Písac
Písac (in Quechua: P'isaq) is an archaeological complex that is in the homonymous district of the province of Calca. The archaeological site is one of the most important and visited in the sacred Valley Of the Incas. It is located east of the Vilcabamba mountain range. As was customary in Inca architecture, cities were built on the basis of figurative strokes of animals.
Písac is divided into two zones, the old one, located in the upper part, is an Inca archaeological site, and the current one, located in the valley, which dates back to the colonial era. Its main square is an entertaining place full of color and with various handicrafts for sale. This town is known for its astronomical observatory.
Písac's architecture is also mestizo built on indigenous remains by Viceroy Toledo. Here you can attend a mass in Quechua in the midst of indigenous people and Varayocs or regional mayors. Likewise, it can be verified how the Inca agronomists solved the problem of planting on the slopes of the hills.
It is a tourist attraction for the Inca archaeological site that are part together with Ollantaytambo and Machu Pichu of the archaeological circuit of Cuzco, which make it the main source of income for the town, apart from subsistence agriculture.
Písac does not escape the famous Inca legends. Thus, The city presents a statue that has a very particular one: it is said that the chief Huayllapuma had a daughter, named Inquill, whom she had to marry the man who could build, in just one night, the bridge over the Willcamayu River, currently known as "Vilcanota" or "Urubamba" (a bridge of great importance for the defense of the place). Despite the hard task, Asto Rímac (a handsome prince) decided to accept the challenge, and ask for the princess's hand. The local authorities arranged everything for Asto Rímac to start the work, while the princess had to climb a hill without turning; otherwise she and her fiancé would turn to stone. Almost at dawn, the prince had finished with the work, but Inquill, unable to bear any more.
Písac was declared an Archaeological Park on 2002. It has an extension of 9,063 hectares.
Where is Písac located?
Písac is located at the eastern end of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The ruins of Písac is one of the best Inca archaeological complexes in Peru. They are located on the road along the side of the mountain, just behind the town.
How high is Písac?
The Písac ruins are located 3,300 meters above sea level (masl). The town is located at 2,974 masl.
What is the weather like in Písac?
The climate in Písac is temperate most of the year. In the town, the climate varies from 2ºC. at 21ºC. There are 2 seasons: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). In the latter, the rains occur more frequently. The days are mostly sunny and the nights are cold.
How to get to Písac?
Písac is 1 hour from the city of Cusco by road (34 kilometers). It is reached by the road that leads to Sacsayhuamán. Public transport buses are taken on Puputi street in the Historic Center of Cusco.
What to see in Písac?
In Písac there are several tourist attractions:
- The town of Písac. This town is surrounded by beautiful mountains. There you can enjoy nature, as well as its plaza and church.
- The Písac market. This market was a very important commercial place centuries ago. Today, it is crowded by tourists, especially on Sundays.
- The ruins of Písac. The most attractive tourist attraction in Písac. It has Inca remains as important as Machu Picchu as the Temple of the Sun.
What are the ruins like in Písac?
In this enclosure, in addition to overlapping terraces, you will find ceremonial baths, a residential settlement and the largest Inca cemetery (the oldest in South America). Also, down the mountain, you will find the complex of temples exquisitely carved in granite. There are ceremonial altars, water wells and the beautiful Temple of the Sun.
These are the archaeological sites of Písac:
How to visit Písac?
You can visit Písac in 3 ways:
- Hiring the services of a tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which includes entry to the ruins of Písac.
- Buying the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
- Buying the entrance at the door of the same archaeological site of Písac.
What are the hours of operation in Písac?
From 7 am to 6 pm It is open every day of the week.
When is the best time to go to Písac?
The dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit Písac. During those months there is less chance of rain making the excursion easier. It is recommended to make the visit in the early hours of the morning.
Tips for visiting Písac
- Bring a bottle of water before and during the walk.
- It is advisable to use hiking shoes. This way you will avoid twists and accidents.
- Bring a rain poncho with you. It is not known when the river precipitation will occur.
- The day is hot so it is advisable to wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- The best way to understand Písac is with the company of a tour guide. Tours include this service. Another option is to hire one at the entrance door.