Pisac (or Pisaq in Quechua-spelling) is a small town about 35km from Cusco. Pisac is most of all famous for its Sunday market, but also for some ruins dating from about the same time as Machu Picchu. Pisac lives at a very different pace to nearby Cusco. There is something very harmonious about the whole place, a harmony that evades explanation.

The hillside is lined with agricultural terraces constructed by the Inca and still in use today. One of its more notable features is a large tree which dominates the central plaza. The sanctuary of Huanca, home to a sacred shrine, is also near the village. Pilgrims travel to the shrine every September.

Around and closeby
Spread out on the mountains above the town are the Inca ruins of Pisac. There is a large agricultural section with terraces and several ruins. Allow for at least a couple of hours to visit. You can climb up there or take a taxi.

Sightseeing
Although very small, it is worth putting several hours to a whole Sunday aside for the Pisac market. People come down from the highlands with their products, including raw materials and fresh foods such as tomatoes, rice and potatoes. It is worth sitting down with the locals for a lunch eating just that, along with trout just pulled from the river.

On Sundays in the old temple there is a celebration in Quechua and it is attended by all the locals and the mayor of the community.

Getting there
From Cusco there are frequent buses leaving at Av. Tullumayo 207.