Tripadvisor
In the wide range of Peruvian cultures we find the most apotheosis: The Inca Culture, thanks to its emblematic natural, cultural and, of course, architectural wonders, we know much more about this great culture.
In the Cusco region we find different samples of this culture and some of these samples are mainly textiles and pottery; this time we will get to know a little about these samples at the Pisac Craft Market.
The word Písac (or Písaq) comes from the Quechua word pisaq or p’isaqa, which means “partridge”, this beautiful archaeological site built by the ancient Incas is based on figurative traces of a partridge, as its name indicates. We must remember that the bird is related to spirituality, with the mystical, with the spiritual values that the human being must develop.
THE ARTISAN MARKET:
During the empire of the Incas, Pisac had great agricultural importance due to its fertile lands bathed by the Urubamba river and they organized with great intelligence this great wealth by building terraces on the mountain; These were used to grow corn, quinoa, potatoes, kiwicha, etc.
The chronicles of the conquest show that the main square soon became an important commercial area and then, in the market that is known today.
CURRENTLY…
Currently the Pisac market extends to the Plaza de Armas de Pisac, but it goes to the small streets in the surroundings.
During the weekdays the Pisac market is small; However, the market is much larger on Sundays because on this day the inhabitants of the town itself and the surrounding communities offer all services including food stalls, fruits, organic vegetables and even some stalls with strange concoctions, used since that time. Of the Incas.
CRAFTS:
The handicrafts section of the market is full of articles and clothing related to the Inca culture, it can be the ideal place to buy gifts or souvenirs.
Here you will find different types of hand-woven products made from fine wool of alpaca, sheep and other camelids of the region; note that in this market you will be able to haggle.
THE POTTERY:
The population of Pisac also stands out in the production of ceramics with motifs dedicated to mother nature, using earth colors and icons typical of the Inca culture.
The use of ceramics, as raw material for artisanal elaboration, dates back to the Pre Inca period; here you can also find an infinite number of options when choosing a ceramic.
MEALS:
Take your time to go through the food section as you will be able to find native and organic products, such as native potatoes, corn, “rocoto”, a kind of very hot pepper; in the same way the different fruits such as the Pacay (an unusual fruit), the peach or peach, grapefruit, etc.
LOCATION:
In the Pisac market it is located 33 km from Cusco (1 hour approximately) in the same town of Pisac; This visit can be done during the tour to the Sacred Valley.
CLIMATE:
During the year there are two seasons:
In winter (from April to September) the temperature ranges between 2 ° and 20 ° C with a magnificent blue sky during the day and a drop in temperature at night.
In summer (from October to March) there are constant rains and the temperature varies between 7 ° and 21 ° C.
Pisac is part of the tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas so the climate is usually mild for most of the year, with some ups and downs during certain periods.
HOW TO GET?
You can get there by hiring the services of a travel agency, the most recommended option; this market belongs to the tour to the Sacred Valley.
But you can also use public transport that goes to the city of Urubamba that leaves every 15 minutes, you must get off at the bridge stop and from there you must go to the Plaza de Pisac, the market is next to it.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Wear comfortable clothes and with the constant changes in temperature, do not take off too much since it affects altitude sickness much more.
- Apply sunscreen every 2 hours at least.
- Do not leave garbage in the place, take care of the environment.
