2025 Pisac Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

2024.08.25 Today is Sunday, we came to Pisac, mainly visiting the Pisac market, and the market on Sunday is the most popular and lively place! My friend and I couldn't buy anything here. We both agreed that it was a pity not to buy more here. When we went to Lima later, we felt that the market there was too boring. The Pisac Holiday Market was our favorite. In my mind, it is the best shopping mall. How to get there: Take a shared minibus from the Estacion de Buses Urubamba y Calca in Cusco. It takes about an hour to reach Pisac. The fare is 6 sol (approximately NT$50) per person. What a bargain! The bus opens as soon as it is full, so you can take a ride immediately whenever you go. It is super convenient and there are many locals who take the bus. Pisac Market is one of the most famous markets in the Cusco region, attracting a large number of tourists especially for its Sunday market. Residents of the local Quechua community come here with agricultural products to trade and stockpile supplies. The handicraft stalls here are even more dazzling, including knitted goods, jewelry, alpaca products, Andean musical instruments, etc. The handicraft market is open every day from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and it is very pleasant to browse. After we arrived around 9:30, our first stop was Horno San Francisco, a bakery hidden in the courtyard of Mariscal Castilla Street. The traditional meat-filled bread baked in a clay oven with a history of more than 200 years is very famous. Each one only costs 4 sol (approximately NT$34). We tried two flavors: cheese ham and cheese onion tomato. We agreed with our friends that the cheese onion tomato was the best, so we couldn’t help but buy another one to share. eat. Later, I saw meal bags that usually did not contain fillings and went to buy them again. The lady boss gave them to us directly! After eating, we started to visit the Mercado de artesanías. Through the introduction of the stone shop owner, we learned the profound meaning of the Inca Cross (Chakana). The design of this cross represents the composition of the entire universe, symbolizing the kingdom of God, the earthly and the underworld, with Cusco as the center point of the universe. These symbols are so closely connected to ancient Inca culture, it was such an eye-opener! And we both love crystals and stones, so we buy a lot of them here! And although participating in a day tour will bring you here, but if you are too busy on your day, you will only stay here for 30 minutes. After shopping for a long time, we decided to go back to Cusco city around 1pm. We passed Kula Cafe and Restaurant on the way and went in for a cup of coffee and dessert before setting off back to Cusco. After returning to Cusco, I took my friend to visit Hilo, a Peruvian clothing brand I had seen before. Sure enough, she bought a coat, but I held back and only bought a tote bag as a souvenir. Later, I finally came to Acueducto Colonial, which I had always wanted to visit. It was really beautiful! In the past, I always forgot to come after taking photos at Calle 7 Borreguitos, but today I finally have no regrets. I originally planned to have roast chicken fried rice at a restaurant near the hotel for dinner, but because it was Sunday, there was no rice in the restaurant! 😅Just when I was disappointed, I found a Chinese restaurant on the corner with fried rice on the menu, and I immediately decided to have dinner here. We ordered fried rice and wonton soup. The wonton soup really surprised us. There was no filling in the wontons, only thick wonton wrappers! But there was so much chicken added to the soup that we couldn't figure it out. A friend mentioned that her foreign friends also think that wontons are just the skin and that it’s normal without fillings? Fortunately, the fried rice was delicious, which slightly made up for the wonton soup. Today’s itinerary is really fulfilling and interesting, from the handicraft market in Pisac to the food adventure in the city, full of South American style! ✨ #PeruTravel #PISACMarket #IncaCulture #FoodAdventure #100 Ways to Travel

Nearly 5,000 meters above sea level! The air was thin, but the view was absolutely breathtaking…😮💨⛰️🌈 I joined a tour that started at 3 AM. The journey was long, but after much effort, I finally arrived at this colorful mountain 🥹✨ Honestly, it was incredibly tough! I was out of breath, my legs felt as heavy as lead, and there were moments when I almost wanted to give up 💔 But I kept encouraging myself, thinking, "I've come this far…!" and climbed step by step. The view that awaited me was truly magnificent, and I was filled with a sense of accomplishment 🫶 By noon, there were lots of tourists, and the place became lively, but the scenery remained one-of-a-kind 🌎✨ I was worried about altitude sickness, but preparing thoroughly in advance turned out to be the right decision!

I booked a day trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain. 💰Price per person: US $22 (round trip bus, hotel pick-up, breakfast, lunch, 1 walking stick) Remainbow mountain entrance fee 25 soles is separate Additional options - Additional fee if climbing by motorbike or horse - Red valley entrance fee 30 soles Decide whether to continue after climbing Rainbow Tours are safer and more reasonable than public transportation or going on your own. It took a little over 4 hours in total by bus from Cusco. The departure time was 4:30, so I chose a tour that would pick me up at the hotel. (Because the meeting place was far away) Schedule for the day 4:50 Pick up at hotel 6:50 Arrive at breakfast venue (buffet with a wide variety of items) 7:30 Depart from breakfast venue 9:50 Arrive at bus waiting area 10:00 Start climbing (additional fee for motorbikes and horses here) 11:30 Arrive at summit (photo shoot, very cold due to strong wind) 12:30 Start descending 1:00 Arrive at bus waiting area 3:00 Lunch (buffet) 5:00 Arrive at Cusco Compared to other tours I participated in This time I requested a tour from Machu Pichu Jungle, and compared to other tours from other companies, I felt that this was a reliable company. When I applied online, I received confirmation of the pick-up location, a copy of my passport, etc., and when I replied, I received the confirmed information in a PDF file. I received confirmation of the time and pickup location again via Whatsapp the day before and the morning of the day, so I was able to wait at the hotel with peace of mind and board the bus almost on time. The breakfast and lunch venues were smooth and we were able to sit down and eat without having to wait, and there was a wide variety to choose from. Also, although it may vary depending on the guide, our guide spoke simple English clearly and carefully, which made it very easy to follow. Many tours give 90% of the explanation in Spanish, and then finish the English explanation in about 10% of the time. Unfortunately, the cloudy sky at Rainbow Mountain made the photos dark, but when I think of the scenery created by nature, it was a spectacular sight and I was moved by the view I saw for the first time. The highest point is 5,036m above sea level, but the actual starting point is already about 4,600m, so it's not that much of a climb. We were physically strong and reached the top without any problems, but if you are not confident in your physical strength, you can pay an additional fee to ride a motorbike or horse to a place close to the last hill. Many people climbed on their own, so I think it will be fine if you acclimatize to the high altitude for a while in Cusco and then climb slowly. Also, I recommend the restaurants at breakfast and lunch for the toilets. You will need some coins at the bus waiting area and on the mountain. It depends on the weather, but I recommend bringing a knit hat, gloves, warm clothes (that you can put on and take off), sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, water, cash, altitude sickness medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc. in a small backpack. I saw some people wearing face covers to protect against the cold. The actual walking distance is not that long, and if you have a good breakfast, you don't feel the need for snacks, but it's a good idea to bring something light if necessary. Although I didn't check the prices, you can also buy light meals, hot food, snacks, drinks, and beer near the summit. There were also a few souvenirs lined up at the bus waiting area. It's a long course that takes a whole day, but everyone was tired and slept during the bus ride. #RainbowMountain

Honestly, it was really tough, but I'm glad I went!!! Because the altitude is over 5,200 meters, advance preparation is very important! ⛰️Location: Vinicunca Day trip from Cusco is OK! Departure is at 4am🥱🚐 🚐We recommend joining a tour! ・You can make a reservation the day before on-site (there are many in the city of Cusco) ・A one-day tour costs about 60-90 soles (about 2,500-3,500 yen) 🥶The altitude is a whopping 5,200m! ・Measures against altitude sickness are essential! It's best to plan your trip for the second half of your trip ・Walk at a slow pace! If you think it's impossible, ride a horse 🐴 (paid) 🧤Clothing & things to bring ・Cold in the morning → Strong sunshine in the afternoon → Might rain on the way back ☔ Clothes that can handle all weather conditions are recommended ・Recommended: Short sleeves + Thermal innerwear + Knit + Down + Rain jacket + Gloves + Hat ・Essential items: Gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, cash (Toilets are paid, and you will need them when riding a horse, so bring plenty of them ◎) ※Don't forget gloves, as you will get mild frostbite if you don't have them 🧤 🚶➡️Walking distance & time ・About 1.5 to 2 hours one way (depending on your physical condition and altitude) ⛰️Best season ・May to September (dry season) is recommended! There is less rain, so the chances of seeing colorful mountains are higher! #Traveling abroad strategy #Peru #Rainbow Mountain #Cusco

Exploring the Heart of the Sacred Valley My journey to Cusco was truly unforgettable — a blend of ancient culture, breathtaking views, and peaceful moments that touched my soul. Here are some highlights from my adventure through the Sacred Valley: 📍 Pisac Our first stop was the charming town of Pisac, known for its colorful artisan market and impressive Inca ruins. The view from the top of the archaeological site was nothing short of magical — terraces carved into the mountainside and the peaceful valley below. I wandered through the traditional market, where locals sold handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, and Andean crafts. It was the perfect place to pick up meaningful souvenirs and connect with the local culture. 🌿 Sacred Valley Driving through the Sacred Valley, I felt surrounded by history and natural beauty. The landscape here is unreal — towering green mountains, flowing rivers, and scattered Inca ruins that whisper stories of the past. We stopped at several scenic viewpoints and even had a chance to try fresh corn with cheese, a local favorite. The peaceful energy of this place makes it easy to understand why the Incas considered it sacred. 🏔️ Ollantaytambo Our final destination was Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns. Walking through its cobblestone streets felt like stepping back in time. The massive stone terraces that climb the hillside are a marvel of Incan engineering and offer stunning views of the surrounding valley. I climbed to the top and stood in awe — both of the view and the history beneath my feet. This was also the gateway to Machu Picchu, making it a meaningful and powerful way to end the day. ✨ Overall, Cusco and the Sacred Valley gave me memories I’ll never forget — a journey through time, culture, and nature that touched my heart in so many ways. #ollaytantambo #pisac #travel #peru #naturalwonders

Since I had a ticket to the Pisac ruins (included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket for 130 soles), I decided to skip the tour and use public transportation to get to Pisac. The collectivo boarding point is located at Puputi 28, Cusco. These vehicles are frequently used by locals rather than tourists, so they run quite often. One-way fare: 10 soles Travel time: Approximately 40 to 50 minutes, with arrival points either at the bridge at the town entrance or the Pisac bus stop. Since it's a collectivo, you can inform the driver in advance if you wish to get off along the way. For the return trip, simply head to the bus stop where you got off, and you'll hear someone shouting "Cusco! Cusco!", making it easy to find your ride back. One thing I noticed during both the outbound and return trips is that the road is winding, and the driving can be quite rough, which made me worry about getting motion sickness despite the short duration. I had heard that Pisac is a town frequented by tourists from Cusco, but when I visited on a Friday morning, I was surprised to find it very quiet, charming, and peaceful. It felt like a great place to relax and unwind. The ruins were also almost empty, allowing for a leisurely exploration. The ruins mainly consist of terraced fields, but there are also remnants of buildings. We climbed up from the town without using a taxi, but honestly, it was more challenging than climbing Rainbow Mountain. The steep stairs with high steps were quite demanding on the muscles. Negotiating prices with local taxis is another option. I've heard the typical fare ranges from 20 to 35 soles, but this depends on your bargaining skills. After exploring the ruins, we heard about wood-fired empanadas and decided to try them at Homo San Francisco. There were two types of warm empanadas left (5 soles each): onion cheese and ham cheese. They looked like small bread rolls, so I confirmed with the man if they were indeed empanadas before buying and eating them. However, the dough turned out to be more like bread. They were warm and tasty, but if you're expecting traditional empanadas, you might find them a bit surprising. After finishing the empanadas, we strolled around the town. It felt like a relatively safe place to enjoy a walk. The largest market is held on Sundays, which I missed, but there were still plenty of charming shops to browse, and I could watch demonstrations of handmade crafts at several spots. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Cusco and want a change of pace, this town is highly recommended.

Pisac is a small village near Cusco, Peru. This town, which spreads out as if embraced by the mountains, is famous for its Inca ruins and colorful market. Organic cafes and small ateliers are scattered here and there, making it the perfect place to relax. There are many immigrants from Europe, and it has a unique hippie atmosphere. 🚌Access: About 1 hour by bus or collectivo from Cusco (about 5 soles) 👀Sights: Pisac ruins, Sunday market, organic cafe tour 🌞Best season: Dry season (May to September) 🏔️Notes: The altitude is about 2,900m, so don't push yourself too hard on the first day to get your body used to it #Overseas travel strategy #Peru #Pisac #Hippie #Cafe tour

After living in the spiritual town of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of Peru for two months, although I cooked most of the time, I still often went to the town for a meal. As a picky Chinese, I rated these four must-eat restaurants. Good news for yogis: there are vegetarian options! 📍Sacred Sushi & Curry Sunday 🌟Cuisine: Asian vegetarian 🕒Opening hours: Every Sunday 11:00-19:00 (Yes, you read that right, this restaurant is only open one day a week!) 💰Average consumption is about RMB 80 💁🏻‍♀️The boss is American and has lived in Pisac for ten years. He also organizes Kirtan chanting every Wednesday, but the restaurant is only open one day a week. There are not many dishes, all vegetarian, all delicious and not disappointing, the portion is also very sufficient, the sushi is quite authentic. There is also vegetarian cheese (made of cashews), and their home is the only place in the town where I can buy tofu. 📍Kula Cafe and Restaurant 🌟Cuisine: Western/Asian mixed 🕒Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30-19:00, Sunday 10:30-16:00 💰Average consumption is about RMB 80 (card payment is available, no handling fee) 💁🏻‍♀️Only foreigners will come to the restaurant, it looks like a popular shop but it is actually quite comfortable, the environment is very suitable for office, digital nomads must come. The dishes are also good and basically not disappointing. There are many vegetarian options. I had my birthday here, and the clerk also gave a cake, which was delicious! I highly recommend the vegan cheesecake here. 📍SolSeed-School&Cafe,Pisac 🌟Cuisine: Western vegetarian 🕒Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 10:00-18:00 (open until 22:00 on Tuesday and Friday) 💰Average consumption is about RMB 60 💁🏻‍♀️Rather than a restaurant, Solseed is more like a gathering place for hippies/spiritual people in the town of Pisac. There are many different activities and courses (you can check the schedule on Ins). The coffee shop part is more like an activity package. The drinks are average, the meals are good, all vegetarian. 📍Intimo 🌟Cuisine: Creative Peruvian cuisine 🕒Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00-20:30 💰Average consumption is about RMB 100 💁🏻‍♀️In a corner of the town, it feels like there is only this shop on that street, and the taste is good. However, there are not many vegetarian options, it seems that there is only one vegetarian meal, and there are more choices if you eat fish. But their vegan ice cream (no eggs, milk, sugar) is still very good! It is also recommended to come for an ice cream without eating!

#Overseas travel My trip to Mount Piniconka, also known as Rainbow Mountain, was an amazing and unique experience. The scenery during the trip was captivating as I passed through green valleys and towering mountains. When I reached the top, I was amazed by the bright colors of the mountains between red, yellow and green, making it one of the most beautiful places in the world. The air was fresh and the atmosphere was vibrant. I spent time exploring and taking photos of the area while enjoying the tranquility surrounding the area. The trip was an unforgettable adventure combining the beauty of nature and the splendor of the local culture.

Pisac, a mecca for hippies, is about a 45-minute bus ride from Cusco. The nature is beautiful, and you can hike the Pisac ruins, look at the river, and the cobblestone streets are so cute, it's the ultimate relaxation. Perfect for busy people who are tired of the city, it's a great place to relax and relax. There are lots of natural stone accessories that Japanese people love, alpaca ponchos, and cute miscellaneous goods. There are lots of handmade goods made by locals, so you can enjoy shopping. In the mecca for hippies, there are lots of yoga and meditation workshops, and there is also a wide variety of vegan food, so you can heal yourself while living a healthy life. #solotravel #yoga #hippie #meditation #cusco #relaxation #vegan #healthy

Cusco, nestled high in the Andes of Peru, is a city rich in history and culture, serving as the gateway to the famed ruins of Machu Picchu. Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, offering a unique and immersive travel experience. What to Expect Visitors to Cusco can expect to be enchanted by its well-preserved colonial architecture, which is often built atop ancient Incan foundations. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, surrounded by impressive structures such as the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. The narrow cobblestone streets of the San Blas district are lined with artisan shops and cafes, providing a charming and vibrant atmosphere. Experiences and Recommendations Exploring the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, just outside Cusco, offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Incas, with its massive stone walls constructed with remarkable precision. The Qorikancha, or Temple of the Sun, showcases the Incas’ advanced engineering and the Spanish conquest’s impact, as a colonial church sits atop the original Incan temple. A visit to the bustling San Pedro Market provides an authentic taste of local life and cuisine, with an array of fresh produce, traditional foods, and handmade crafts. For those looking to delve deeper into Incan culture, a day trip to the Sacred Valley offers stunning landscapes and ancient sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo. #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

A spectacular Rainbow Mountain that can be visited on a day trip from Cusco! It was named Rainbow Mountain because it has the seven colors of a rainbow. It is over 5,000m high, but even beginners can see the beautiful rainbow-colored earth because the guide will support you. If you are not confident in your physical strength, you can also climb on horseback. It takes 1-2 hours from the bus. It was quite difficult. It is cold, so winter clothes are a must. We left Cusco early in the morning. It was a tour that provided breakfast and lunch. There are various tour companies in Cusco, and you can negotiate the price. #Peru #RainbowMountain

You can get there on a tour from Cusco. You can sign up for this tour for about 60 soles. This mountain is called Rainbow Mountain and is 5000m above sea level. It is essential to take measures against altitude sickness. The way to get there is very steep and requires a lot of physical strength, but the impression when you arrive is amazing. Also, if the weather is good, you can see the seven-colored mountain like this. Please go.