E X C U R S I O N S

Explore the Pisac Area

Our Guest Houses are a base camp for many wonderful excursions in the greater Pisac area.

Pisac Archaeological Site

The archaeological complex of Pisac is considered one of the jewels in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and stands out for the good state of conservation of its temples and finely carved stone enclosures, and for its system of terraces, platforms, aqueducts, and canalized water channels. The ruins are located at 3,300 meters above sea level and are erected on the hills of the city of Pisac, offering incredible views of it, the Vilcanota River, and, of course, a large part of the Sacred Valley. The Boleto Turistico must be purchased to visit the site; two versions of the ticket allow visitors to combine Pisac with other sites over 2 days or 10 days. 

To visit the Pisac ruins, either hire a taxi (20 minute ride) or hike from town. For those who choose to hike, it is a 5.3-km loop trail that begins above the plaza in Pisac. This hike is generally considered a moderately challenging route. Plan for at least 3 hours. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is steep and many hikers choose to taxi to the top, explore the ruins, and hike down. You’ll need to purchase the Boleto Turistico in order to visit the archaeological site. This can be purchased at the entry to the ruins.

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Kinsa Kocha Lake Hiking Trails

​There are excellent hiking trails from Kinsa Cocha Laguna in the community of Paru Paru, above Pisac. The landscapes are spectacular. Trails begin in front of Kinsa Cocha Lake. Hikers can choose to hike around the lake (about 2. 5 hours) or take the upper path and continue to Azul Cocha Lake above and back down (around 3 hours). This hiking area is uncrowded, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. It costs 3 soles per person to hike in the area, paid to the villagers whose land it is. To get there, hire a taxi from Pisac and ask them to take you to Laguna Kinsa Cocha.

Community-Based Tourism in Amaru

Our Quechua friends Lucia and Walter offer an authentic, hands-on, off the beaten path, cultural experience in their Andean highland community of Amaru just above Pisac. Here you can learn about traditional textile production from the field to the weaving, agricultural practices, eat typical Andean dishes from local ingredients, and hike around the stunning mountains and lakes of the area. You may choose a day visit or a multi-day homestay. For more information, visit https://qantustika.wixsite.com/qantus-tika. Our property manager can also help you organize a day trip or overnight visit to Amaru.

Birding Paradise

Peru has the second-highest number of bird species of any nation in the world. Because Peru's varied topography from dry coastal desert to high altitude mountain ranges and dense lowland jungle offers an extraordinary level of biodiversity. Peru is a true paradise for bird watchers, with abundant opportunities to be had in every region. 

In the Sacred Valley of Peru it is possible to observe hundreds of bird species, hummingbirds being some of the most striking. From our Pisac Mountain Vista Gardens, you'll see many species of hummingbirds, including the giant hummingbird, as well as flower piercers, tanagers, parakeets, grosbeaks, and more. Download our local bird list here.​

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S

Markets

Restaurants & Cafés

Pisac Mercado de Artesanías
Pisac has one of the best artisan markets in the entire Sacred Valley. Located above the plaza, this market is home to artisan and craft vendors from the area. Here you’ll find high quality hand made textiles that you can buy directly from the artists as well as sweaters, jewelry, ceramics, instruments, T-shirts, and a variety of gift items. 

Pisac Sunday Farmers Market
Each Sunday, farmers and produce vendors gather on the perimeter of the main plaza in Pisac. This market has a variety of local produce from the valley and the Amazon basin. Prices are good and the atmosphere is fun.

Mercado Municipal
The Pisac municipal market is open daily and is a good place to purchase fresh produce (fruit and vegetables, root crops), poultry, meats, fish, spices, olives, chocolate, coffee, etc. There are also food stalls serving fresh juice, breakfasts and lunch. Located 3 blocks east of the Pisac plaza.

Sofi’s Market
Sofi’s Market on Calle Bolognesi is a general grocery store with a good selection of fresh and packaged food items. Sofi’s is also a good place to change dollars. 

Other Grocery stores and markets
There are several other grocery stores in Pisac across the street from the municipal market. Here you can find local products, organic produce, and specialty food items.

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The following is a list of our favorite cafés and restaurants in Pisac:

La Valentina serves fusion Peruvian cuisine including salads, sandwiches, sushis, bowls and main courses. Located next to the Jardín Botánico on the corner of  Calle Arequipa and Calle Grau.

Jardín El Encanto is a café-style restaurant serving juices, coffees, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Located on Calle San Francisco, next to the Jardin Botánico, just down the street from the main plaza.

Cuchara de Palo serves fine-dining Peruvian cuisine. Located in the Pisac Inn.

Sapos Pizzeria and Lounge serves great pizza and salads. Located on Calle Espinar corner with Calle Arequipa.

Antica Osteria serves homemade pastas, pizzas and handmade desserts. Located across the street from the municipal market.

Cervecería del Valle Sagrado Tap Room offers microbrew beers, kombucha, artisanal liquors and a menu of sandwiches, focaccias, and salads. They are located on Calle San Francisco just down the street from the main plaza going toward the municipal market.

Bon Apetit Café Paris offers croissants and french pastries, coffees, and juices. Located on Av. Federico Zamalloa across the street from the municipal market.

​Migas del Valle offers sourdough bread and baked goods. Located on Av. Federico Zamalloa.