Visiting the Pisac Market in Pisac, Peru, is like traveling back in time. The small town of Pisac is nestled at the base of the breathtaking Andes Mountains and is famous for its stunning scenery and pre-Inca temples. The region is also well known for its traditional marketplaces. When visiting the Pisac Market, you will be transported back to a simpler time with authentic goods and experiences that won’t be found anywhere else. Visitors can expect to find everything from handcrafted goods by local artisans to food stands full of fresh ingredients grown locally. Whatever you may be looking for, you will find it here. Read on for more details about visiting the Pisac Market.
What to expect at the Pisac Market
The Pisac Market is more of a bazaar than a typical market. It is very compact, so you can easily walk from one section to the next. The Pisac Market consists of different areas, each with its own characteristics. There are many handcrafts, traditional textiles, and food stands to keep you busy for hours. There are also hats, bags, and other accessories made out of alpaca wool. Although alpaca wool isn’t necessarily rare, it’s always a fun souvenir to take home with you. People in the area make their living by creating and selling these alpaca products. Therefore, they are relatively inexpensive compared to similar items in other markets. The Pisac Market is most famous for its wide selection of the finest textiles. You can find handwoven blankets, sweaters, shawls, and ponchos of all kinds. These textiles are not just for decoration, though. They are also very practical for cold weather. Pisac is also known for its wide selection of pre-Inca artifacts. You can find hand-carved wooden masks, stone figurines, and beautifully woven bags. If you’re interested in these items, you should purchase them immediately. Prices for these one-of-a-kind antiques are very reasonable, so you can easily fit them into your budget.
When to visit the Pisac Market
The Pisac Market is open year-round, but it is busiest during the summer months when tourists visit the area. Visiting the Pisac Market during the off-season will give you a much more authentic experience. During the off-season, the crowds are much thinner, and you will be able to interact with the vendors in a more personal way. The vendors are not trying to rush you out the door like they are during the busy season. Visiting the Pisac Market during the off-season is also much cheaper. Prices for goods and food are generally lower during this time of year.
Things to buy at the Pisac Market
Handcrafted goods - The Pisac Market is known for its wide selection of handcrafted goods. You can find a variety of items, from high-end textiles to affordable bags and other accessories. All of these goods are made by locals living in the Pisac area. You will be helping the people of the region to earn an income and to preserve their traditional culture.
Cuy - One of the iconic foods of the region is cuy, or guinea pig. Most people who eat cuy don’t eat it because of its taste, but rather because of its cultural significance. Cuy is eaten at special occasions and is a staple of the traditional Andean diet. If you enjoy eating it, then you should grab a few for your journey back home.
Organic produce - If you’re looking for a healthy snack to take with you, you should grab a bag of organic popcorn from the Pisac Market. Popcorn is a popular snack in the Andes Mountains, and you will be able to find it at many of the stands in the Pisac Market.
Tips for Visiting the Pisac Market
Exchange your money before you arrive at the market. There are no ATMs in Pisac, so you will need to exchange your money ahead of time. Organic and local food is generally more expensive than food that has been shipped and grown on a large scale. You might be surprised by how much more expensive these items are. When you’re making your purchases, be sure to ask the vendors how they create their goods. You will get much more out of your visit if you learn more about the processes behind the items.
By foot or by bus from Cusco to Pisac
If you’re visiting the Pisac Market, you are probably in the Cusco area. You have a few options for getting to the market, including by foot or by bus. By foot, it takes about an hour to walk from Cusco to Pisac. You can also take a bus from the main bus station in Cusco. The cost is about $1 per person.
By taxi from Cusco to Pisac
Another option for visiting the Pisac Market is taking a taxi. Taxis in the Cusco area can be very expensive, but you can get a taxi to the Pisac Market for a reasonable price. If you are in a group, you can split the cost of a taxi among you and your fellow travelers. The cost of a taxi from Cusco to Pisac is $12 per taxi. This price is per taxi, not per person, which makes it much cheaper than taking a taxi from one place to another in Cusco.
By train from Cusco to Pisac
If you are coming from an area other than Cusco, you can take the train to Pisac. The train is a great way to save time and see the stunning mountains and towns along the way. The train ride from Cusco to Pisac is about two hours long. The train runs very frequently, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting a seat. You can also save money by purchasing your tickets online in advance.
Final Words
Visiting the Pisac Market is a great way to get out of the city and see a bit more of the Andes Mountains. You can enjoy the stunning views while purchasing some unique gifts or souvenirs for your loved ones back home. The Pisac Market is a great place to get to know people from the area and to learn more about traditional Andean culture. Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours browsing for gifts or you want to learn more about the region, the Pisac Market is a fun place to visit.