Pisac

=** Pisac **=

**  Pisac is a small village in the Sacred Valley of Peru overlooking the Urubamba valley and beside the Vilcanota river, one hour from Cuzco. The village is a traditional Andean village of the Quechua-Inca culture, known for its Inca ruins and large markets that are held Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. **

**  The ruins of Pisac are located up on a hill, at a strategic location overlooking the valley below. The ruins consist of four parts: Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Callacasa, and Kinchiracay. The Callacasa sector is known as the “citadel” and is at the highest point, giving it a great view of the whole valley. The Intihuatana section includes the Temple of the Sun, baths, alters, water fountains and more, all of which had ceremonial value to the Inca. Some of the famous Inca agricultural terraces are also located at this site. These terraces are still used today and supply a surplus of crops. Other structures at the ruins include: houses, courtyards, steps, aqueducts, tunnels, and even burial sites, most of which remain empty today because of grave robbers who stole all the valuable items. At this site, the stonework is similar of that at Sacsayhuaman, where the large stones fit so widely together that not even a piece of paper could be wedged in between. The ruins of Pisac can be visited from town by hiking or taking a cab. They are well worth the trip! **

**  The other attraction of Pisac is the large artisan market that hosts hundreds of local vendors who sell their traditional style handicrafts. The largest market is held on Sundays but there are also markets held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some of the popular goods sold at the market include: local ceramics, hand-painted multicolored beads, knitted scarves, trinkets, jewellry, alpaca jumpers, and other clothing items. The crafts have been said to be cheaper at the Pisac market then in Cusco, but if that is true is unknown. A local tip was that if you like something, buy it; don’t waste time trying to find the best price. The key to making purchases in Peru, especially at the market in Pisac, is to bargain with the vendors for the price you would like to pay. It is all a part of the purchasing process in Peru, so learn how to do it! Many of the items at the market are most likely reproductions of traditional items, but you will find some traditional, hand-made items at this market. **

**  Pisac is a small town of twelve thousand people who have stayed true to their Quechua culture. It is the perfect town to visit to get a traditional Inca feel and some really cool souvenirs for cheap! **

** By: Hannah Jackson **