Pisac Market Holidays

In addition to the beautiful sweeping landscape and strong Incan heritage and archaeology of the Sacred Valley region, the picturesque Andean town of Pisac, about twenty miles northeast of Cusco, this is also a good place to enjoy colourful indigenous markets; ideal for stocking up on alpaca woollen clothes if you're doing any hiking and camping around Machu Picchu, and a fantastic photo and people-watching opportunity. The town is worth visiting every day of the week, although the market is at its best on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Produce includes handicrafts made for the tourists – woven clothing, ceramics and beads, as well as food and everyday items for local people, who can be seen bartering prices down. Give it a go too – this used to be a cheaper place than Cusco to buy your souvenirs and presents, but increasingly there is little difference. Pisac also has a beautiful colonial church well worth visiting, where masses in Quechua are held every Sunday.