There are some places that lodge themselves in your mind and simply won’t leave, and for me, that place is Pisac. Firmly at the top of my bucket list, this village in the heart of Peru’s legendary Sacred Valley is calling my name. It’s not just the promise of a stunning hike; it’s the entire picture. I can already imagine the feeling of being dwarfed by the sheer scale of the Andes, tracing ancient paths, and standing amidst Inca ruins that feel impossibly frozen in time. The idea is to connect with a landscape that breathes history. This isn’t just a walk; it’s the chance to explore a vibrant local culture, get lost in a thriving artisan market, and see history come alive against a backdrop of surreal green terraces. For anyone who, like me, craves both wild nature and deep history, Pisac feels like the ultimate destination. I can’t wait to see it for myself.
My day would kick off with an early start from Cusco (elevation: 3,399 m / 11,152 ft). The drive itself, a 45 to 60-minute journey, is part of the experience I’m craving—watching the epic Andean landscapes unfold from the window.
Upon arriving in the picturesque village of Pisac (elevation: 2,972 m / 9,751 ft), near its famous bridge, the plan is to take a slow walk through the town to the main square. This is where I’d pause, grab a strong coffee and a few snacks, and just soak in the atmosphere before starting the main event.
From the square, it’s all about the ascent. We’d head up towards the entrance gate of the Intihuatana Archaeological Park. This is where you need your Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket). The hike officially begins here, at an altitude of 3,125 meters (10,253 feet), and immediately starts to climb.
I’m prepared for the trail to be steep—it’s a set of ancient stone steps, after all—but I know the reward is the view. As I plan to gain altitude, I can just picture the valley and the village shrinking below, becoming more spectacular with every step. The trail cuts right through the incredible Inca agricultural terraces, a true masterpiece of engineering that I’m desperate to see up close.
The path then narrows, hugging the mountainside before revealing the first stone structures. I’d take my time exploring these ruins, admiring the powerful Inca walls and the charming little huts with their traditional thatched roofs.
The climb continues, leading through a small, carved rock tunnel at 3,490 meters. Then comes the ultimate moment: reaching the hike’s highest point at 3,525 meters (11,565 feet). I can only imagine the unparalleled, panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the village of Pisac, and the vastness of the terraces from up there. It’s the shot I’ve seen in pictures, and I can’t wait for that “I’m on top of the world” feeling.
After soaking it all in, it’s time for the descent along the same route. Back in the village, the adventure isn’t over. I’ll head straight for the famous Pisac market. It’s the perfect place to hunt for unique souvenirs—I’ve got my eye on some colorful textiles and handcrafted jewelry. I’ve heard Sundays are especially vibrant, and that’s exactly the kind of authentic, bustling atmosphere I hope to find. To finish, we’ll begin the journey back to Cusco, wrapping up a day that I’m sure will be packed with history, culture, and nature.
A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.
We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.
All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.
Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.
Yes, you absolutely need an entrance ticket. It’s called the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (Cusco Tourist Ticket). You have two main options: buy a partial ticket (Circuit III) for S/ 70, which is valid for 2 days and covers 4 sites in the Sacred Valley, or get the general ticket for S/ 130, which is valid for 10 days and covers 16 different sites. You can buy it right at the entrance to the ruins.
It’s considered moderately difficult. The main challenge is the altitude gain on steep stone steps, climbing from 3,125 m to 3,525 m (10,253 ft to 11,565 ft). The best advice is to make sure you’re properly acclimatized to the altitude in Cusco for a couple of days before you attempt it. Taking the ascent slowly and listening to your body is key.
Absolutely! If you’re more of an independent traveler, it’s quite easy to do it yourself. You can catch a bus or a colectivo (shared taxi) from Calle Puputi in Cusco for around S/ 5. Going on your own gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group’s schedule.
The market is open daily, but Sundays are when it truly comes alive. It’s the most famous day because many locals from the surrounding communities come down to sell their produce and crafts, creating an incredibly festive and traditional atmosphere. It’s the ultimate day for people-watching and shopping.
This is definitely a full-day excursion. The round-trip travel from Cusco takes about two hours. The hike, exploring the ruins at a comfortable pace, and a good visit to the market will likely take between 5 and 6 hours. It’s best not to rush it.
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
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