Pisac
4.5
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68 within 3 miles
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13 within 6 miles
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- Bean-BugglesPlumsteadville, Pennsylvania684 contributionsLarger than MachupicchuPisac is a fabulous site to explore. The small town at the base of the site is beautiful. We parked our car near a gas station and were approached by a friendly local to help us find a taxi to take us up the mountain to the higher entrance to the site. At the entrance we were approached by a guide, Phillipe, who was able to provide the full tour we were looking for to explore the site and help us hike down the mountain back to town, approximately 2.5 - 3 hrs. The site was amazing with beautiful views of the valley below and incredible red stoned masonry. Phillipe showed us the hand-dug caves in the hills where mummies are found. We could zoom in on them with our camera. Phillipe shared lots of cultural information of his ancestors and pre-incan cultures along with what life is like today in his village. He played flutes for us and showed us local flora such as a tiny Andean potato growing wild. Pisac is an enormous site with ruins covering a vast space that are not easily accessible for those with mobility issues. The hike down into the town through various ruins and communication posts was a nice way to truly see the full site and take in the vastness of the area. You can do this hike without a guide, but the trail has some very sketchy areas with no guard rails (or broken/aged hand rails) that are not ideal for young children. We watched one gentleman lean against an old post and it broke under his weight. Luckily he did not fall as it was a loooong way down. If you have a fear of heights, this trail down into the town will not be for you.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 10, 2024
- dctrentster257 contributionsGreat ruins to exploreExtraordinary ruins. Unlike Machu Picchu the crowds were relatively small. You could walk around without feeling like you were on top of someone or that you were being herded by guards. The setting is impressive, and the ruins are well maintained. Love being able to explore.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2024
- George Nick Efrom1 contributionThe Sacred Valley of the Incas is a place full of history and beautyEach archaeological site has its own magic, but Pisac stood out for its impressive agricultural terraces and colorful market. TERRA QUECHUA PERU organized the tour perfectly, with very knowledgeable guides who made the experience educational and fun. They gave us enough time to explore each place and answer all our questions. The ruins of Pisac are located on a hill, which offers incredible panoramic views of the valley. Strolling through the Pisac market was a wonderful experience; the market is full of local handicrafts. I bought some beautiful souvenirs at reasonable prices, highly recommended!Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Sylvie L
Toronto, Canada38 contributions
Aug 2019
Go very early in the morning before all the tour busses get there!
We booked a private tour with a guide and our own driver & car.
The terrace system is very explicit. If you are planning on going to Ollantaytambo I would do a quick stop, since you will terraces there too.
We booked a private tour with a guide and our own driver & car.
The terrace system is very explicit. If you are planning on going to Ollantaytambo I would do a quick stop, since you will terraces there too.
Written April 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sushar
San Jose, CA855 contributions
Nov 2019
The Pisac ruins depict the life of the Incas. it is worth a visit but beware of the high altitude. Get acclimated to the altitude before visiting the ruins. You can walk around and climb to the top for nice views.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bean-Buggles
Plumsteadville, PA684 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Pisac is a fabulous site to explore. The small town at the base of the site is beautiful. We parked our car near a gas station and were approached by a friendly local to help us find a taxi to take us up the mountain to the higher entrance to the site. At the entrance we were approached by a guide, Phillipe, who was able to provide the full tour we were looking for to explore the site and help us hike down the mountain back to town, approximately 2.5 - 3 hrs. The site was amazing with beautiful views of the valley below and incredible red stoned masonry. Phillipe showed us the hand-dug caves in the hills where mummies are found. We could zoom in on them with our camera. Phillipe shared lots of cultural information of his ancestors and pre-incan cultures along with what life is like today in his village. He played flutes for us and showed us local flora such as a tiny Andean potato growing wild. Pisac is an enormous site with ruins covering a vast space that are not easily accessible for those with mobility issues. The hike down into the town through various ruins and communication posts was a nice way to truly see the full site and take in the vastness of the area. You can do this hike without a guide, but the trail has some very sketchy areas with no guard rails (or broken/aged hand rails) that are not ideal for young children. We watched one gentleman lean against an old post and it broke under his weight. Luckily he did not fall as it was a loooong way down. If you have a fear of heights, this trail down into the town will not be for you.
Written April 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wing_anda_Prayer1210
Fort Myers, FL540 contributions
Nov 2021
There were lots of stalls and some very nice Inca-themed public artwork in a garden resting spot. If you want a souvenir, then this is the place to come. There were tee shirts, clothing, jewelry, trinkets. The vendors were friendly without being pushy.0
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GyFlo
Budapest, Hungary305 contributions
Nov 2022
this was our first real tour in the Holy Valley.
The small town of Pisac in the valley between the mountains is very beautiful (at about 2950 meters).
The Inca ruins at an altitude of 3,500 meters are breathtaking. We arrived from Cuzco by bus to the entrance (Parque Arqueológico Pisac). From there we continued on foot, and I must tell you in advance that such a hike at this altitude can be tiring due to the thinner air.
We stopped at the base of (Pisac Q'allaqasa (citadel)) and continued from there. In practice, stairs lead up to the level of the building. From there, we went uphill took the right way at the fork. In the end, we only went as far as the second viewpoint, because we wouldn't have had time to go any further.
You should proceed with deliberate, slow steps. And if necessary, stop and rest for a few moments. We are in no rush.
you should also have fluids, coca leaf hiking shoes and comfortable hiking clothes.
The small town of Pisac in the valley between the mountains is very beautiful (at about 2950 meters).
The Inca ruins at an altitude of 3,500 meters are breathtaking. We arrived from Cuzco by bus to the entrance (Parque Arqueológico Pisac). From there we continued on foot, and I must tell you in advance that such a hike at this altitude can be tiring due to the thinner air.
We stopped at the base of (Pisac Q'allaqasa (citadel)) and continued from there. In practice, stairs lead up to the level of the building. From there, we went uphill took the right way at the fork. In the end, we only went as far as the second viewpoint, because we wouldn't have had time to go any further.
You should proceed with deliberate, slow steps. And if necessary, stop and rest for a few moments. We are in no rush.
you should also have fluids, coca leaf hiking shoes and comfortable hiking clothes.
Written December 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Komator
Barcelona, Spain902 contributions
Sep 2022
When we think about Cusco we all think about the City and the Machu Picchu. But nearby lies the Valle Sagrado. Pisac is one of the cities around, with its archeological center. It's an impressive place, with awesome views. If you're in a tour, you won't have time to enjoy freely the site, but in any case, it's totally worth.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
everlewis2012
Montrose, CO40 contributions
Oct 2022
Yes, you should see Machu Picchu, but you might like Pisac better - if you do it right. We had a taxi driver drive us up to the entrance to the ruins at the top and drop us off. Then, we hired a guide to show us around the upper area. The scale of the ruins and the views are stunning. It was worth it to get some background from the guide.
Then, we followed the trail to hike back down to Pisac. As you hike down you will pass through both Inca and pre Inca ruins with an amazing opportunity to explore them and appreciate the difference between the construction from these two periods.
Since most people get off a bus at the top, look around, and then get back on the bus, there will not be as many people in the ruins on the way down. And, at least as of 2022, you are free to roam around as much as you want. While the ruins should be respected, you are not restricted like you are at Machu Picchu.
Take your time, take it in. It's downhill all the way, so with sensible shoes, most should be able to handle it. At the bottom, you will come right down into the central square in Pisac.
Then, we followed the trail to hike back down to Pisac. As you hike down you will pass through both Inca and pre Inca ruins with an amazing opportunity to explore them and appreciate the difference between the construction from these two periods.
Since most people get off a bus at the top, look around, and then get back on the bus, there will not be as many people in the ruins on the way down. And, at least as of 2022, you are free to roam around as much as you want. While the ruins should be respected, you are not restricted like you are at Machu Picchu.
Take your time, take it in. It's downhill all the way, so with sensible shoes, most should be able to handle it. At the bottom, you will come right down into the central square in Pisac.
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth
Yountville, CA2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
I wish we had more time here. The site is utterly amazing. The views from the top of the mountain are stunning. The terraces, the building - everything were gorgeous. As we were there later in the day, the lighting conditions made for a photographer's dream. I booked the tour "Perolniyoc Waterfall Trek + Sacred Valley" with Huaynas Expeditions. So glad we came!
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kathinpa
Philadelphia, PA182 contributions
Sep 2019
We stopped to see the Pisac ruins on our first day in Peru on a transport tour from the Cusco airport to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. The ruins and the picturesque setting are certain to impress. I'd rate this 4 to 4.5, a little less than the ruins at Ollantaytambo. Machu Picchu blows them all away, of course. But these other two are also must-see visits.
As with many of the ruins, there's a lot of climbing involved with seeing all of what's available here. Take your time and see it all, if you can. The ruins are interesting, and the views of the valley are stunning. We spent about an hour & a half to walk up the path and back, taking our time for breaths and photos.
Side note: One of the best pieces of advice I took was to go directly from Cusco airport to stay a few days in the Sacred Valley at lower altitude to help acclimatize. Also great advice: to take a transport tour along the way, which was a more efficient use of our time there. Pisac is one of the lower altitude sights (and better rated), so we chose this tour for our first day, saving Moray, Maras, & Chinchero for our return trip to Cusco.
As with many of the ruins, there's a lot of climbing involved with seeing all of what's available here. Take your time and see it all, if you can. The ruins are interesting, and the views of the valley are stunning. We spent about an hour & a half to walk up the path and back, taking our time for breaths and photos.
Side note: One of the best pieces of advice I took was to go directly from Cusco airport to stay a few days in the Sacred Valley at lower altitude to help acclimatize. Also great advice: to take a transport tour along the way, which was a more efficient use of our time there. Pisac is one of the lower altitude sights (and better rated), so we chose this tour for our first day, saving Moray, Maras, & Chinchero for our return trip to Cusco.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rafal W
Skoki, Poland1,456 contributions
Feb 2020
I wish this review could be longer and elaborate. Unfortunately, it won't be like that. Pisac supposed to be the last site in the Sacred Valley I'd had to visit of that day, but due to the heavy rains, that caused land slides and rock falls, the access to the site was closed down. I was able to see Inca agricultural terraces. And only from afar. This has a lot of to do with geological structure of central Andes Mountains. Mixture of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks creates unstable ground, prone to the phenomena I'd mentioned above. Obviously, I wasn't happy, but safety first. At least, from time to time. Maybe next time I'll have a chance to visit old Inca city.
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrianPacNW
Seattle, Washington
Thank you for the info on the Pisac ruins; sounds like a definite for my trip next summer. Never having been to Cusco (or Peru), can you suggest where best to go in Cusco (and what time) to catch a colectivo to Pisac to be able to visit the ruins in the early part of the day and hike back down to Pisac by mid-afternoon? Also, do you buy an entry ticket upon arrival at the ruins, or before? Thank you, BRIAN
Written November 6, 2019
we bought trip package from the hotel, the reception desk would be more than happy to help you to find a local travel agency with your trip. Pisac was our first stop, I saw people hiking, but had no idea what their plans and schedules. I would like to go myself, but more homework needs to be done before the trip. I also talked to a solo hiker who told me it's not safe to hike solo in Peru.
Written March 29, 2020
Hi - where would you hire a guide to tour the Inca ruins in Pisac? Can you easily find a guide that speaks English when you get to Pisac? Thanks!
Written May 24, 2019
Hello,
Pisac is not a complicated site, so it depends on your experience level with Inca settlements and your interest beyond a walking tour which is well mapped out and described in the available materials. Guides are available at the tickets booth before the entrance and at the entrance, getting an English speaking one however is not a certainty. We recommend bringing a hat for the hot sunny days and a lunch for an unforgettable immersive experience with an incredible view and atmosphere.
Enjoy!
Written May 24, 2019
Alguen sabe o aconseja como llegar a Pisac desde Ollantaytambo??
Gracias
Written March 25, 2019
Hay transporte en colectivos regularmente, preguntar en la plaza principal de Ollanta.
Written March 26, 2019
Do you think this hike is doable for a pretty fit 68 year old?
Written January 13, 2019
I'm 66 and not in good shape. Secret is slow and go and take water and breaks. I did many hikes thru high elevation ruins and lived thru Lago Titicaca homestay. Altitude was hard, but you can do it!! Its a once in a lifetime trip!!
Do it!!
Written January 14, 2019
Hola! Alguien me puede decir si se puede subir con algun bus? Desde la ciudad de písac? Y si cobran entrada en el centro arqueologico?? o donde puedo comprarlo?
Desde ya muchas gracias!
Written January 10, 2019
Hay taxis que te pueden llevar ya estando en Pisac. Yo no compré el boleto turístico y ahí conseguí la entrada pero te sale mucho más caro y solo es para ese sitio arqueológico.
Desde Cuzco a Pisac tomé una 'combi' que me costó 4soles por persona. El taxi te saldrá más caro (80) pero te espera de regreso (ya estando en pisac).
También en Pisac hay 'tours' que te suben si quieres economizar y te juntas con algun otro turista. No vayas tarde por que a las 4pm básicamente ya no hay nada aunque cierran a las 5pm, recuerdo
Written January 10, 2019
Bonjour!
On y passe une journée complète?
Meilleure façon de s'y rendre de Cusco?
Merci!
Written March 29, 2018
You should arrive to Cusco by plane !!! by bus is longer (20 or 22 hours from Lima !!!) by plane is only 1 hour 10m
Written March 19, 2019
hola en que fuiste combi o bus?
sabes los horarios? gracias
Written April 24, 2017
Hola yo tome una furgoneta o van desde cusco hacia Pisaq en la calle Puputi (aprox. 5 soles y 40 min), al llegar al pueblo caminamos 5 min hacia el mercado artesanal, por el lado del mercado hay una entrada a la ruinas de Pisaq, si tienes un estado físico regular y te gusta caminar puedes hacerlo por ese lado (también hay otra entrada en la que contratas transporte y es menos agotadora). tengo entendido que el horario es de 7 am a 18 pm. yo comencé la subida a pie aprox. a las 12.30 y salí a las 18 y pico. Te recomiendo tomarte un día para visitar Pisaq y tener el boleto turístico (entero o medio) a las ruinas ya que sin el no podrás entrar. saludos y buen viaje.
Written April 26, 2017
pagel4
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
I am heading for Pisac in June. I wear braces and still want to see what I can. What can you see from the top after taking a taxi? Is it possible to walk any of it for someone like me?
Brion Pagel
Written March 2, 2017
I have the same question as Lenke_13: what can of brace you wear ? A cab or private taxi or private tour can bring you to the ruins of Pisac. . The views you have - if you can walk - are amazing. in the beginning you have a "light" sloop upwards but this changes into a step-by-step approach .
IT's worth doing it but there is much better. It also depends on your type of brace.
Regards
Robert
Written March 3, 2017
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