PISAQ

The Imperial City and its beautiful Sacred Valley are two of the highlights to enjoy within
the many destinations in Peru. In general, the Valley and Cusco are usually mandatory
stops for those who want to visit the amazing Wonder of the World. But the Valley has
many attractions of great historical and anthropological value. And among those few
ruins, Pisaq is one of the most iconic and representative of the Sacred Valley of the
Incas. It is usually one of the most important attractions within the tours and tours that
take part in the Valley.

Pisaq is one of the towns that make up the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The small town of
Pisaq is well known for hosting the Inca ruins of the same name. These ruins attract
thousands of tourists who enjoy the well-known tours of the Sacred Valley. These ruins
are well known for their platform system and carved stone enclosures.

WHERE IS PISAC?

Pisaq is located at the eastern end of the Valley, just an hour's drive from Cusco city.
The archaeological complex is located on the road, along the side of the mountain, just
behind the main town which is called Pisaq as well. To be specific it is located about 34
kilometers from Cusco and there are numerous ways to get there. It is reached by the
road that leads to the beautiful ruins of Sacsayhuaman, another of the best places to
visit in Cusco. Like Cusco and the different towns in the valley, the Pisaq ruins are
located at 3,400 (11154ft) meters above sea level, while the town is only 2,974 (9757ft)
meters above sea level. The town is relatively lower than Cusco, so it is also an excellent
destination to acclimatize to the altitude.

The ruins stand at what was a very strategic point for the Incas. They not only guard the
Urubamba River below but also a pass that leads towards the jungle to the northeast.
The sheer size and location of the site also suggest that Pisaq was an important defense
against any potential invasion of Cusco, which was the capital of the entire Inca empire.

THE AGRICULTURAL TERRACES

The sweeping terraces are stunning to look at from afar and are a distinct feature of
Inca agriculture that you’ll find all over the Andean countryside. The Incas would grow
their crops along the terraces to sustain their mountain-perched city.

The Inca terracing systems were used mainly for the cultivation of maize, considered a
prestige crop, and at sacred sites grown for the preparation of the chicha used in ritual
libations. Maize has a long growing season, which in the highlands must be shortened as
much as possible by irrigation, to protect the crop from frost. Other Inca staples
--potatoes and quinoa--were grown successfully without irrigation and at higher
elevations.

SECTORS OF PISAQ

Almost all the original names of the different sectors in Pisaq are lost; the names that
are known today were established by tradition, historians, and archaeologists.
Therefore, in many cases the names do not represent their real nature or duty; the
reason for this is that there is no precise information, or old documents serving as
authentic testimony for interpretation. But, the "Pisaq" name is genuine because it is
consigned in some chronicles.

QANCHISRAQAY (QANCHIS=SEVEN, RAQAY=INCLOSURE)

This sector is also known as "Qanturaqay", the name being related to our national
flower, "Qantu". It is constituted by many buildings with "pirka" type walls, that is,
made with non-carved mud bonded stones that originally had a clay stucco. Over here
there are some "kanchas" (apartments) for non-noble people that must have cultivated
the lower terracing; around here there are also some remains of aqueducts and
fountains supplying water for people dwelling in the area. From this spot, there is a
panoramic view of the terracing that seen from the valley's bottom look narrow but
staying up here one discovers that they are broad. Its location on the edge of a precipice
is also exceptional for watching over and controlling the movement of people or
travelers.

Q’ALLAQ’ASA (Q’ALLA=CUT, Q’ASA=PASS)

Also named as Hanan Pisaq (upper Pisaq); it contains many "pirka" type buildings among
apartments, storehouses, towers and so many stairways on the edge of the precipices.

K’ALLAQ’ASA (PARROT PASS)

Perhaps named for the daily migrations of parrots from the jungle, across the ranges to
the northeast; they cross these passes at dawn, returning at dusk. This was the most
heavily fortified sector of Pisaq since its access was the easiest. The remains of great
encircling walls can be seen.

PRE-HISPANIC CEMENTERY

Today the cemetery is known as "Tanqanamarka" (Tanqay=to push, marka=spot; it may

be translated as "hurling spot") and according to some estimates it must have contained
about 10,000 tombs that were mostly looted. In the Incan belief, it was stated that once
persons died they began a newer life; therefore, their mummies were kept along with
all their goods and necessary food. When the conquerors arrived they soon knew that
inside the Incan tombs they could also find jewels of precious stones and metals, thus
they began with their diabolical profanation and pillaging of ancient Peruvians' tombs.
That is why this cemetery in Pisaq contains mostly looted tombs, some mummies are
still inside the graves but not their jewels and daily life elements.

PRE-HISPANIC CEMENTERY

The clips are now pockmarked with hundreds of holes where daring grave robbers
plundered the tombs. Every grave has been looted, and yet the site has never been
excavated for scholarly purposes. Perhaps mountaineering skill and nerve are more
common among thieves than archaeologists.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RUINS OF PISAC

The astonishing ruins are located high above the valley floor and the modern colonial
town of Pisaq. The Inca archaeological site is considered one of the best-preserved in
Peru, for this reason, its recognition and popularity. The entire site is spread out over a
vast and large green area, so exploring the complex may take time. Within the site, you
can find a residential settlement, ceremonial baths, and the largest Inca cemetery
known in South America.

You can also explore the finely carved pink granite temple complex further down the
mountain, with different water channels, wells, a temple of the Sun, and much more.
The entire archaeological site is surrounded by numerous agricultural terraces that
harmoniously blend in with the landscape. Some historians suggest that the word Pisaq
derives from the word “Pisaqa” which means partridge. They even suggest that the
numerous agricultural terraces represent the wings of the partridge. On a Sacred Valley
tour from Cusco, you will be able to explore this magnificent archaeological complex.

But, when was Pisaq built? The consensus states that it was built by the Inca emperor
Pachacuti, not before 1440. Many scholars have concluded that Pachacuti built it as a
multifunctional residence. It works as a castle, observatory, and religious place. The site
offers a real refuge isolated from the capital. People believe that here is where the
Panaca (family and offspring of the Inca) relaxed and had religious ceremonies.

The exact date of construction is unknown, but the ruins are believed to be either a gift
to Inca nobility or a defense against the invasion of Cusco. What is certain is that the
site served more than one function. With the military, religious, and agricultural
structures, the site served at least three purposes and was able to support a whole
community, even a small city, of Incas.
PISAQ MARKET

Pisaq is much more than an archaeological site, it is also its wonderful and picturesque
town as its iconic market. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Its beautiful
square and church are some of the busiest places. The town itself hosts a traditional
market which is one of the most famous in Cusco. It draws many visitors to the Sacred
Valley, especially on Sundays. This authentic and colorful market was an important
commercial place for centuries. You can find hand-painted ceramics, articles related to
the Inca culture, hand-woven products of alpaca fiber, jewelry, and other handicrafts, as
well as food, fruits, and vegetables. The Pisaq market is one of the best places to find
souvenirs to buy in Peru.

This sprawling Sunday market which spills out over half of Pisaq’s streets is a feast for
the senses and continues to see its fair share of families from the surrounding villages
making their weekly trip to Pisaq, which provides a wonderful opportunity for people-
watching and insight into local life.

If you are planning on stocking up on souvenirs or crafts, then this is the place where
you’ll have the most choice, the most pleasant market shopping experience (including
seeing a number of ladies weaving their own goods), and the opportunity to perhaps
pick up a bargain as well - prices are usually a little lower than in Cusco. If you can’t visit
on Sunday, then a scaled-down version of Pisaq Market does run throughout the week,
and Tuesday and Thursday are official market days (though less grand than Sundays).

A visit to Pisaq offers an opportunity to stroll the cobblestone streets of a quite

traditional town which, although affected by tourism, hasn’t been fundamentally
transformed by it. If you are on a short visit to the country, then grab this chance to
experience southern Peru away from its main cities!

The village is best known for its Sunday Market (now also held on Tuesday & Thursday),
which draws hundreds of tourists each week. In spite of its popularity, the market
retains some of its local character, at least in the part where villagers from miles around
gather to barter and sell their produce. The tourist section is a mixed bag of handcrafts
--the same things you see in Cusco, but sometimes at lower prices. Pisaq has a sizeable
cottage ceramic industry. Pots, mugs, ashtrays, and beds, etc., are quite cheap.

One of the attractive features of the Sunday market is the colorfulness of the local
people: different dress from different areas and all in Sunday best. After Mass--usually
at around 11 a.m.--the mayors from the local villages leave the church in procession,
dressed in their best ponchos mushroom-shaped hats, and carrying silver-embossed
staffs of office. Their attendants blow prolonged blasts on conch shells to clear a way
through the crowd.

PLACES IN THE PISAC RUINS TO VISIT

INTIHUATANA

Known as the most important ceremonial and religious site in Pisaq, it has buildings
made of sedimentary rocks. The translation of its name from Quechua means “Sundial”.
It is located at the top of the mountain and from that point the whole valley can be
appreciated.

The Intihuatana is considered as Pisaq’s Temple of the Sun, as it served as an

astronomical observatory during the Inca Empire. The fineness of its carved rock walls is
perfectly aligned with the rising of the sun during June Solstice (the onset of winter).

THE CITY OF THE TOWERS

It is believed that its developments served as water channels, which still exist today.
Their fine finishes are similar to the constructions of Sacsayhuaman. Furthermore, about
20 towers were erected on the edges of the mountain.

ENCHANTED PRINCESS (ÑUSTA ENCANTADA)

It is a rocky complex that can be seen from the Ñustáyoc hill to the south. It is called
ñusta (Inca princess) because it has the shape of a woman carrying saddlebags on her
back. A famous Andean legend tells that the cacique of Pisaq (village chief) Huayllapuma
had a daughter named Inquill Chumpi. She had to marry a prince who had the strength
to build a bridge in one night.

The possibility of building that seemed ridiculous for most villagers, being a very hard
task. Once upon a time, after turning down many potential suitors because of the
difficulty of this task, the Inca prince Asto Rimac appeared and asked for the princess’
hand. They fell in love, and he began to build the bridge. However, Inquill Chumpi had
to climb the hill without turning until her beloved finished the request; otherwise, they
both would turn into stone.

After hours of work, when the bridge was almost done, the worried daughter of the
cacique turned to see her fiancé. At this disobedience, they both were turned into stone
until this day.

Pisaq’s diverse and incredible Inca architecture that endures the lapsing of years
captivates travelers because of its ancestral history and culture.