Písac

Písac is a town and an archaeological site in Peru, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about 33 kilometers north of Cusco. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,972 meters (9,751 feet) above sea level. The town itself is a small, traditional Andean community, known for its vibrant market where local artisans sell a wide array of handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. The market is particularly popular with tourists and is a significant economic activity for the region.

The archaeological site of Pisac is renowned for its impressive Inca ruins, perched high on a mountainside overlooking the Urubamba River. The site is divided into several sectors, including agricultural terraces, urban areas, and ceremonial structures. The agricultural terraces are a remarkable feat of engineering, ingeniously carved into the steep slopes to maximize arable land. The urban sector features well-preserved houses, plazas, and an intricate water management system. The ceremonial sector includes the Intihuatana, a carved rock believed to have been used for astronomical observations, and other temples and ritual spaces. The construction of Pisac is attributed to the Inca Empire, likely serving as a fortress, administrative center, or religious site. The site was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, and many of its stones were later removed to build the church in the town below. Today, Pisac is a major tourist destination and an important window into Inca civilization.