemian twist. This is Pisac Peru.
Pisac is a charming village found in Peru’s Sacred Valley that boasts impressive Inca ruins and a daily artisan market. Less than an hour away from the Imperial City, Pisac is one of the most popular day trips from Cusco Peru.
However, there are so many things to do in Pisac that it warrants more time than simply one day.
This complete guide to the village of Pisac includes: how to get here from Cusco, what to do in Pisac, and where to eat and sleep in this sleepy Andes Mountain town.
Here is the ultimate Pisac Peru travel guide.
Table of Contents
- Where is Pisac Peru?
- How to Get to Pisac from Cusco Peru
- How Much Time Should You Spend in Pisac Peru?
- The Absolute Best Things to Do in Pisac Peru
- Where to Sleep in Pisac Peru
- Where to Eat in Pisac
- Is Pisac Worth Visiting?
- Conclusion | The Ultimate Guide of What to Do in Pisac
Where is Pisac Peru?
Pisac is a picturesque village located in the Sacred Valley of Peru and is only 45 minutes from the Imperial City of Cusco. This makes Pisac one of the closest villages of the Sacred Valley to Cusco. The Sacred Valley stretches nearly 100 Km from Pisac to Machu Picchu Citadel.
Pisac village is a favorite among visitors and is the perfect introduction to the magic of the Sacred Valley in Peru. The elevation of Pisaca is 9,751 feet (2,972 m), so it sits at a much lower elevation than Cusco City, which is around 11,152 feet (3,400 m). Some travelers may wish to spend time in the Sacred Valley before Cusco, as the altitude is lower in the Sacred Valley.
How to Get to Piscac from Cusco Peru
With the close vicinity to Cusco, Pisac is often one of the most popular day trips from Cusco. The scenic ride takes about 45 minutes and visibly passes by the famous Cusco ruins of Q’enqo, and the red fortress of Puka Pukara.
Cusco to Pisac | Cheapest Option via Public Transportation
Multiple collectivos, or small vans, frequently run from Cusco to Pisac.
In Cusco, find the collectivos for Pisac on Puputi Street, near the Garcilaso Monument (roundabout). Multiple vans are departing from both sides of the street. Collectivos drop in Pisac near the main bridge, but some continue deeper into the Sacred Valley to Calca or Urubamba. Make sure to hop off in Pisac!
🚐 Collectivo Cusco to Pisac Peru Logistics | Average Fare: 4 – 6 PEN ($1 – 1.50 USD) | Duration: 45 minutes | Depart: when the collectivo is full | Hours: 6:00 – 19:00
In my humble opinion, the collectivos from Cusco to Pisac are the best way to reach Pisac. There are no buses to Pisac from Cusco, only collectivos.
Cusco to Pisac | Via Taxi or Shuttle
Taxis also run from Cusco to Pisac but can be quite expensive. One-way taxi fares between Cusco to Pisac will average around 10 Soles per person. A taxi is a great option to get to Pisac if you want to get to Pisac fast.
There are also shuttles run by Vamos Machu Picchu, that cost around $30 per person. There is also this private shuttle from Cusco to the Sacred Valley which can stop in Pisac.
Cusco to Pisac on an Organized Tour
Pisac Peru is one of the main stops on a Sacred Valley Tour. The Pisac ruins and Pisac market are oftentimes a highlight of this popular day tour from Cusco.
Sacred Valley tours usually include stops at Pisac and Ollantaytambo and other highlights in the Sacred Valley. Most Sacred Valley tours are at least 8 hours and highlight visiting attractions included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Most tours don’t include the Cusco Tourist Ticket, so it’s best to purchase the full ticket.
Be mindful that the Sacred Valley is jam-packed with attractions and places to see and there is no way to see it all in one day.
➜ This is a popular Sacred Valley Tour that includes the main highlights of the Sacred Valley from Pisac to Ollantaytambo.
➜ This full-day tour focuses on the Pisac ruins and markets
How Much Time to Spend in Pisac Peru?
Pisac is a small village with around 10,000 inhabitants including the surrounding mountain communities. The Pisac Archaeological Site is often a favorite highlight of the Cusco Tourist Ticket and one of the more memorable Inca sites in the Cusco area.
Pisac remains timeless with many locals donning traditional clothing. There is a fantastic local market (Pisac market), charming cobblestone streets, and a larger expat community that brings meditation and spiritual workshops, and plant medicine retreats.
Pisac also is home to a handful of cute coffee shops, garden cafes, and vegan eateries. There is still a local feeling in Pisac, but the ex-pat community adds a dash of a bohemian spirit.
Most visitors that come to Pisac will only spend a few hours here, or if they visit independently a full day. One day in Pisac provides ample time to visit the Pisac ruins and stroll the daily artisan market. However, those travelers who wish to slow down could easily spend a few days enjoying the nearby Sacred Valley hikes and appreciating the slower pace of daily life in the Sacred Valley.
To get an authentic taste of Pisac, plan on spending at least two full days here. Two days in Pisac is an ample amount of time to spend in the village, visit the ruins, and hike in the nearby mountains.
The Sacred Valley is a delightful surprise, so if you have the time, budget for at least a week to discover the best places in Sacred Valley Peru. The Sacred Valley is worth visiting and often becomes a highlight of a Cusco itinerary. Budget your time accordingly!
7 Best Things to Do in Pisac Peru
If visiting the Sacred Valley and Pisac without a tour, here is what to see and do.
1 | Pisac Ruins | Pisac Archaeological Park
By far the most popular place to visit in Pisac is the sprawling hilltop ruins that are spread intricately across the mountainside. The Pisac Archaeological Park is larger than you think and will take at least a half-day to explore, especially if you hike to and from the site.
There are two main entrances to the Pisac ruins. The first is right behind the Pisac Plaza Constitucion (main plaza). Be mindful that this main entranceway can often be closed due to rockslides and mudslides. It’s best to access the Pisac ruins from the back entrance near Mask’a Pueblo and work your way downhill through the complex.
🚐 Pisac Peru Transportation Tip | Near the food stalls in the Pisac Market is where to find the buses to Mask’a, which is the back entrance to the Pisac Archaeological Site. Alternatively, hail a moto or taxi to be dropped right at the back entrance of the Pisac ruins
The back entrance is located at the top of the hill and is over 10,800 ft (3,300 m). Additionally, opting for the back entrance, allows visitors to move downhill and ultimately end in the village of Pisac.
The Pisac ruins are included on the popular Cusco Tourist Ticket. Tickets can be purchased as a Complete Boleto with all 16 historical sites from Cusco to the Sacred Valley or as a partial circuit ticket.
| Cusco Tourist Ticket for Pisac Ruins | Cost | Valid |
| Cusco Tourist Ticket Complete | S/ 130 ($35) | 10 Days |
| Cusco Tourist Ticket (Circuit 3) | S/ 70 ($19) | 2 Days |
✈ Peru Travel Tip | If planning on visiting more sites in the Sacred Valley or Cusco, the Complete Cusco Tourist Ticket is the best option
Upon entrance to the Pisac ruins find a signage board that allows the option for a self-guided tour. Official guides can be hired on-site, just make sure to verify all their credentials. The back entrance is phenomenal with Inca terraces, Inca tombs chiseled into the cliffs, and some seriously spectacular views.
The Pisac ruins have four main sectors to explore: P’isaqa, Inti Watana, Qalla Q’asa, and Kinchiraqay. With so much to see, it could be easy to spend the whole day exploring the Pisac ruins.
If the bottom sector of the Pisac ruins is open, make sure to visit Intiwatana, a section that is believed to be a temple dedicated to the Sun God (Inti). This downhill walk includes chances to pass by possible ceremonial baths and the ancient city of Pisac (Pisaqa). The trail leads to the modern-day Pisac village, just blocks away from the Pisac Plaza.
The Pisac ruins are quite spectacular and a highlight of the Sacred Valley.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas boasts numerous Inca ruins between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, but the Pisac ruins is one of the most memorable sites.
2 | Daily Pisac Market
In the Pisac Plaza Constitucion, find a daily artisanal market. The Pisac market is a great place to snag some Peruvian souvenirs including sweaters, pillowcases, scarfs, jewelry, wall hangings, and any other item to remember a trip to Peru.
On Sundays, the Pisac market brings in nearby villagers who live up in the mountain communities. Locals come to Pisac to sell produce. Find women in traditional clothing selling everything from fresh fruits, veggies, and gorgeous flowers.
Sunday is the perfect day to sample traditional Peruvian dishes. Vendors set up pop-up food stalls and serve authentic Peruvian food for a fair price.
If possible, try to visit Pisac on a Sunday to experience a more local market feel.
☛ Sacred Valley Travel Tip | Urubamba has a huge market on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Wednesday is the busiest market day in Urubamba with a livestock market
3 | Stroll the Local Pisac Market | Mercado de Abastos de Pisac
Pisac’s permanent daily main market can be found in the building Mercado de Abastos de Pisac. This is a typical market with vendors selling produce, chocolate, coffee, flowers, juices, and everyday food items. Like most markets in South America, the Pisac market plays an important role in everyday life and is THE fresh food source for the villagers.
Upstairs in the Pisac market, find a few stalls selling sweaters and other souvenirs. The main floor also has juice stands and food stalls serving simple items like sandwiches and snacks.
One of the best places to eat in Pisac is actually at one of the food stalls found at the Mercado. There are a handful of food stands that serve up delicious menu del dias. Most of these hearty meals come with a starter, main plate, and tea all for a price tag of around 10 soles.
My personal favorite is the last food stall (across from restaurant Antica Osteria), which is always packed and serves up huge portions of authentic cuisine. Make sure to try the trucha or trout.
4 | Wander Around Picturesque Pisac
There is no denying that Pisac is one of the more picturesque villages in the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley. Nestled at the foothills of the Pisac ruins and following along the banks of the mighty Urubamba River, the town is truly a delight to slow down and explore.
Pisac village has twisting cobblestone streets and a beautiful Plaza with a centerpiece church. The village offers tons of viewpoints and footpaths to wander. As Pisac is a popular day trip from Cusco, the magic of the village truly can be seen in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Those planning on staying in Pisac overnight can stroll along the cobblestone streets to a small church, which turns into a lovely dirt path. This quiet path makes a perfect morning or evening stroll. Follow along with an old Inca water canal, past the rolling corn fields to get another perspective of this sleepy village, away from the tourist shops.
5 | Visit a Local Brew Pub
The Sacred Valley has a microbrewery, the Cervecería del Valle Sagrado. While the original brewery and production site is located in Pachar, the gateway to Nãupa Iglesia and the Perolniyoc Waterfall, there is now a taproom in Pisac!
The Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado Pisac Taproom is located a block away from the Plaza Constitucion and boasts an open garden-like setting. Find local beers on tap that are accompanied by a pub fare menu.
The Pisac tap room by the Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado is a refreshing addition to the village of Pisac Peru.
☛ Psst… The original taproom in Pachar is a casual and scenic stroll from Ollantaytambo
6 | Kinsa Cocha Hike
One of the best Pisac hikes is found in the mountains high above the village. The Kinsa Cocha hike is a stunning natural area that boasts three scenic lakes. The small mountain community of Paru Paru has opened its doors to tourists and allows hiking access on the footpaths of the lakes.
There isn’t really a defined hiking circuit, but the paths follow the largest lake of Kinsa Cocha and provide views of the other lake of Azul Cocha. A taxi can arrange a visit to the shores of the other lakes.
Visitors will be smitten by the beauty of the Andes Mountains and witness alpacas grazing. The community also sells handicrafts at the entrance.
If visiting Pisac as a day trip from Cusco, there isn’t enough time to visit the Pisac ruins, market, and Kinsa Cocha. The Kinsa Cocha area is a magical place and is worth it to add an extra day in Pisac.
Kinsa Cocha Pisac | Entrance Fee: 3 PEN (75¢ USD) | Duration: 3 hours
How to Get to Kinsa Cocha Pisac
The taxi ride to access Kinsa Cocha Pisac takes around 45 minutes from Pisac. The road is a bumpy mountain road and the lake hike is at a much higher altitude than Pisac. Kinsa Cocha lakes sit at an elevation of around 13,125 ft. (over 4,000 m).
Taxi Logistics | Average Fare: 150 PEN for roundtrip fare, up to 5 people can share a taxi | Taxis wait a few hours while you explore, make sure to negotiate this part!
As tourism is rising in this area there are new homestay possibilities that help support the local communities.
7 | Explore Deeper in the Sacred Valley Peru
While Pisac is one of the closest villages to Cusco in the Sacred Valley, it can make a great base to explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley.
More Sacred Valley Highlights from Pisac to Ollantaytambo
- Explore the hilltop Huchuy Qosqo ruins from Lamay on this out-and-back trek
- Calca village with its peculiar Urqo ruins and access to the Lares Valley. On the way to Lares find the Ancasmarca ruins, or more remote hiking trails, like this one-day Lares Valley Trek. Lares is most famous for their local Lares hot springs.
- The underrated city of Urubamba Peru boasts a hike up Saywa Mountain, local markets, and frequent collectives to Chinchero and Maras. There’s the hike to the Maras Sacred Valley Salt Mines or add on the incredible hike to the Moray Inca ruins.
- Ollantaytambo village is must must-visit place in the Sacred Valley, although quite far from Pisac. Ollantaytambo is the gateway to Machu Picchu via the famous Classic Inca Trail. However, the village has impressive ruins and stunning hikes like the Pumamarca ruins or the unforgettable Inti Punku or Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo
8 | Relax and Acclimate for Machu Picchu
With a small town feel that is nestled in the Andes Mountains, Pisac Peru can be the perfect place to relax or acclimate before visiting Machu Picchu, the most famous landmark in Peru. The altitude in Pisac and the Sacred Valley is relatively lower than Cusco’s elevation, so many visitors opt to acclimate in the Sacred Valley.
There are lots of places to stay in Pisac, and many accommodations offer mountain views and outdoor spaces to enjoy the spring-like climate. Pisac is one of those quaint mountain towns to unwind, casually walk next to the beauty of the mountains, and savor authentic Peruvian cuisine.
Where to Sleep in Pisac Peru
There are tons of Pisac Accommodation options for all budget ranges. There are backpacking hostels to high-end guesthouses.
Most visitors will sleep near the center of the village of Pisac Peru. If heading towards the Pisac ruins, there are tons of awesome places to stay with a more reasonable price tag. The small neighborhood just past the iconic Art House Pisac (formerly Royal Inka Hotel) is nicknamed “Gringoville” and offers a wide range of guesthouses and hostels.
- Budget | Casa Camacho Hostel is run by a local family with tons of green space and is found between Pisac and Maska
- Budget | El Parche Rutero Hostel is a great hostel option a little outside of the city. There’s an excellent rooftop terrace with plenty of hammocks, a kitchen, hot showers, and lots of nice common spaces… although a little dated
- Budgetish | Wolf Totem Boho-Chic Backpacker is the most popular backpacking hostel in Pisac
- Moderate-Budget | Pisonay Hotel private rooms with a central location and warm hosts
- Moderate | Pisac Inn is cozy and comfortable and located right in the heart of Pisac
- Moderate | Pisac Garden Inn is a little on the outskirts of town but offers awesome green space and modern bright rooms.
- Moderate – Luxury | Florencio Casa Hacienda which boasts private balconies, a beautiful patio, and access to the nearby Felipe Marin Moreno Botanic Gardens
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in Pisac Peru
Where to Eat in Pisac Peru
Pisac has tons of awesome places to eat. There are not only a large number of local restaurants, but the expat community has brought lovely cafes, coffee shops, and specialty restaurants.
Remember, the local Pisac market, Mercado de Abastos de Pisac, is the best place to eat traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Here are a few different places to eat in Pisac Peru.
Bon Appetit Cafe Paris
Bon Appetit is an incredible little coffee shop that specializes in French pastries and baked goods. It’s run by a local woman who puts her love into cakes, croissants, quiches, and more!
La Ruta del Sabor
La Ruta del Sabor is a cozy and authentic Peruvian restaurant that serves up hearty plates of food made from scratch. Everything is made fresh, right down to the sauces that are served with the main course. A true gem in the heart of Pisac.
Antica Osteria Pisac
One of the best Pisac restaurants hands down is Antica Osteria, a cozy pizzeria boasting delicious Italian food. The interior of this restaurant is inviting, the service on par, and the desserts a must. Find them across from the main Pisac market.
Apu Organic Nativo – Pisac Vegan Restaurant
Apu Organic Nativo is one of Pisac’s most beloved vegan restaurants. The cozy space has a few outdoor tables as well as a co-working space upstairs.
Sacred Sushi & Curry
Sacred Sushi & Curry is a vegan restaurant that is only open on Sundays. This popular Pisac restaurant has a beautiful garden, a hippy vibe, and homemade vegan goodies, making it a popular spot with the expat community.
Is Pisac Worth Visiting?
Yes, hands down Pisac is worth visiting! This village in Peru’s Sacred Valley boasts incredible hilltop Inca ruins, stunning natural hikes, a daily artisan market, and a charming ambiance.
Most visitors will only day trip to Pisac from Cusco, but with so much to see and do in the surrounding area, it’s better to spend a few days in Pisac to truly feel the magic of this village tucked in the Andes Mountains.
Conclusion | The Ultimate Pisac Peru Travel Guide
In short, this is the ultimate guide to Pisac Peru and all the best things to see and do here. Pisac is located in the Sacred Valley of Peru and is home to Inca ruins, bustling markets, an inviting main square, and picture-perfect cobblestone streets.
Pisac is an easy day trip from Cusco, but it is worth spending a few days here to see all that Pisac offers to visitors.
This ultimate guide to Pisac Peru includes: how to get to Pisac from Cusco, what to do in Pisac, where to sleep, and some of the best Pisac restaurants.
As you can see, Pisac village is a highlight when visiting the Sacred Valley in Peru!
Did you spend time in Pisac Peru? Did you visit the Pisac ruins and the daily Pisac market? Is there a place you visited in Pisac that you loved and I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!
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