PISAC ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK THE ANCIENT INCA CEMETERY

In the breathtaking landscape of the Sacred Valley, an imposing mountain is visible to all visitors arriving at the archaeological complex. At first glance, its slope appears to be dotted with hundreds of dark cavities piercing the cliff. This monumental and awe-inspiring site is known as the Inca cemetery of Pisac.

It is also considered to be the largest funerary complex left behind by the Inca Empire. More than three thousand tombs were meticulously carved into the living rock, not as simple graves, but as sacred dwellings. These were designed to ensure the eternal rest of the ancestors in a privileged location, overlooking the valley that was once their home.

Therefore, when you contemplate this necropolis, you will feel a deep connection with the Andean worldview. Next, we will guide you through its history, discover the secrets its walls hold, and you will understand why visiting it is an essential experience for understanding the Inca civilization.

LOCATION

DESCRIPTION

The Inca cemetery of Pisac is located on a steep cliff of the Pitusiray mountain, overlooking the modern town and the Vilcanota River from the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Consequently, the tombs were not built at ground level. Instead, they are seen as a solemn gallery suspended high above the famous agricultural terraces, a position deliberately chosen to watch over the valley for eternity.

Main Points of Interest in Pisac

The archaeological complex and its surroundings are a universe of wonders that deserve to be explored in depth. Following are more in-depth descriptions of its most notable attractions:

The Inca Cemetery (Tankanamarka)

The necropolis, known in Quechua as Tankanamarka, is perhaps the most striking feature of Pisac. Hundreds of tombs, which from a distance look like a swarm of dark holes, were painstakingly excavated into the vertical cliff face. It is estimated that more than 3,500 people were buried here, making it the largest known cemetery of the Inca Empire. Each cavity was a family or individual tomb, sealed after the burial of the deceased in the fetal position along with their possessions. Sadly, almost all of the tombs were looted over the centuries in search of treasure, but the scale and audacity of their construction remain an awe-inspiring testament to the Inca engineering and worldview of the afterlife.

The Terrace System of the Inca Cemetery of Pisac (Agricultural Terraces)

One of the most impressive works of agricultural engineering of the ancient world is represented by the system of terraces of Pisac. These terraces are not mere steps in the mountain; they are a sophisticated feat of landscape design. Following the natural curves of the hillside, they were built with stone retaining walls that not only prevented erosion, but also allowed for the creation of specific microclimates at each level for the cultivation of different varieties of corn, potatoes and quinoa. The complex system of irrigation canals, still visible today, guaranteed the irrigation of each terrace. Its beauty is such that it is considered that its purpose was both aesthetic and functional, integrating agriculture harmoniously with the sacred landscape.

The Intihuatana and the Ceremonial Sector-Inca Cemetery of Pisac

At the highest and most sacred point of the complex is the magnificent Intihuatana. This Quechua name translates as “the place where the sun is tied” and refers to a finely carved and polished rock structure that was used as an astronomical observatory and ceremonial altar. The precision with which its angles and surfaces were carved allowed Inca priests to follow the movement of the sun, predict solstices and equinoxes, and thus determine agricultural cycles. The Intihuatana of Pisac is one of the best preserved in Peru and is surrounded by buildings of impeccable masonry that made up the religious and political center of the site, a place where only the Inca elite was allowed access.

This sector is identified by archaeologists as the main residential neighborhood of ancient Pisac. Built on the highest ridge of the mountain, it offers the most spectacular views of the entire valley. Its stone buildings, which are perfectly adapted to the difficult topography, were arranged around central courtyards. Because of its strategic location, which gave it absolute visual control over the entrances to the valley, it can be concluded that Q’allaqasa also fulfilled a crucial military and surveillance function. Walking through its narrow passages allows us to imagine what daily life was like for the elite inhabitants of Pisac.

The Pisac Handicraft Market

After descending from the archaeological site, the experience continues in the modern town, where one of the most famous and colorful handicraft markets of the Sacred Valley is held. Although today it operates daily, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays are the busiest days. In this vibrant market, an explosion of Andean culture is offered through stalls filled with alpaca textiles dyed with natural pigments, silver jewelry with Inca designs, ceramics, musical instruments and all kinds of handicrafts. It is the perfect place where interaction with local artisans is possible, and where the tradition of barter and regional trade is kept alive.

Main Tourist Activities in Pisacc

Explore the Archaeological Park

Walk through the Inca complex on foot along its marked trails. This hike will connect you with the ceremonial, military, and agricultural sectors, offering you a comprehensive view of the site.

Visit the Artisan Market

Immerse yourself in the local culture at the vibrant village market. Here, you can buy textiles and ceramics directly from artisans and capture the essence of Andean life.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Try typical Andean dishes in the town’s traditional restaurants and bakeries. Don’t miss the wood-fired empanadas, corn with cheese, and other delicious local specialties.

Go Hiking and Trekking

If you’re adventurous, join guided hikes into the surrounding mountains. These routes will reward you with exclusive panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

Connect with your spiritual side

Pisac is a famous center of spirituality. Participate in yoga classes, meditation retreats, or traditional Andean ceremonies for a transformative experience.

Recommendations: What to Bring

To make the most of your visit, we recommend bringing the following:

Conclusions

In conclusion, Pisac transcends the definition of a simple tourist destination to reveal itself as an eloquent testimony of the Inca civilization. Its masterful integration of engineering, spirituality and landscape is evident in every corner, where the Inca cemetery of Pisac stands as the most powerful symbol of the ancestral vigilance over the valley.

Therefore, a visit to this place is not just a tour of ancient ruins. It is a profound dialogue with a heritage that, although engraved in stone, remains alive in the local culture and continues to resonate with a palpable intensity in the heart of the Andes.

Don’t let Pisac be just a dot on the map. Make it an essential stop on your Sacred Valley itinerary and prepare your senses for an experience that defies time. Plan your visit today!