In the wide range of Peruvian cultures we find the most apotheosical: The Inca Culture, thanks to its emblematic natural wonders, cultural and of course architectural 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 know a little of these samples in the Artisan Market of Pisac.
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 indicated by its name. We must remember that the bird is related to spirituality, to the mystical, to the spiritual values that the human being must develop.
The Artisan Market:
During the empire of the Incas, Pisac had great agricultural importance due to its fertile lands bathed by the Urubamba river and organized with great intelligence this great wealth building terraces in the mountain; these were used to grow corn, quinoa, potato, kiwicha, etc.
The chronicles of the conquest show that the main square soon became an important commercial area and then, in the market that is now known.
Nowadays…
At the present time the market of Pisac extends until Plaza de Armas de Pisac, but it is to the small streets to the surroundings.
During the weekdays the Pisac market is small; however, the market is much bigger on Sundays because this day the inhabitants of the town itself and surrounding communities offer all services including food stalls, fruits, organic vegetables and even some stalls with strange concoctions, used since the time Of the Incas.
Craf ts:
The crafts 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 products woven by hand from fine wool of alpaca, sheep and other camelids of the region; Keep in mind that in this market you can bargain.
The pottery:
The population of Pisac also stands out in the production of ceramics with motives dedicated to mother nature, using earth colors and icons typical of the Inca culture.
The use of ceramics, as a raw material for handicraft production dates back to the Pre Inca era; Here you can also find an infinite number of options when choosing a ceramic.
Meals:
Take your time to go through the food section as you can find native and organic products, such as native potatoes, corn, “rocoto”, a very hot pepper species; in the same way the different fruits like the Pacay (an unusual fruit), the peach or duraznillo, grapefruit, etc.
Location:
In the market of Pisac is located 33 km from Cusco (1 hour approximately) in the same town of Pisac; This visit can be made during the tour to the Sacred Valley.
Weather:
During the year two seasons are observed:
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 tends to be temperate for most of the year, with some ups and downs during certain periods.
How to get?
You can get there by hiring 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 should get off at the bridge stop and from there you should head towards the Pisac square, the market is on the side.
Recommendations:
Wear comfortable clothes and with constant changes in temperature, do not get too much out of your eyes because it affects much more the altitude sickness.
Apply sunscreen every 2 hours at least.
Do not leave trash in the place, take care of the environment.
