James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on March 2, 2021 by James Bustamante
In and Around the Urubamba valley we find several remnants of the Inca empire. Among these, are the popular Pisac ruins. These ruins are actually located in a town called Pisac and can be seen when taking a full-day Sacred Valley tour.
This is usually a good day tour before heading out for the hike to Machu Picchu since it allows you to acclimate at a comfortable elevation. Let’s go over some of the details related to the Pisac ruins.
The Location of the Pisac Ruins
The town of Pisac is located around 1 hour from the city of Cusco, in terms of distance, it should be around 34 km (21 miles).
The precise location of the Pisac ruins is to the eastern part of the Sacred Valley, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Peru thanks to its picturesque landscapes.
The ruins can be found at the Inca archaeological complex that is situated right on the side of the mountain, behind the town of Pisac.
The Elevation of the Pisac Ruins
The Pisac ruins are at a higher elevation than the rest of the Sacred Valley. We can find them at over 3,300 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level, the town of Pisac is at a slightly lower elevation at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level.
The Weather at the Pisac Ruins
Since the town of Pisac and the Pisac ruins are located in Urubamba the weather will be similar to the rest of the valley.
We can basically find temperatures fluctuating between 2 degrees centigrade to 21 degrees centigrade (23-70 degrees Fahrenheit).
During the rainy season that stretches from late November to March, there will be some showers whereas the dry season that extends from April to October will have very sunny days.
Go to The Pisac Ruins
As with the rest of the Sacred Valley areas, the Pisac ruins are around 1 hour away from the city of Cusco, which is about 34 kilometers or 21 miles. There are buses that go from the bus station in Cusco to the different destinations in Urubamba.
What To See in Pisac
There is more than just one thing to see in the village of Pisac, the ruins are a major attraction but not the only thing worth seeing.
The town of Pisac for exactly is a joy on its own, at the beginning it seems like any other Andean town but as you walk through its ancient stress you begin to notice the local architecture, the colonial church, and of course the amazing landscapes that engulf all of it.
The Pisac market is probably more of a tourist destination than the actual Pisac ruins themselves. For centuries the Pisac market has been a focal point to the Andean tribes that lived here.
Just as many years ago, several artisans, Alpaca herders, weavers, sculptures, farmers, and many more got together to sell their local products.
The Pisac market is a place where you can find items like baby Alpaca products or highland silver and gold products. Today, tourists head to this Andean market hoping to haggle down each seller and get a good deal.
If you are planning on heading to Pisa and the Pisac market we recommend going on a Sunday when the largest group of Merchants comes together.
What Will I see At The Pisac Ruins?
The Pisac ruins can be described as similar to other Incan ruin sites however there are a few key points that make Pisac unique.
We begin with the terraces in Pisac, the Inca would build terraces in many key places in order to promote their agricultural dexterity, it took quite a lot of food to keep a large and continuously growing empire satisfied.
There are ceremonial baths and a very old Inca cemetery, it is actually the oldest in all of South America. In addition to this, there are also several hand-carved temples made out of granite, like the temple of the sun, water wells, and ceremonial altars as well.
Pisac is home to several archaeological sites for travelers to visit during their trip. Among these stand out the 40 Acchapata platforms.
The Pucaras, for example, are a group of 20 towers that stem out from the mountain, in addition, you can visit the Intihuatana neighborhood where you will find more palaces and temples as well as an Inca Sundial also known as “Intihuatana”.
The Barrio of Tianayuc is a well-known stone sculpture that resembles a sofa made for two people to sit in comfortably, well as comfortable as a stone sofa can be. It is built complete with a backrest and elbow rests.
Tips for Visiting The Pisac Ruins
It is always better to come on a group tour or at least a private hike. You can of course take this day trip on your own but you will undoubtedly have to hiker transportation, pay for an entrance ticket and have a guide with you anyway.
Make sure you bring a water bottle along with you. There are stores in the town of Pisac of course but it is also a good idea to bring at least one bottle.
It can get quite hot during the daytime, and since it can be very sunny in the highland it is very easy to become dehydrated.
You should wear comfortable shoes for this type of day hike. We will see many travelers come to the Sacred Valley wearing heavy hiking boots or quite the opposite and wear flip-flops because it’s hot.
We recommend a hiking shoe or a comfortable, durable sneaker. It is important to protect your ankles when hiking through the Urubamba valley.
Having a rain poncho with you is important if you are traveling anytime from November to March because it is the rainy season.
In the Peruvian highlands, the weather can fluctuate from hot to cold, sunny to rain, showers to thunderstorms quite quickly so being prepared is imperative.
We recommend you bring a hand along to protect yourself from the sun. In addition, sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses will be important as well as chapstick or lip balm.
There is a good reason why the Inca worshipped the sun in these areas in particular. If the sun is out, even if it is a cool day, you will get burned to some point. It is just how the climate is in the highlands so it is best to be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Pisac Ruins
Where are the Pisac ruins?
The Pisac ruins are located 24 miles from Cusco in the Urubamba Valley of the Peruvian highlands.
Is the Pisac market still going on?
Yes, the Pisac market takes place on Sundas in the village of Pisac. You can find local merchants bringing their products to sell.
Can I haggle prices with the sellers at the Pisac market?
Yes, haggling with the merchants at the Pisac market is part of the fun actually. Remember not to go too low or else they might get offended.
How high are the Pisac ruins?
The Pisac ruins are at over 11,000 feet (3,300 meters) above sea level.
