Pisac: Day Hike Into the Past

By Rob Rachowiecki

Stonework at Incan Pisac (Rob Rachowiecki)

There are actually two Pisac towns, one Incan and ancient, the other Spanish and still standing. The Incas built their Pisac on a ridge overlooking the fertile Urubamba valley, and the current Pisac was founded by Spaniards on land that the Incas would have farmed. But it's the Incan Pisac you want to see. Head north from the plaza past the left side of the church; you'll come to a steep trail with great views of the village, river, and surrounding mountains. A couple hours later, you'll hit Incan Pisac and see some of Peru's finest stonework, as well as Incan agricultural terraces, which have been almost unchanged for five centuries.

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