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Town in Cusco, Peru
Photo: Pitxiquin, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Písac (or Pisaq in Quechua-spelling) is a small traditional town at eastern end of the Sacred Valley about 35 km from Cusco. While Pisac is best known for its Sunday market this is really secondary to the magnificent Inca ruins overlooking the town from high on a mountain ridge, both the extent of which and the spectacular vertiginous views it offers of the Sacred Valley many visitors arrive unprepared for. Compared with Machu Picchu visitors can wander anywhere they like and once clear of the tour bus visitors who cluster at the top entrance to the site find very few other people around.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This church on the main plaza was built on Inca foundations and was rebuilt after an earthquake on 1950. The Instituto Nacional de Cultura, in a characteristically controversial move, demolished the church in order to reconstruct it in its original colonial style. The church has a collection of interesting colonial era paintings. Masses, are worth visiting, especially on Sunday, a Quechua-language mass which is held at 11:00. Traditionally dressed locals descend from the hills to attend, including men in traditional highland dress blowing conches (horns) to summon worshipers and ‘’varayocs’’ (local authorities) with silver staffs of office.
Also known as the Felipe Marin Moreno Botanic Garden, this old enclosed colonial garden was created in 1917 by Felipe Marín Moreno, a Peruvian botanist and explorer who used the garden to experiment. His collection was built up over the years through correspondence with various institutions and botanists around the world from whom he received samples and seeds. While not a large garden it does provide an insight into native and non-native Peruvian plants and trees. It boasts a collection of 200 varieties of Peruvian potatoes and a selection of butterflies, beetles and other insects.
This museum has exhibits on the production of ceramics and the traditional textiles produced by local Quechua communities. A room is dedicated to Inca Pisac covering its development from the archaic period (7000 to 800 years before Christ) to the period of imperial expansion of the Inca state (1400 to 1535). The museum includes a graphical presentation of the various areas of the imperial city, as well as various ceramic objects and remains (including Inca mummies).
Located on the road to the south, that leads to the Ñustayoc hill is a rock formation which according is legend is Inquill carrying bags on her back.
With the exception of the honey it serves fresh vegan juices, salads, burgers, Andean stew, raw cakes, etc.
A popular restaurant on the main plaza, this is also very touristy and overpriced. The food is very good, however, and the colourful decor featuring work by the well-known mural artist Isabel Decencierre is pleasant. There is an ATM inside.
This stylish rustic place specializes in Andean fusion fare. Vegetarian friendly with vegan and gluten free options. Popular during lunch time.
There are not many night time places, but this the reputation of being the liveliest. They have a bar offering cocktails, beer and wine and they play decent up-beat Peruvian and salsa music. Sapos means ‘toad’ in English, hence the toads painted on the walls and toad ornaments throughout the place. The menu is simple with a focus on thin base pizzas and organic salads. The pizzas are cooked in their toad-shaped wood-fired oven. Check their Facebook page for events.
The relaxing decor of this restaurant features large glass windows overlooking the Jardín Botanico. The menu is somewhat limited and relatively expensive by local standards.
This long-established place has both a relaxing rooftop terrace and inner courtyard. It offers great vegetarian options, good value, filling meals, local experiences such as Chicha Morada, and delicious desserts such as Kahlua cheesecake. Set menu S/30 is reasonable and has good choices. Serves breakfast. You can also inquire about local lodging here.
A beautiful hostel by the river. Includes common kitchen and dining area, garden and mediation room
This family run hostel has clean simple rooms and a nice courtyard to relax in. Situated two minutes walk from the main square, yet just enough out of the way to be quiet.
This family-run guesthouse is a short walk from the town. It has a wonderful view, huge garden, common kitchen, dining area, common area, and very nice hosts.
By bus
Buses drop-off and pick up passengers in Pisac on Avenida Amazonas near the bridge and also near its junction with Calle Espinar. Buses tend to be old and noisy and are usually crammed with people.
By colectivo
Colectivos (also known as Combis) are generally safer, quicker and more comfortable. There is no schedule, as they leave when full. The colectivos operate from around 5am until about 7pm.
By taxi
An advantage of a taxi is that you can stop to take photos and admire the lookouts. If you pick up a taxi on the street, make sure it’s a licensed taxi.
By tour
There are plenty of travel companies in Cusco offering a trip to both the archaeological park and market at Pisac, but because the town is so close, the itinerary usually combines other sights in the…
Even in the less touristy parts of town, such as the main drag down by the river, you will generally find taxi drivers trolling for fares.
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Cusco · International · CUZ
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