In the wide range of Peruvian cultures we find the most tremendous: The Inca Culture, thanks to its emblematic natural, cultural and of course architectural wonders is that 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 Artisan Market.

The word Písac (or Písaq) comes from the Quechua word pisaq or p’isaqa, which means “partridge”, this beautiful archaeological zone 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, to the mystical, to the spiritual values ​​that human beings must develop.

The Craft Market:

During the Inca empire, Písac had great agricultural importance due to its fertile lands bathed by the Urubamba River and they organized this great wealth with great intelligence by building terraces on the mountain; these were used to grow corn, quinoa, potato, kiwicha, etc.

The chronicles of the conquest show that the main square did not take long to become an important commercial area and then, in the market that is known today.

Nowadays:

Currently, the Pisac market extends to the Pisac Plaza de Armas, but it is limited to the small streets around it.

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 the services including food stalls, organic fruits, vegetables and even some stalls with strange concoctions, used since the 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 of fine wool from alpaca, sheep and other camelids from the region; keep in mind 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 a raw material for craftsmanship, dates back to the Pre-Inca era; here you can also find an infinity of options when choosing a ceramic.

Meals:

Take your time to go through the food section since you can find native and organic products, such as the native potato, corn, the “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 Písac market it is located 33 km from Cusco (approximately 1 hour) in the same town of Písac; this visit can be made during the tour to the Sacred Valley.

Climate:

Two seasons are observed during the year:

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 during most of the year, with some ups and downs during certain periods.

How to get?

It can be reached by contracting 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 the public transport that goes to the city of Urubamba that leaves every 15 minutes, you must get off at the bridge whereabouts and from there you must go to the Písac square, the market is next to it.

Recommendations:

• Wear comfortable clothes and with the constant changes in temperature, do not undress 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.