Pisac Archaeological Complex
Pisaq Archaeological Center is an ancient Inca city believed to have been established for Emperor Pachacutec in the 15th century. It also refers to the town that developed at the foot of the archaeological site, famous for its artisan market and the beautiful river and mountain landscapes that are part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
What is Pisaq?
The name of this town is connected to spirituality, the mystical world, and the magic of the Andean culture, though it also has a more concrete meaning. Pisac, or Pisaq, means âpartridge,â and it is said that the town got its name because its shape resembles that of this little bird.
Where is Pisaq located and how to get there?
This archaeological site is located about 43 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. It sits at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level. The town of Pisaq lies at the base of the site, at an altitude of 2,974 meters (9,757 feet).
History of Pisaq
Pisaq was inhabited at the beginning of the 12th century by Andean tribes such as the Calcas and the Ancasmarcas. With the arrival of Manco Capac (the first Inca ruler) to Cusco in the 13th century, alliances were established with these neighboring peoples. At that time, Pisaq, located on the northeastern edge of the Inca capital, became an important strategic point to be settled.
In the 15th century, during the peak expansion of the Inca Empire, Emperor Pachacutec ordered the construction of a city atop the mountain called âApu Inti Huatana,â which overlooks the entire Vilcanota River valley. This vast citadel had everything needed for its survival: terraces, water channels, enclosures, temples, stairways, and more. It was likely the residence of Emperor Pachacutec, from where he controlled the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
During the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Pisaq was invaded. Many of its structures were damaged, especially the complex of hundreds of Inca tombs, which Europeans considered profane. Between 1570 and 1575, Viceroy Toledo created the reduction of the town of Pisaq, where Christian churches and colonial mansions were built. The tradition of commerce in Pisaq continues today through its famous artisan market held every Sunday. Today, the population speaks Quechua, the language of the Incas, and preserves many traditions from both the colonial period and the Inca era.
Legend of Pisaq
The legend tells that Inkill was the princess heir, daughter of the local chief named Huayllapuma, and she was to marry only the man capable of building a bridge over the Vilcamayo River, now called Vilcanota or Urubamba, the princess had already given her heart to a man named Asto Rimac, so she asked the Apus (the sacred mountains) to help her beloved accomplish this difficult task.
The Apus agreed on the condition that she never look at Asto Rimacâs work. She obeyed until almost dawn, when curiosity got the best of her and she glanced briefly to see her beloved. For her disobedience, the Apus turned them into stone, and to this day, the princess can be seen gazing toward the river in search of her love.
