Trek to Pisac’s Summit: A Challenging Climb to the Ultimate Viewpoint

Overview

• Difficulty: Hard.
• Duration: A full day, approximately 5-6 hours of hiking.
• Key Landmarks: Vicos village, the summit of the Pisac site, panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

Preparing for the Trek

• Acclimatization: This trek requires at least two to three days of acclimatization in Cusco.
• Recommended Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes, a daypack with plenty of water and energy snacks, a hat, sunscreen, a windbreaker, and hiking poles.
• Entrance Tickets: Note! Entry to the Pisac site requires a ticket. It is included in the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket), which you can purchase at the entrance to the site or at the main office in Cusco.

Step-by-Step: The Detailed Route

Step 1: Starting Point in Vicos Village

The trek begins in the village of Vicos, which is located near Pisac town. To get there, you can take a taxi or colectivo from Pisac. The trail begins above the village and climbs a steep but manageable ascent up the mountain.

Step 2: Climbing Through Pristine Landscapes

The climb to the summit is the most challenging part of the trek. The trail passes through narrow paths, dense vegetation, and eucalyptus forests. It is a continuous ascent, but the spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and the agricultural terraces are well worth the effort.

Step 3: Arriving at the Summit and the Ultimate Viewpoint

After several hours of climbing, you will reach the highest peak of the site. From the summit, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Pisac ruins, the Urubamba River, and the small town of Pisac below. It is a moment of deep peace and immense accomplishment.

Step 4: Descending Through the Inca Ruins

After your visit to the summit, you will begin to descend on the well-known trail of the Pisac ruins. The descent is much easier and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can explore the more famous parts of the site, such as the temple, and admire the magnificent views before the final descent into the town.

Sacred Reveal Practical Information Tip for the Experienced Hiker

• Location: The trek starts in the village of Vicos, located near Pisac town, in the Sacred Valley.
• Duration: It is a full-day, challenging hike, approximately 5-6 hours round trip.
• Difficulty: The trek is considered hard due to a long, sustained climb and the high altitude.
• Key Attractions: The summit of the Pisac archaeological site and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
• Admission: The entrance to the Pisac archaeological site requires a ticket, which is included in the Boleto Turístico (Cusco Tourist Ticket).
• Tip: This trek is recommended only for hikers with prior experience in climbing, especially at high altitudes. The trail is not well-marked in some parts, so it is recommended to use our  app( like AllTrails ) for a pre-downloaded map. This is a less-traveled trek, and it offers an intimate and exciting experience.

Trek to Pisac’s Summit: Summary of Keywords & Entities

Primary Keywords:

• Trek to Pisac’s Summit
• Pisac Hike
• Pisac Archaeological Site
• Sacred Valley Treks
• Advanced Hike Peru

Long-Tail Keywords:

• Trek to Pisac’s Summit without a guide
• Pisac summit hike self-guided route
• Pisac ruins advanced trek
• Vicos to Pisac ruins hike
• Pisac summit panoramic views
• Pisac archaeological park trail
• Boleto Turístico for Pisac
• Challenging day hikes Sacred Valley

Entities:

• Places: Pisac Archaeological Site, Sacred Valley, Vicos village, Cusco, Urubamba River.
• Concepts: Advanced trek, hard difficulty, acclimatization, panoramic views, Inca ruins, Inca architecture, Boleto Turístico, hiking poles, self-guided trek.
• Activities/Services: Hiking, climbing, exploring ruins, taking photos.

Objects/Terms: Hiking shoes, daypack, water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, windbreaker.