Are the Pisac Ruins Worth Visiting?
Is it Worth Visiting the Inca Ruins of Pisac?
While Machu Picchu attracts tourists worldwide, many visitors miss out on other remarkable Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Among these sites are the Inca Ruins of Pisac, which offer a fascinating look into ancient Inca culture and engineering. After visiting, I can confidently say that the Pisac Ruins are well worth exploring.
I visited the Inca Ruins of Pisac during a two-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This page highlights my experience specifically at Pisac. I have a separate page that covers a full overview of my Sacred Valley tour.
Is it Worth Visiting the Inca Ruins of Pisac? - Table of Contents
- Is it Worth Visiting the Inca Ruins of Pisac?
- How Much Does it Cost to Enter the Pisac Ruins?
- About the Inca Ruins of Pisac?
- Terrace Farming at Pisac
- Food Storage at Pisac
- The Best View at Pisac
- Pisac Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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How Much Does it Cost to the Pisac Ruins?
Before arriving at Pisac, we stopped to buy entrance tickets, though mine had already been arranged through my tour. The entry fee for the Pisac Ruins is S/. 70 ($18), which allows access to this stunning site filled with historical significance.
About the Inca Ruins of Pisac
Upon arriving, I wanted to know more about what makes the Pisac Ruins special. Our guide, Alberto, gathered us under an overhang to explain the significance of Pisac and the Incas who lived there.
Alberto began by sharing how the Incas buried their dead. They believed the body consisted of earthly and heavenly elements. In death, the Incas would mummify their loved ones in the fetal position, placing the mummies in burial holes in the mountains. These graves often contained precious gold and silver, which the Spanish looted, discarding bones in the river. Alberto mentioned that, on rare occasions, a zoom lens might reveal a bone or two in the cliffs—though I didn’t spot any myself.
Terrace Farming at Pisac
One of the highlights of Pisac is its terrace farming system. To make the steep Andean landscape farmable, the Incas constructed terraces using layers of stone, gravel, sand, and soil
These terraces are an impressive feat of engineering and demonstrate the Incas’ advanced farming techniques. As a Global Studies teacher, I found it fascinating to see terrace farming up close.
Food Storage at Pisac
As we climbed toward the main part of the ruins, Alberto pointed out food storage buildings on the site’s edge. Positioned to catch the Andean winds, these storage structures helped keep the Incas’ food supplies fresh and prevent spoilage. This insight into the Incas’ storage techniques was a unique aspect of Pisac that I hadn’t considered before.
The Best View at Pisac
One of the main attractions at Pisac is the panoramic view from the top of the ruins. From this viewpoint, you can see the terraces spread out below and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Sacred Valley. The climb to the Pisac viewpoint was challenging due to the high altitude—over 10,000 feet—but the views were absolutely worth it.
Alberto explained that this vantage point once served as an Inca lookout post to watch for enemies. Today, local rangers stationed here at night ensure that no one disturbs the ancient burial sites in search of gold or silver.
Tours of Pisac, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Below are some tours and packages for visiting the Sacred Valley, Pisac, and Machu Picchu. These options range from a two-week trek on the Inca Trail to a one-day visit to Machu Picchu. As an affiliate of Viator, I may receive a small commission if you book using the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Please note, that Viator works with multiple agencies, so there’s no guarantee you’ll be booked with a specific operator.
 Ultimate Machu Picchu: Trek the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu - $1,790.00 ULTIMATE MACHU PICCHU |
 4 day Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu - Cycling, Water Rafting, Zipline - $897.44 Explore and experience the best of the Inca Jungle on your way to Machu Picchu with this exclusive 4-day adventure trip that combines Trekking, Mountain Biking, Rafting and Zipline before reaching Machu Picchu, the highlight of the trip. This tour is considered by some as even better than the Inca Trail because of all the additional activities you will do along the way as you hike through beautiful landscapes and cross rivers. |
 2-Day Trip Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu by Train - $1000.00 Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu by train 2 days 1 night, is an perfect itinerary highly recommended, Avoid spending the whole day rushing around. This 2 day tour will let you climb Huayna Picchu Mountain and enjoy Machu Picchu. Begins and finishes at your hotel in Cuzco. |
 Day Tour To Machu Picchu From Cusco - $389.67 -We pick up from all the hotels in Cusco and Sacred Valley |
 Machu Picchu By Car (2 Days) - $185.08 We offer a unique and authentic experience. We a fully locally owned tour operating company with years of experience. We are determined to make our customer's experience a memorable one. |
 2 Days Direct Train to Machu Picchu via Ollantaytambo - $418.67 This 2 Days Direct Train to Machu Picchu allows you to get a direct connection to Aguas Calientes from Cusco. You will have a three hour relaxing train ride with a no rush departure option from Cusco. You may choose a late morning pickup, noon or early afternoon. Your final destination is Aguas Calientes where you will spend your first and only night before visiting Machu Picchu the following day. Be one of the first to visit the spectacular Machu Picchu citadel and take in the spectacular views. |
 2 Days - Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu (PRIVATE TOUR) - $450.00 The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the most popular route in Peru. Since it was a crucial area for the Inca empire and that functioned as an agricultural, spiritual and political center. During the tour we will appreciate beautiful landscapes and Inca and Pre-Inca archaeological sites, in the afternoon we will take the train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes. Note: if you are already in the city of Cusco it is recommended to make this tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas to contribute to its acclimatization since it is at a lower altitude. VISITS: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba Machu Picchu AVAILABILITY: Every day TOUR DURATION: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. FREQUENCY: All year |
 Machu Picchu By Train From Poroy (1 Day) - $400.00 For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century. |
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Viator is my favorite website for booking tours and packages. With over 300,000 unique tours to choose from, everyone should be able to find something on Viator that interests them. I like Viator because anytime I have an issue with a tour company, Viator has intervened and helped on my behalf. I highly recommend using Viator for booking your tours and vacation packages.
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