What started out as a little venture to Pisac, Peru in the Sacred Valley, turned into a random and unexpected adventure. One of the many on my South America journey and one of reasons I love travelling solo.
I knew that Pisac, Peru was well known for its Inca ruins (Inca Pisac) and market but I didn’t know there was a hiking trail between the Pisac Inca ruins and town. And, that my day trip from Cusco to Pisac would turn out to be one of the highlights of my trip.
Encountering another solo traveller we embarked on an adventure together which became the highlight of my visit to Pisac Peru.
1. Getting To Pisac Peru From Cusco
I decided to take the local bus from Cusco to Pisac Peru.
I hopped a taxi from my hotel in Cusco to the local bus station. The taxi driver had his hard-sell pitch on repeat. I gracefully declined his offer to drive me to Pisac Peru with some sightseeing along the way.
At the bus depot the sounds of “Pisac!” “Pisac!” “Pisac!” meant there was no confusion as to which bus to board to get me from Cusco to Pisac.
The bus station in Cusco appears, in this errant traveller’s opinion, to consist of buses randomly lined up on the side of the road. The buses range in all sizes and colours. One thing they all have in common? They are old.
I found a window seat in the nearly empty bus. As the “ticket man” made his way down the van aisle, I fished my cash out to pay. A mere 3 Peruvian soles (S/3) ($1 Cdn) to get all the way to Pisac Peru.
There were not too many people on the bus as we steadily climbed our way up, up and up out of Cusco. From Cusco to Pisac Peru, the bus passed Inca ruins, picked up ladies at the side of the road burdened with their large bundles of goods to sell and before too long (about 45 minutes) we were descending into the Pisac Valley and the town of Pisac.
The Peruvian ladies all beckoned to me to get off the bus and so I descended with them, not 100% sure where to go. I crossed the bridge towards what looked like the centre of Pisac.
Ways to Get From Cusco to Pisac:
- take a taxi to the Cusco bus station (buses parked on the road) and find the bus to Pisac
- take a colectivo from calle Puputi in Cusco
- take a taxi, this will be much more expensive
- take an organized tour
2.Getting From Pisac Peru To The Pisac Inca Ruins
The streets of Pisac were rather deserted. I found two cabs minus their drivers. I waited, knowing I was not going to walk the 3 km UP to see the Pisac Inca ruins.
A cab driver finally appeared and, price list in hand launched straight into the cost to get to the ruins. S/30 ($12 Cdn). One Direction. I am still learning to drive a hard bargain but refused his offer as my two Mexican friends had only paid S/20 ($8 Cdn) the previous week.
Silence ensued.
Shrugs of shoulders.
After what seemed like a long time, the driver motioned to a young man standing on the street corner a block away.
Good thing I understood the Spanish word “compartir” (to share). I jumped at the chance to share a cab.
Crossing the street I was struck by how serious and a little tough the young man appeared. He negotiated even further and we hopped into the back of the car. No working seat belts, of course.
Sebastian was a Swiss student who had been studying in Santiago, Chile and was quite adept at bargaining.
Sebastian and I chatted as the taxi climbed up towards the Pisac Peru ruins taking in the spectacular views of the agricultural terraces.
The cab driver was insistent on waiting for me but, not one for schedules, I refused.
Ways To Get From Pisac To the Pisac Peru Ruins
- hike both ways – this is a very steep hike with glorious views
- hike up to the ruins, taxi back
- taxi to the Pisac Inca ruins, hike back down
Note: As mentioned above, the taxi rates vary and are expensive. It’s better to share a taxi ride. Decide on the price before you get in the cab.
3. Pisac Peru Ruins | A Fine Archaeological Site
The Pisac Inca ruins are perched along a mountain ridge with commanding views of the valleys below. With this strategic location, it is thought that the Inca settlement possibly guarded the south entrance to the Sacred Valley.
The archaeological site, Inca Pisac, is spread over a large area and includes a military zone, a living sector for the inhabitants, a ceremonial centre (including a sun temple) and an agricultural area. Pisac Peru is also known to have one of the largest Inca cemeteries. Look behind the settlement to the mountains and search for the holes in the mountainside. That is where the bodies were buried.
The Pisac Peru Ruins sit at 9751 ft (2972 m) above sea level. Be prepared to be out of breath as you climb your way up to the citadel.
Don’t miss a fabulous day trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain. Everything you need to know is right here.
At the top, I ran into Sebastian who had been looking, with no success, for the path back down to Pisac. Quite frankly, I was out of breath, tired and ready to call it a day. BUT, always up for an adventure, I told Sebastian that I would look with him.
4. The Highlight of Pisac Peru | Hiking Back to Town
What ensued was a 90-minute hike with striking views of the Pisac Inca ruins and the Andes. If I had had any doubts upon starting the hike, the views and the energetic company of Sebastian inspired me to continue.
We followed unmarked trails that snaked around little visited Inca ruins with one splendid view
after another.
We descended steep stone stairways and a tunnel through the rock mountain.
We found more agricultural terraces
and barely saw another tourist.
What a unique adventure and an absolute highlight of visiting the Pisac Peru ruins.
This is what I LOVE about solo travel.
I shared a cab with a random person.
I hiked behind the main Pisac Inca ruins with a 20-something-year-old Swiss student (“Hello, Sebastian!”).
I probably would not have hiked all the way to Pisac solo.
Heading to Lake Titicaca? Consider a homestay on Isla Amantani. Find out how.
5. Pisac Peru Market – Mercado de Artesania
The market in Pisac is a well-known tourist destination in the Sacred Valley. On Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays, official market days, the market bustles with both tourists and locals. Food, clothing and beautiful Peruvian goods are found in abundance. It was quiet midweek when I was there.
6. Taking a Collectivo From Pisac Peru to Cusco
Cross back over the bridge to catch your ride back from Pisac to Cusco.
I thought I was taking a bus but it was a collectivo…
Collectivos are shared rides. As I was looking for the bus to return to Cusco, I heard a man yelling “Cus-co! Cus-co!” I figured I had found the bus.
I paid the man S/4 ($1.60 Cdn). He opened the van door. It was FULL of Peruvians, mostly men. I crawled all the way to the very back corner, as I caught the eye of the only other woman aboard. Truthfully, I had a moment of panic and claustrophobia! I had already had one nerve-wracking collectivo experience. I really wanted this one to be better, so took a deep breath.
I looked out at the breathtaking views as we climbed out of the Pisac Valley and marvelled at the roads in the Andes that are all cliff hangers.
Before I knew it I was back at the “bus station” in Cusco with a grin on my face.
Bus + Shared Cab + Sebastian + Unexpected Hike + Collectivo +
Awesome Inca Ruins in Pisac, Peru = Solo Travel Day Supreme
More Travel Info
Loving these Sacred Valley villages? Here’s everything you need to know about a visit to Ollantaytambo: Ollantaytambo Peru| A Traveller’s Guide
How much does it cost to visit the Pisac Inca ruins?
In order to enter the Pisac Peru ruins, you will need the Boleto Touristico de Cusco (BTC).
The Full BTC costs S/130 ($52.40 Cdn), is good for 10 days and covers most of the major sights.
The Partial BTC S/70 ($28.25 Cdn) is good for 2 days and covers different sights. Make sure you purchase the Sacred Valley Circuit III as this is the one that covers Pisac. It also includes entrance to Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray.
You can purchase the BTC at the entrance to any of the sights.
Can I climb the path from Pisac to the ruins?
Find the path at the back of the market. You can climb up (definitely an intermediate hike) to the ruins. There are many paths that crisscross the main path. Keep the ruins in sight and keep climbing. It is a very steep climb. Bring plenty of water.
Hike one way and take a taxi the other way.
Is there a guidebook I recommend? Yes! Right here.
Heading to Cusco? Book your room now.
But where do I recommend? This one.
What else have I written about Peru? Check out this post.
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This is a great guide to hiking in Pisac, the views look amazing! I’d be nervous climbing those steps though! The market looks so cool, I would have gone broke shopping there.
Luckily the things to buy in Peru are a reasonable price. There is a lot to choose from! The stairs were a little tricky but I only hiked down them!
Anywhere when there is ruins or monuments in a mountain landscape and I am there. Peru has been on my list for a very long time and I really want to hit the Inca so desperatly. Love the photos as well, shame it was cloudy but I hope that didnt damper the experience.
Ancient civilisations really intrigue me. The views on the walk to the Pisac Ruins are amazing aren’t they
Ancient civilisations really spark the imagination. It is incredible that the Incas has such a sophisticated civilization.
Whoa! These photos are amazing – what a neat experience for you and your friend! I also love the colorful and vibrant market. You’ve inspired me to move Peru up my bucket list.
I’m glad you liked the photos. Peru doesn’t disappoint. It is an amazing country!
I am sorry but I had a hard time reading the post since the first three letters are hidden by your share buttons. Anyway, I love Peru and would love to go see all these mountain ruins like Machu Picchu. Admire the history and the diligence of the people
Oh dear. What device were you on? Yes, Peru is wonderful.
As I’m sure you know, these photos are truly stunning. I’m glad you had such a fun adventure as a solo traveler! It’s even better to meet a kindred spirit like Sebastian especially by chance, like with the shared taxi! Glad you had an interesting and safe hike and got to see these really amazing views!
Thanks Kevin, It was a wonderful day and the hike with Sebastian was amazing!
I have read so much about Peru in the last 2 months that Peru specifically Inca Trail has become my bucket list destination. You have added incredible pictures of Incl Trail. I am bookmarking this post for future.
Reading about your 90 minute hike could actually feel the thrill of being a solo hiker breathing in the mountain air, treading barely trodden paths. Have always been fascinated with the Inca ruins, and the Pisca ruins are definitely lesser known, lesser visited and hence more interesting of the ruins. After reading your post, indeed Machu Picchu seems passe! Would love to experience this hike.
Well, there is an incredible thrill of being at Machu Picchu so I can’t agree that it is passé! But, the ruins and hike at Pisac are not to be missed!
I love how you give a detailed information here this is helpful to us especially to first timer visitors. I gladly keep this information for visiting Peru hopefully soon.
It is really a great experience and not one that many people do – or at least not that day that I hiked! Peru is amazing!
What an amazing adventure you had visiting the Inca ruins at Pisac and then hiking back down with fellow traveller, Sebastien! I have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu but now I will have to add a visit to Pisac to my bucket list! Your photos are stunning!! Thank you for sharing all the travel info and tips!!
Yes, you will definitely have to add the ruins of Pisac and the hike to your list! There are so many marvellous places to see in the Sacred Valley. Keep your eyes open for future Peru posts!