Hike to the Pisac Ruins

The Pisac ruins bear a striking resemblance to Machu Picchu, just on a smaller scale. Fascinatingly, the drainage systems and agricultural terraces built in 1440 along with the rest of the ruins are still in use today. The Pisac ruins are believed to have defended the Southern entrance to the Sacred Valley from Spaniards in the 1500's. 

To reach the ruins, you must endure the 1.5 hour uphill hike from the small town of Pisac. The trail is well marked and maintained by the local people. There is an entrance fee of $20 at the small tourist office at the start of the trail. Backpackers tip: If you go before 6am, no one will be at the office yet and you can skip the payment, with the added bonus of watching the sunrise over the Sacred Valley. 

Although there are countless tour operators in Cusco offering tours to the Pisac Ruins and other ruins around, I feel like I got a more authentic experience by spending a few nights in the town of Pisac and seeing the ruins without any other tourists. 

Please be respectful at the ruins as this is a sacred place for many indigenous people. Do NOT leave trash laying around and respect other people there by keeping your voices low!