Discover Peru by Lonely Planet

Author:Lonely Planet
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications

SEAN CAFFREY

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Pisac Ruins

This hilltop Inca citadel lies high above the village on a triangular plateau with a plunging gorge on either side. It’s a truly awesome sight – one that, on most days, is relatively uncrowded. This dominating structure guards not only the Urubamba Valley below, but also a pass leading into the jungle to the northeast.

The most impressive element of the ruins is the agricultural terracing , which sweeps around the south and east flanks of the mountain in huge and graceful curves, almost entirely unbroken by steps. Instead, the terracing is joined by diagonal flights of stairs made of flagstones set into the terrace walls. Above the terraces are cliff-hugging footpaths, watched over by caracara falcons and well defended by massive stone doorways, steep stairs and a short tunnel carved out of the rock. Vendors meet you at the top with drinks.

Topping the terraces is the site’s ceremonial center , with an intihuatana (literally ‘hitching post of the sun’; an Inca astronomical tool), several working water channels, and some painstakingly neat masonry in the well-preserved temples . A path leads up the hillside to a series of ceremonial baths. Looking across the Kitamayo gorge from the back of the site, you’ll also see hundreds of holes honeycombing the cliff wall. These are Inca tombs that were plundered by huaqueros (grave robbers) and are now off-limits.

Many travelers arrive on group tours from Cuzco, but it is easy enough to get here on your own. You can walk the steep – but spectacular – 4km trail from town. (The walk begins on the west side of the church and takes about two hours up and 1½ hours back.) Likewise, you can take a taxi.

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