Pisac sits in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley. It’s more than just a stop on the map – and it’s one that’s often unfairly overlooked in favour of Machu Picchu. Pisac is a rich tapestry of natural beauty, culture, and history with a bustling artisan market that offers crafts and treasures that make the perfect souvenirs for your travels.
What makes Pisac special is the ancient ruins that stand above the town, taking you on a journey through Incan spirituality with its forgotten temples. A day trip to Pisac is the perfect addition to a Peru itinerary, especially if you’re planning on visiting Machu Picchu.
The Pisac ruins are a great way to build up to your visit to Machu Picchu as a Sacred Valley attraction that doesn’t have the same volume of tourists. You can do this day trip with your own car or without a tour guide.
What are the Pisac Ruins?
Although most people refer to them as the ‘Pisac ruins’, it is technically called the Pisac Archaeological Park. Some locals prefer tourists to use this name as ‘ruins’ suggests that this monument is no longer important or sacred.
The Pisac ruins deserve a spot on your Sacred Valley tour as they are one of Peru’s best examples of ingenious Inca culture and one of its most intact ancient sites. You’ll get some of the best views of the countryside and Sacred Valley from these ruins.
While the exact date of the building of these monuments isn’t known, they are believed to have been made to defend against the invasion of Cusco or as a gift to Inca nobility. The site has a mixture of agricultural, religious, and military structures, suggesting it was used by a whole community of people.
The Pisac National Archaeological Park was established in 1983 in recognition of the cultural importance of the ruins and to protect the remaining infrastructure. It’s divided into seven architectural areas, separated by natural terrain, offering different examples of ingenious Inca architecture.
How to Get to the Pisac Ruins from Cusco
Pisac is a great day trip if you’re staying in Cusco. The easiest way to get from Cusco to Pisac is by taking a colectivo, a shared van or bus, from Puputi Street or Tullumayo Avenue.
I recommend saving your legs and getting a taxi from Pisac to the top of the entrance, then hiking your way back into town. After your colectivo drops you off, you’ll find an area with taxi drivers waiting to take tourists to the top of the mountain. This journey is around 15 minutes and comes with an inflated price tag. It’s worth it to save time and energy, but ridesharing with other tourists can help to bring the cost down.
The trail is all downhill and will take several hours, giving you stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas on your way down. It’ll be a more enjoyable journey (and all downhill!).
Pisac is an affordable day trip from Cusco or as a stop on your journey to Machu Picchu or Ollantaytambo. As the area is less popular with tourists, it’s a great alternative to use as a base if you want to explore the Sacred Valley on a budget.
If you’re using Pisac as your base, you might decide to take the hike from the town to the ruins. You’ll want to be fit enough to deal with the continual steep at the 3,300m altitude before setting off. You can join the access point for the hike at Calle Manuel Prado and head upwards.
Although the hike is narrow, it’s very well signed-posted. You can expect it to take around 3 hours to hike to the top due to the incline. Don’t worry if you’re feeling tired! You’ll usually find taxi drivers at the back entrance to take you back down again.
Pisac Ruins Entry Fees and Tickets
If you’re based in Cusco, you can enter the Pisac ruins using your ‘boleto turistico’ (tourist ticket), which also gives you access to other sites in the area. Keep it handy as you’ll be asked to show it to one of the guards when you enter the site.
There are different boleto turistico tickets you can choose from, depending on your itinerary and the duration of your trip. The full ticket costs 130 soles and gives you access to 16 sites over 10 days.
By comparison, the cheaper partial ticket is only 70 soles but lasts for just two days. There are several partial ticket options to choose from, so make sure to double-check that the destinations on your itinerary are included as not all of them include the Pisac ruins.
Top Tips for Visiting the Pisac Ruins
There are a few things you want to keep in mind when planning a day trip to Pisac. Firstly, water and sunscreen will be your best friend. Pack plenty of both in your backpack. The hike is more exhausting than you might think, even if you’re just going downhill. Be aware of the heat and give yourself time to take regular breaks throughout your journey.
The Pisac ruins sit over 3,300 meters above sea level. It’s best to give yourself a few days to acclimatise to the altitude in Cusco before you set off to visit the Pisac ruins. Bring along some medication to deal with altitude sickness. Trust me, you’ll be happy to have it if the worst happens!
Although you can do the Pisac ruins as a self-guided trip, most tourists visit Pisac as part of a guided tour. These tours usually start in Cusco, with the first stop being the Pisac ruins. You’ll want to choose a tour that stops at the ruins early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as you can expect it to get busy from around 10 am.
Don’t forget to visit the Pisac market to pick up a souvenir or two. This daily artisanal market offers crafts and textiles at a slightly more affordable price than you’ll find in Cusco.
Are you planning a trip to Peru? Read my in-depth Cusco travel guide, packed with everything you need to know, from day trip ideas to must-visit destinations, all updated for 2024.
