INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Pisac was built by the Inca around the 15th century when emperor Pachacuti gained control of the Cuyos. During Pachacuti’s reign, residences, religious sites, and an observatory were constructed. The citadel’s purpose remains unknown. Anthropologists suggest Pisac could have been a destination if Cusco had come under threat, or a secluded destination for those of nobility.
The modern town of Pisac was built in the valley beneath the Inca city in 1570 following the Spanish invasions when the Spanish destroyed the Inca villages.
Pisac is a small town in Peru that’s located about 20 miles northeast of Cusco. Most travelers fly into Cusco begining their journey to the ruins of Machu Picchu. We did exactly that, and upon return from Machu Picchu we spent two days in the Sacred Valley exploring Pisac. Inca ruins can be visited on the hill adjacent to Pisac. The view of the valley is breath taking and instills a feeling of awe never before experienced. We were completely satisfied with sitting atop this magnificent mountain side for nearly an hour absorbing the view and trying to fathom the ancient practices. The experience was quite humbling and probably more impressive Ican ruins than Machu Picchu. When you visit Pisac, make sure to visit the Intihuatana neighborhood – this was home to the temples and royal residence. There you will find intricate and unique stonework.
An early settlement which probably pre-dated the Inca existed on the hillside between the Quitamayo and Chongo tributaries of the Vilcanota river. This community raised their crops on terraces as well as on the flood plain. Later as the threats from other tribes declined the villagers moved closer to the main road to Cusco and Urcos. The remains of Lucre and Killke pottery that have been found in the area, suggest that the district had been occupied for some time.
The complex where the citadel is located overlooking the village has an elevation of approximately 3,446 metres (11,306 ft) above sea level for approximately one kilometer along a mountain ridge. While Pisac is a lower elevation of 2,972 meters (9,751 feet), the area is sandwiched between the Kitamayu River (to the west) and the Chongo River (to the east). The elevation in Pisac is higher than that of Machu Picchu.
Traveling from the Cusco airport to Pisac is accessible via taxi or “collectivo” bus. If you are unfamiliar with the collectivo, it is a midsize van that resembles a city bus with hand straps, railings and seats, but only about 1/6th the size. We found collectivo very common in many parts of Mexico and other Central American countries. At the time we were traveling, the collectivo was only about S/6.00 (6 SOL or $1.80 USD).
One of the visits we highly recommend is the Pisac Market. Known far and wide for its market, a large section is dedicated to tourist-oriented souvenir stalls. We visited the market on a Sunday ,one of the official market days which are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The market has grown to the extend that it fills the Plaza Constitución and surrounding streets every day. Our interests were being immersed in the local cultur, thereby making Sunday the most logical day to visit. This is when indigenous Quechua communities from the surrounding area come to town to sell their produce (much of which are completely organic) and restock supplies for the week to be taken with them.
While visiting the Plaza, I had purchased a very nice woodwind instrument from a vendor at the market. A wooden flute made from locally sourced wood and tuned in the key of “G” was added to my growing “Native American Flute” collection.