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Pisac

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Historical site
—°6
Pisac (Peru)

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Pisac is located at the entrance of the Sacred Valley and is renowned for its extensive Inca ruins that sprawl across a mountain ridge high above the modern village. The complex is divided into various sectors, including the religious area featuring an Intihuatana (sun tethering stone) and magnificent ceremonial buildings. A striking feature is the massive agricultural terraces that curve perfectly around the mountainside, still maintaining the slope's stability today. Pisac also houses the largest known Inca cemetery in South America, with thousands of tombs carved into the steep cliffs overlooking the valley. The architecture showcases typical imperial Inca precision, with stones fitted together without the use of mortar. Beyond the historical site, modern-day Pisac is famous for its bustling Sunday market selling traditional crafts. Its strategic position allowed the Incas to control the entrance to the Sacred Valley and protect the surrounding fertile agricultural lands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C998888789999
Rain mm129127964494118186372137

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Inca ruins of Pisac above the Sacred Valley are open to visitors, but an entry fee is required. The extensive agricultural terraces and ceremonial structures can be explored on foot.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, and the terraces provide excellent subjects. Special permits are required for drone flights.
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Time needed
Allow about two to three hours for a thorough walk across the terraces and through the ruins. If you also want to visit the nearby market, plan for half a day.
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Combine with
The ruins of Pisac combine excellently with a visit to the traditional market in the village of Pisac. Other Inca sites in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo and Moray are also easily reachable.
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Getting there
From Cusco, shared taxis (colectivos) run regularly to Pisac, taking about one hour. From the village, a steep footpath leads up to the ruins.
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Insider tip
Visit the ruins on Sunday when the famous colorful market takes place in Pisac village. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the altitude and sun can be tiring.

Geography

Coordinates
-13.41600, -71.85000

Facts

  • Largest known Inca cemetery in South America
  • Religious sector features an Intihuatana stone
  • Massive terraces designed for slope stability
  • Strategic control point for the Sacred Valley
  • Buildings constructed from finely worked quartzite
  • Dual-purpose site for defense and agriculture

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pisac RuinsPisac Ruins<1 km · NExplore →
TipónTipón6 km · NWExplore →
Puka PukaraPuka Pukara13 km · SExplore →
CuscoCusco14 km · SExplore →
SacsayhuamánSacsayhuamán15 km · SExplore →
PikillaqtaPikillaqta16 km · NWExplore →
UrubambaUrubamba30 km · SExplore →
Constancia MineConstancia Mine36 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pisac (6)

Mirador de los dos valles🌿 nature

A scenic viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas over two converging Andean valleys near Pisac.

Ichhunayuq🌿 nature

An Andean mountain peak rising above the Sacred Valley near Pisac.

Centro Pastoral “San Vicente de Paul”📍 landmark

A Christian pastoral center dedicated to St. Vincent de Paul near Pisac.

Antiguo templo del Señor de la Bara de Lamay⛪ religious

An old historic church in Lamay dedicated to the Señor de la Bara.

Santuario de la Cruz de Lamay⛪ religious

A hillside sanctuary chapel housing the revered cross of Lamay.

Ccaccato Thermal Baths🎡 recreation

Geothermally heated public baths offering relaxation near Pisac.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How much time should you plan for Pisac?
At least half a day for the ruins and the market.
When is the market best?
Sundays are when the market is largest and most colorful.
Are the ruins suitable for children?
Yes, they are exciting but require sure-footedness.
Do you need a guide?
A guide explains the history of the Inca terraces better.
What is the best season?
The dry season from May to September.
Pisac: where is it located?
Pisac is located in Peru.
Pisac: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mirador de los dos valles, Ichhunayuq, Centro Pastoral “San Vicente de Paul”.
Pisac: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Pisac: why is it worth visiting?
Pisac is located at the entrance of the Sacred Valley and is renowned for its extensive Inca ruins that sprawl across a mountain ridge high above the modern village.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Cusco — Pisac (Peru)
Cusco
Former capital of the Inca Empire.

History & landmarks

Pisac Ruins — Pisac (Peru)
Pisac Ruins
An extensive Inca site in the Sacred Valley, known for its huge agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers.
Tambomachay — Pisac (Peru)
Tambomachay
An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.
Q&#39;enqo — Pisac (Peru)
Q'enqo
One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.
Coricancha — Pisac (Peru)
Coricancha
The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.
Cristo Blanco — Pisac (Peru)
Cristo Blanco
A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.
Cusco Cathedral — Pisac (Peru)
Cusco Cathedral
The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.
Sacsayhuamán — Pisac (Peru)
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Moray — Pisac (Peru)
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.

Nature

Urubamba River — Pisac (Peru)
Urubamba River
The Urubamba River forms the Sacred Valley of the Incas and flows past the historical site of Machu Picchu.

More places

Potato Park of Pisac — Pisac (Peru)
Potato Park of Pisac
An agricultural zone managed by indigenous communities that protects over a thousand native potato varieties.
Tipón — Pisac (Peru)
Tipón
An impressive Inca complex known for its advanced agricultural water system.
Puka Pukara — Pisac (Peru)
Puka Pukara
An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.
Qorikancha — Pisac (Peru)
Qorikancha
The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti, on which the Spanish built a monastery.
Pikillaqta — Pisac (Peru)
Pikillaqta
One of the few well-preserved pre-Inca ruin cities of the Wari culture near Cusco.
Constancia Mine — Pisac (Peru)
Constancia Mine
An open-pit copper and molybdenum mine located in the Chumbivilcas province of Cusco.
Raqchi — Pisac (Peru)
Raqchi
An Inca archaeological site that houses the massive temple of the creator god Wiracocha.
Megantoni Sanctuary — Pisac (Peru)
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.