Pisac Archaeological Complex

The magical town of Pisac, among its main attractions, guards an impressive Inca archaeological complex that blends perfectly with the surrounding nature. At the top of a mountain, its structures will aim to leave you amazed along with panoramic views of the entire Sacred Valley. Discover everything about this place to enrich your travel experience.

Contents

• What will I find in Pisac?
• What is the Pisac archaeological complex like?
• Where is Pisac located?
• What to do in Pisac?
• Tours to the Pisac archaeological complex
  • Classic Sacred Valley Tour (1 day)
  • VIP Sacred Valley Tour (1 day)
  • Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu Tour (2 days)
• Tips for your visit to Pisac
• Frequently Asked Questions

What will I find in Pisac?

Pisac is one of the towns that make up the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From the first impression of your visit, you will find a place full of traditions that will allow you to immerse yourself in its culture. Its main reason for visits is usually the Inca archaeological complex, which, from the top of a mountain, tells the story of its foundations and constructions that preserve enigmatic tales.

In the middle of streets that still preserve some of the Inca-era foundations, we can explore its traditional market, which is among the most popular due to the wide variety of souvenirs and garments available—each rich in tradition. We will also see a colonial temple in the main square that adds a colorful view.

The cobbled streets are another attraction, through which you can explore the town on foot. Being a small town, each corner holds a memorable spot waiting to be discovered.

What is the Pisac archaeological complex like?

Throughout the Sacred Valley, we will find impressive Inca citadels that aim to give us a unique view of their history—one of them is the Pisac archaeological complex, located at the top of the town on the mountains. Its visiting hours are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and to enter, you must have either the Cusco Integral Tourist Ticket or the partial ticket for Circuit 3.

Located at an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level, over a span of 4 kilometers, you will find watchtowers or “pucaras,” architectural elements used as water channels and forts during the Inca period. You will also see its impressive agricultural terraces, primarily used for farming.

The Pisac archaeological complex also preserves the mythical Inti Huatana (Sun Clock), which is considered the Temple of the Sun. This ceremonial stone object served as an astronomical observatory from its location. In addition, up to five Inca-era neighborhoods can be visited, located in different geographic areas: QaschisRaqay, K’allaQ’asa, Intiwatana, Pisaq’a, and Tianayuc. From these spots, you can observe temples, palaces, courtyards, rooms, and altars.

Where is Pisac located?

Pisac is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas at an altitude of 2,950 meters above sea level, in the province of Calca, 32 kilometers from the city of Cusco. To reach it, you can take transportation that will bring you to the town of Pisac in approximately 45 minutes, plus about 10 additional minutes to reach the archaeological complex.

Its geography places it among mountains, which, thanks to their diverse flora, offer breathtaking landscapes. From the top of the archaeological complex, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful views in all of Cusco.

What to do in Pisac?

Visiting the town of Pisac offers a wide range of activities to complement your visit to the archaeological complex. Among the highlights is a visit to its traditional handicraft market, where you’ll find a great variety of souvenirs, including textiles, accessories, and even jewelry, since Pisac is also well known for its rich silverwork offerings.

Among other activities, we can also take hikes through the valleys or up to the archaeological center, enjoy adventure sports, and participate in cultural experiences. Over time, Pisac has become a place with many meditation and wellness centers that preserve Andean traditions. These places offer a space for healing or simply a break from routine—options that are very popular when visiting this town.

Tours to the Pisac Archaeological Complex

Visiting Pisac during your days in Cusco is one of the best destinations waiting for you. To explore it, there is a wide variety of tours available, all of which allow you to visit Pisac along with other destinations in the Sacred Valley.

• Classic Sacred Valley Tour (1 day)

  The classic Sacred Valley tour allows us to visit the Pisac archaeological complex, the Ollantaytambo fortress, and the Chinchero archaeological site, in a one-day journey through the main Inca citadels. It also includes a buffet lunch in the Valley’s capital, the town of Urubamba. The tour starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 6:00 PM.

• VIP Sacred Valley Tour (1 day)

  Another option is the VIP Sacred Valley tour, which adds a couple of destinations not included in the classic tour: the circular terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras. A buffet lunch in Urubamba is also included. The trip begins at 6:40 AM and ends at 6:00 PM.

• Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu Tour (2 days)

  If you want to expand your travel experience, we also offer the option to combine your Sacred Valley tour with the wonder of Machu Picchu in a two-day tour. On the first day, you’ll visit iconic places like the Pisac archaeological complex and the architectural fortress of Ollantaytambo. Afterward, we take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu the following day and return to Cusco in the afternoon.

Tips for Your Visit to Pisac

To enhance your travel experience in Pisac, here are some tips that might help you. Be sure to inform yourself beforehand about any trip through Cusco to make your visit unforgettable.

• The Sacred Valley is the best place to acclimate during your first days in Cusco, thanks to its average altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level and its mild climate.
• Take a break at the top of the Pisac archaeological complex—you’ll find a unique panoramic view.
• Complement your trip to Pisac with one of the cultural activities the town offers, so you can experience Andean tradition firsthand.
• Visiting Pisac during the dry season (April to October) offers clearer, more colorful weather, but also higher tourist traffic.
• During the rainy season (November to March), you’ll face a higher chance of rainfall, but you’ll be able to explore Pisac more easily while avoiding potential crowds.
• Stroll through the Pisac handicraft market—you’ll find unique pieces full of tradition that make great souvenirs.
• Take your time visiting the Pisac archaeological complex so you don’t miss any details, like the magical Inti Huatana.
• Pisac is open every day of the year from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• To visit Pisac without a tour, you’ll need the Cusco Integral Tourist Ticket or the ticket for Circuit 3, which also grants access to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, the Chinchero archaeological park, and the circular terraces of Moray.
• You can plan a custom Sacred Valley tour where you decide the itinerary. Talk to our advisors and discover all the available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What is the Pisac Archaeological Complex?

  It is one of the most impressive Inca constructions in the Sacred Valley, located at the top of a mountain. It stretches for approximately 4 kilometers and preserves ancient Inca neighborhoods, temples, agricultural terraces, and the famous Inti Huatana.

• 2. How do I get to the Pisac archaeological complex?

  The town of Pisac is located about 32 kilometers from Cusco and can be reached in approximately 45 minutes by car. From the town, you must ascend about 10 more minutes to reach the entrance to the archaeological complex.

• 3. What do I need to enter the Pisac archaeological site?

  To enter the complex, you need either the Cusco Integral Tourist Ticket or the Partial Ticket for Circuit 3.

• 4. What are the visiting hours for the Pisac archaeological complex?

  The visiting hours for the Pisac archaeological complex are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• 5. What is the altitude of the Pisac archaeological complex?

  The Pisac archaeological complex is located at 3,300 meters above sea level, so it’s recommended to be well-acclimated before visiting.

• 6. What is the best time to visit Pisac?

  The dry season, between April and October, offers more stable weather and clear skies, although it also brings more tourists. During the rainy season (November to March), there are fewer visitors, but precipitation is more likely.

• 7. What other activities can I do in Pisac besides the archaeological complex?

  You can explore the handicraft market, visit silver workshops, discover the colonial church, and take part in cultural or wellness activities such as meditation sessions.

• 8. Which tours include a visit to Pisac?

  The Classic Sacred Valley Tour includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. The VIP tour adds Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras. Both offer lunch in Urubamba and are full-day tours.

• 9. How much time is recommended to explore Pisac?

  A full visit can take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace and how deeply you want to explore each area of the complex.

• 10. What is the significance of the Inti Huatana within the complex?

  The Inti Huatana, also known as the “Sun Clock,” is a ceremonial stone structure used for astronomical purposes. The Incas used it to track time and solstices, and it held strong spiritual and symbolic value.