Hiking The Pisac Ruins In The Sacred Valley of Peru: An Unexpected Hike I Fell in Love With
Hiking In The Clouds Above Pisac, Peru
Sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones you underplan. For me, it happens a lot, since I tend to do minimal research and then just explore!
I’d already been exploring some of the other famous ruins and sites around the Sacred Valley of Peru and beyond—like the Ollantaytambo Ruins, Rainbow Mountain, the Maras Salt Mines (and Moray), even scaling the side of a valley cliff doing my first via ferrata with ziplines…
…but my hike through the Pisac Ruins completely blindsided me in the best way possible.
I had barely read a single thing about Pisac, Peru before heading there, and was mostly going on the encouragement of the friend I was traveling with. Actually didn’t know much about the ruins, nor had I planned on checking them out. (Read Next: Full Cusco, Peru Travel Guide full of the best things to do in Cusco and the Sacred Valley!)
About Jason Robinson // The Nomad Experiment
Having not seen his 3rd country until age 40, then diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 42, Jason encourages and empowers others with a fear of travel, or of traveling with major medical conditions, to push through and live an unconventional life.
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But as my friend and I stood in the valley looking up at the archaelogical site, he said I really should check them out.
He said it only takes a couple hours, so I grabbed a taxi and headed up by myself, with little more than time and curiosity at hand. It was supposed to be a quick morning visit to Pisac, visiting the Pisac Market, grabbing coffee and food. Instead, it turned into one of the most peaceful and beautifully rewarding solo hikes I’ve done in this part of the world.
The soft drizzle of rain, clouds descending on the valley, silence and surprises around every corner. I was like a kid on Christmas.
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Getting To Pisac from Cusco, To The Ruins
The town of Pisac, in the Sacred Valley of Peru, sits about 33 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of Cusco, making it one of the easiest day trips from the city. My plan was simple: grab a colectivo from Cusco to Pisac (for under 10 SOL each way—colectivos leave regularly from the Pavitos or Puputi streets in Cusco and drop you off near the Pisac market), explore Pisac for a bit, maybe stop by the Picac market, then head back after lunch. Then I decided to do the ruins.
Getting to The Ruins from Pisac
Once you’re in Pisac, you can either enter the ruins from the bottom of the valley—which means hiking up the entire way—or taxi to the top of the ruins and hike down. I opted for that route.
You can grab a taxi from the valley of Pisac and pay about $30-40 SOL for the ride up, and the taxi can stop for a moment for you to buy a ticket to the ruins if you don’t have one yet.
Side note…don’t forget to always, always, always consider getting inexpensive travel medical insurance —sometimes as low as $2/day—for your trip, and a separate yearly evacuation insurance policy if you travel internationally often! And check out my list of tips for staying safe while traveling abroad.
My suggestion, if you’re planning to visit at least 2-3 of the main sites Cusco or the Sacred Valley of Peru, is to buy the Boleto Turístico del Cusco, the multi-site ticket that covers most of the major archaeological sites—including the Pisac Ruins, Ollantaytambo, and Moray.
If you’re exploring several places in the Sacred Valley, it’s totally worth it, since most of the main sites are 70 SOL each, so it almost pays for itself after 2 sites. And it’s good for 10 days!
Starting At The Pisac Ruins Top Entrance
When I arrived, two huge tour buses unloaded just ahead of me. This wasn’t what I had in mind for a quiet hike through ancient Incan terraces, but it made me even more determined to explore on my own, going anywhere but where the large crowds were going. Within minutes, the sound of chatter faded as I took every unbeaten side path I could find.
I noticed some paths and routes headed up and up and up, then out towards a peak in the distance, so I headed that way. Then came the drizzle.
That soft, misty kind of rain that doesn’t soak you, makes everything shimmer. The mountain seemed to sparkle under the gray sky, and suddenly, I was completely alone.
For nearly an hour and a half, I had the trail—and the entire mountainside—to myself. I occasionally passed a hiker or two, but for the most part I was all alone.
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Hiking The Upper Route Through The Pisac Ruins
The Pisac Peru ruins are massive. What starts as a series of terraced hillsides quickly reveals temples, ceremonial baths, residential areas, and walls carved into the mountainside. The Incas knew what they were doing.
I kept following the narrow trail as it snaked along the mountain ridge. Every turn opened up new surprises—and another sweeping view of Pisac and the Sacred Valley of Peru below. It felt like I had the entire site to myself.
Eventually, once I got as far out on the mountain ridge as possible, the trail started downward, winding and switchbacking until finally reaching the bottom, spitting me back out into the town of Pisac for some much-needed food and another tour through the Pisac markets.
Why Pisac Ruins Deserve More Love
When people talk about things to do in Sacred Valley of Peru, Pisac Ruins can get overshadowed by the more popular sites like Machu Picchu or even the Ollantaytambo Ruins.
But honestly, Pisac Ruins offers something unique—a chance to feel truly immersed in Incan history without the massive crowds, especially if you’re willing and able to take the scenic route instead of rushing through.
Exploring on the trail, surrounded by clouds drifting through the valley, I realized how grateful I was that I didn’t overplan this day. If I had, I probably would have followed the crowds and missed out on this quieter, more unique experience. (I mean, I probably should have packed more snacks, but hey, that’s what glucose tabs are for?)
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Visiting The Pisac Market
After finishing the long trail down through the Pisac Cusco ruins, I eventually found myself back in the town center and the Pisac Market. Even if you’re not much of a shopper, it’s worth a stroll.
You’ll find colorful textiles, local produce, and all kinds of handmade souvenirs. Plus, grabbing a juice or snack from one of the stalls is the perfect way to refuel after the hike.
Just be prepared for a bit of sensory overload—especially if you arrive when tour groups are in town. Still, it’s a lively contrast to the quiet solitude of the mountain.
Tips, Strategies, & Tough Love To Help You Finally Kick-Start Your Travel Life!
Want to travel more but don’t really know where to start? Have a friend or family member that keeps talking about travel—but clearly needs a little help actually getting off go and making it happen? This is the no-fluff, hands-on guide to finally getting unstuck and on a travel path—with confidence, intention, and zero shame.
Tips For Visiting Pisac, Peru And The Pisac Ruins
Getting To Pisac From Cusco
From Cusco, take a taxi or a shared colectivo (around 8-10 soles, $3-4USD) to Pisac. The drive takes about 45 minutes. It sometimes feels death-defying, but keep in mind people drive these roads…this way…all day long.
Hotels in Pisac
If you do want to stay overnight in Pisac, you can check here for current hotel deals.
Tickets
You’ll likely want the Boleto Turístico del Cusco. It covers entry to Pisac and other major sites like Moray and Ollantaytambo and costs about 150 Soles. Or you can do the small ticket that’s only for Pisac Ruins for 70 Soles (as of this writing at least).
Start Early
If you start from the top entrance as early as possible, you’ll likely beat the big crowds and have even more solitude.
That said, I started my hike around 11am, and taking the scenic route hike shown here still weeded out the tourists almost immediately. The slight rain also helped.
Bring Layers
The weather can change fast. I lucked out with a drizzle, but heavy rain is always a possibility. Be prepared.
Plan For At Least 2-3 Hours
Plan for at least 2–3 hours minimum if you want to explore the full circuit and allow yourself to soak it in and get distracted by every hidden corner.
Wrapping Up: Always Go A Little Bit Farther
I’m so glad I was encouraged to visit the Pisac Ruins, but even more happy that I didn’t listen to the little voice in the back of my head that sometimes tells me I should rush or that I “should” finish up and move on to the next thing.
I always need a reminder not to “should” all over myself!
I didn’t expect hiking the Pisac Ruins to be one of my top favorite memories of my visit to Cusco, Peru and the Sacred Valley, but it is now notched there.
Hopefully all of these beautiful Pisac Ruins photos and words are enough to convince you it deserves your time and patience as well.
Give yourself the time to wander the terraces, get a little lost, and maybe enjoy some drizzle or rain instead of running from it. Because usually, the best memories are hiding just past the point where you think you should stop.
Cheers!
—Jason
About Jason Robinson
Jason is the author of “The Beginner Traveler’s Guide” as well as the voice behind the words and the eye behind the lens for The Nomad Experiment. “Planning to travel at some point” wasn’t actually getting the job done, so nearing 40 he decided to make it a priority, nomatter how scary that was. A few years later—through the pandemic and a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 42—now living a life of nomadic travel, he’s speaking out to encourage others of any age, or with any serious medical diagnosis, to live an unconventional life.
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting The Pisac Ruins
How Much Does It Cost To Enter The Pisac Ruins?
Entry to the Pisac Ruins is included with the Boleto Turístico del Cusco. The full ticket costs around S/150 (~$45-50 USD) and grants access to multiple sites across Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including the salt mines, Sacsayhuamán, and more.
How Do I Get From Cusco To Pisac?
The Cusco–Pisac route is about 45m or so by taxi, car or cheap colectivo. Colectivos leave regularly from the Pavitos or Puputi streets in Cusco and drop you off near the Pisac market. For a return trip, just go back to where they dropped you off and wait for the next colectivo back to Cusco. Note colectivos tend not to be as regular after dark, so plan to head back to Cusco before then.
How Long Does It Take To Explore The Pisac Ruins?
Plan for 2 hours or more if you hike from the top down into town, or a bit longer if you do the bottom up route and you stop often for photos or wander through every terrace like I did!
Can You Hike From Pisac Town Up To The Ruins?
Yes, but it’s steep! The hike up from the valley of Pisac takes at least 1.5–2 hours and climbs over 400 meters (1,300 feet). Again, most visitors take a taxi or tour bus up to the top entrance to the Pisac Ruins and hike down.
What Is The Altitude Of The Pisac Ruins?
The Ruins sit around 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level—while Cusco, Peru is about 11,500ft for comparison—so take it easy if you’re still acclimating.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Pisac Ruins?
The dry season (May–September) offers the best weather, but mornings can be chilly. Shoulder seasons on each side can be more wet or questionable for weather, but hotels and other things will often be cheaper in general. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
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Is There A Market In Pisac?
Yes. The Pisac market is one of the best-known in the Sacred Valley, packed with local crafts, textiles, and snacks—perfect for a post-hike wander.
Are The Pisac Ruins Difficult To Hike?
Parts of the trail can be challenging, with steep steps, uneven stone paths, or even “caves” that are extremely tight to get through. Wear good shoes, and bring plenty to snack on and hydrate on.
Can I Visit Pisac As A Day Trip From Cusco?
Yes! Cusco to Pisac is an easy day trip, especially if you also want to explore other things to do in the Sacred Valley along the way.
Are The Pisac Ruins Worth Visiting?
A definite Yes. I mean, if you’ve read this far, you should know that based on my tone and photos! The Pisac Peru ruins are big, less crowded than Machu Picchu, and offer some of the best views of the Sacred Valley, Peru—totally worth the climb! Send it!
