Pisac Peru: Discovering the Sacred Valley

After five life-shifting nights in Urubamba—where I sat with ayahuasca and mescaline in a humble mountain space tucked deep in the Sacred Valley—we made our way to Pisac in Peru. If you’re curious about that story—it’s one of the most vulnerable and profound pieces I’ve written. You can read it here:

Ayahuasca & Mescaline: 5 Nights in the Heart of Peru

Getting to Pisac from Urubamba

We didn’t actually have a plan for how we’d get to Pisac.
But one thing I learned about the Sacred Valley is… you don’t really need one.
People show up to help you—in exchange for money, yes—but always with a spirit of generosity.
During the planning stages of our trip, I spent hours worrying about logistics—how we’d get from Point A to Point B, what route to take, what would go wrong.
But in the end, everything always worked itself out.
A small charter bus got us from Urubamba to Pisac in about an hour, and just like that, we were on to the next chapter.

Once we arrived in Pisac of Peru’s charming town center, we hopped into two tuk-tuks that zipped us through narrow stone alleys—paths so tight no car could possibly squeeze through.
We arrived at our Airbnb, perched on a steep hillside. It wasn’t easy to get to, but the climb was worth it. And honestly, it was great preparation for the 5-day trek we were about to begin!
That story lives here, if you’re curious:

5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: What to Expect & Why It’s Worth It

The Perfect Airbnb

Our host welcomed us with warmth and showed us around what is easily one of my favorite Airbnbs—and I’ve stayed in over a hundred. The view? A jackpot of gold. The Andes Mountains, wide open and glowing, greeted us every morning.

If you’re interested in staying at the Pisac Mountain Vista House on Airbnb, it hosts up to 3 guests with a 4-night minimum (as of 2025) and is currently listed at $50 per night. Click HERE to check it out!

We spent our days gently—walking the magical eucalyptus-lined path between our Airbnb and the town center. It took about 20 minutes on foot and smelled like dreams, dust, and sky. We wandered through Pisac, Peru itself, soaking in the charm of its cobblestone streets, quiet cafes, and vibrant market stalls.

How Much Time in Pisac?

But we didn’t venture much into the surrounding areas—our bodies were still unwinding from ayahuasca, and our minds weren’t ready to rush back into the rhythm of “doing.” We were still in that slow, sacred space where integration matters more than itinerary.

And honestly?
If you have the time and budget, I’d say: stay longer than three days.
Pisac isn’t meant to be rushed.
To do it all in a hurry would be missing the point entirely.

So while our time in Pisac was short, I’ve compiled a list of must-do’s in and around this mystical mountain town—a blend of what we experienced and what I’m dreaming of doing when I return.

1. Explore the Pisac Archaeological Park

We didn’t make it up here, and I kind of regret it.
I thought I’d save my “archaeological awe” for Machu Picchu, but honestly, that turned out to be a bit crowded and chaotic to truly sink into. From what I’ve heard, the ruins above Pisac Peru are steeped in serenity and reverence, surrounded by wide skies and ancient silence.

Perched above the town, this sprawling Incan complex includes agricultural terraces, ceremonial spaces, and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

Set aside at least 4 hours if you want to walk it slowly and soak it in.

2. Shop at the Pisac Market

This market pulses with life—colorful textiles, handwoven goods, ceramics, jewelry, and the earthy scent of fresh produce. We spent a lot of time here, meandering through its rows of artisan-made treasures. Sundays are especially vibrant, with Quechua families coming in from surrounding villages to sell what they’ve grown, dyed, or stitched by hand.

3. Stroll the Cobblestone Streets

Some of our sweetest memories are just… walking.
Peru town of Pisac’s narrow cobblestone alleys lead you past hidden cafes, weaving shops, kids playing fútbol, and the occasional wandering dog. The pace is slow, the air is crisp, and the charm is real. If you let the streets guide you, you’ll find stories tucked in every corner.

4. Walk Through a Eucalyptus Forest

Where we stayed was perched just above town, connected to the center by a 20-minute eucalyptus-lined trail. Every morning and evening, we walked that path—the scent of eucalyptus rising in the cool air, the light filtering like a spell through the tall trees.
Apparently, Pisac has many such trails around the edges of town. It’s not a big thing on most itineraries, but it became one of the highlights of our stay.

5. Hike to Laguna Kinsa Cocha

We didn’t do this one either—honestly, we were saving our legs for the Salkantay Trek. But it’s high on my list for next time.
Just a short journey from town, this hike leads to a trio of crystal-clear mountain lakes, surrounded by remote, rolling landscapes. It’s said to be incredibly peaceful and way off the tourist path.

6. Visit Awana Kancha

A friend recommended this to me, and I was so curious to go—but my travel buddies voted to stay local.
Awana Kancha is a living museum just outside Pisac where you can see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas up close, learn about traditional dyeing techniques, and watch Quechua women weave textiles by hand. I will be returning to experience this. It sounds like a beautiful way to support local communities while learning about Andean artistry.

7. Experience the Willka Raymi Festival (if you’re lucky)

We missed it by a few days—but I still want to mention it.
Willka Raymi, held every August 24th, is a traditional celebration honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth) at the Pisac ruins. If you’re in the Sacred Valley around this time, witnessing this ceremony would be unforgettable. It’s not a performance—it’s a living prayer.

Final Thoughts on Pisac

Pisac was a pause in the middle of movement.
A place where time softened, the mountains whispered, and every eucalyptus-scented breath reminded me to slow down. We didn’t do everything—but what we did feel was enough to leave a mark.

To this day, the Sacred Valley is one of the places I reminisce about most with my husband. I find myself talking about the kindness of the Quechua people, the cool stillness in the air, the scent of soil and prayer and smoke, and that trail we walked every morning beneath tall, creaking trees.

One day, I’ll take him there.
I’ll show him where the light hits the stones just right.
Where the market hums like music.
Where the Andes don’t speak in words, but in a language you feel in your bones.

Because once the Sacred Valley holds you,
it never truly lets you go.