This delightful little village is the highest settlement in the Sacred Valley at 2920m. It is characterised by the huge Pisonay trees in the central square, however on the market days (Tues, Thurs, Sun) these are all but hidden by hundreds of stalls. Tourist goods are on sale here but it is also an extensive local market selling all colours of maize and potatoes as well as most vegetables. Look out for the onions, looking particularly healthy, and the spices, which are as colourful as ever. Wandering through the streets you may see poles sticking out above various buildings. These can have either a basket or red plastic attached to them. These signify that bread or Chicha (maize beer) is sold there respectively.
Another draw of Pisaq are the ruins above the town. The stonework here is very impressive, especially in the religious complex, which has an Inti Huatana (hitching post of the sun) similar to Machu Picchu but sadly almost destroyed by the Spanish. As with most Inca settlements the purpose of Pisaq has been lost in history, however its abundance of spring water would have made it a great place to retreat to in times of siege. Also a strange gullied erosion on the hill opposite may have appealed to the Incan obsession with worship of all things natural, especially water.
