When planning a holiday there is so much to take into consideration. How to fit in all of the things you want to see in your vacation time can be a problem for you. However, when thinking about the Cusco area you must consider spending some time in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This area close to Cusco is one of the most natural and beautiful you will ever encounter. The valley is in the heart of the magnificent Andes Mountain range and was home to the great Inca Empire. The valley has some fine examples of Inca architecture and is close to the famous Machu Picchu. The great Urubamba River runs through most of the valley and provides water for the valley and for the many farmers that live and work in the area. One town you must not miss and is worth your time is Pisac. That’s why, together with Machu Travel Peru, we have made a little article on the ideal one-day itinerary Pisac.
IDEAL ONE DAY ITINERARY IN PISAC
- WHAT TO DO IN PISAC THE FIRST DAY?
- PISAC MARKET
- WHAT TO EAT IN PISAC
- SHOPPING IN PISAC
- OTHER ATTRACTIONS AROUND PISAC
WHAT TO DO IN PISAC THE FIRST DAY?
Pisac is the perfect place to spend the day, there is much to do and see. So you should consider spending a whole day before embarking on a trip to Machu Picchu. The first thing you should do on any day trip to Pisac is to visit the Pisac Archaeological site. These ruins are a favorite destination in the Sacred Valley. To explore the ruins and see everything you will need at least 3 hours. The site features temples, terraces, and burial grounds. The photo opportunities are endless with unparalleled views down the valley that can’t be described. If you are not interested in a tour you can take a taxi from the town of Pisac for a small fee and walk back down, this will take you more than an hour but the road and countryside are beautiful to observe. Do not forget that you will need your Cusco visitor’s ticket to enter the ruins.
PISAC MARKET
The next must-see is the Pisac Market. It’s open every day but the biggest day is Sunday; you will find everything that you would want to buy to remember your journey to Peru. The market is famous for having silver jewelry, colorful weavings, scarves, jumpers, and rugs. When in the market try the empanadas fresh from the local ovens, these delicious pastries come in meat, chicken, and vegetarian varieties and will delight the taste buds. Located in the main plaza of Pisac, the market will take a few hours to explore properly.
WHAT TO EAT IN PISAC
When the hunger strikes, it is better to start trying some of the many cafes that can be found in the streets of Pisac. A few to try are the Blue Llama, located on the corner of the main plaza, the décor of the restaurant features the journeys of the Blue Llama, that will both amuse and keep you occupied for at least an hour. Not only the adventures of the Llama feature at the Blue Llama but also the food is pretty good too. For some of the best desserts try going to the Ulrike Café. For brunch, go straight to Cuchara de Palo located in the main square. You are guaranteed not to go hungry on your day out in Pisac.
SHOPPING IN PISAC
There are many shops in the village of Pisac for you to explore apart from the market, some are family-run businesses and some even make their products. Tawa Apu Kuntur store in Pisac specializes in traditional Andean and Amazon herbal medicine. Follow their delicious scent of plants that are usually burning in the typical ‘Sahumerio’ or traditional ceramic dish.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS AROUND PISAC
For one of the lesser-known attractions of Pisac, go to Felipe Marin Botanical Gardens, located down one of Pisac´s cobbled streets inside a colonial house. Here, you will find an unexpected oasis in the middle of the town. Take some time to enjoy the flowers, plants, butterflies, and the ever-present hummingbirds. You might find yourself alone so enjoy the relaxation of this garden.
While you are in the Sacred Valley make sure you visit the Inca sites of Maras and Moray attraction. Here, you will find interesting Inca Terracing and the salt mines that are still in use today. Besides, while visiting the Cusco area you must travel through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Recently voted one of the Seven Wonders of the World the site is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Take the train through the Sacred Valley and arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes. In recent years, the Peruvian Government has introduced new rules to help preserve the site and limited the number of tourists every year. You will need to buy your tickets in advance and it is required that you enter the site with a licensed guide.
The city of Cusco is also worth spending time in, with many different sites to see. The city was considered the heart of the Inca Empire. The Spanish destroyed most of the temples but there are still some ruins to enjoy.
“ADVENTURE IS WORTHWHILE”
Take the time to enjoy and do the ideal one-day itinerary Pisac. We know that you will enjoy your time in Peru.
