Maca
A vibrant stop en route to Colca Canyon, known for its uniquely dressed llamas and alpacas, local crafts, and the Sancayo-infused Colca Sour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Maca
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant stop en route to Colca Canyon, known for its uniquely dressed llamas and alpacas, local crafts, and the Sancayo-infused Colca Sour.
"Embrace the touristy charm and support local recovery with a photo and a sip of Colca Sour!"
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Pose with the famously dressed-up alpacas and llamas for unique photos! :camerawithflash:
🍹 Try the Colca Sour
Don't miss the local Pisco Sour with Sancayo fruit. A must-try unique drink! 🍹
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 501 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Llamas in Sunglasses
Main Square
Alpacas and llamas sporting sunglasses and styled hair are ready for your photos. A quirky and memorable experience!
Colca Sour
Local Bars
Sip on a unique Pisco Sour made with Sancayo fruit, a local cactus fruit. A refreshing and potent local specialty.
Traditional Crafts
Market Stalls
Browse and buy authentic textiles, souvenirs, and local handicrafts from friendly vendors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tourist Vibe
Support Local Economy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Pose with the famously dressed-up alpacas and llamas for unique photos! :camerawithflash:
🍹 Try the Colca Sour
Don't miss the local Pisco Sour with Sancayo fruit. A must-try unique drink! 🍹
💰 Support Local Artisans
Purchase souvenirs to help the local economy recover from past earthquakes. :shopping_bags:
⛰️ Altitude Awareness
Be mindful of the high altitude; the Colca Sour can be potent. ⛰️
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Pose with the famously dressed-up alpacas and llamas for unique photos! :camerawithflash:
🍹 Try the Colca Sour
Don't miss the local Pisco Sour with Sancayo fruit. A must-try unique drink! 🍹
💰 Support Local Artisans
Purchase souvenirs to help the local economy recover from past earthquakes. :shopping_bags:
⛰️ Altitude Awareness
Be mindful of the high altitude; the Colca Sour can be potent. ⛰️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maca is a charming, albeit touristy, stop on the way to Colca Canyon. Visitors enjoy the unique photo opportunities with dressed-up llamas and alpacas, and the chance to try local specialties like the Colca Sour. The town's resilience after an earthquake is also a notable aspect of the visit.
"I like it - yes it is tourist trap and arange, but we want it. Nice white church but main attractions are natives in peru clothes with cool arranged lamas to make nice photos. Plus many shop with tourist things and clothes and restaurants and bars."
Pavel Vancak
"Weird and delightful stop in pretty much all tours to Colca Canyon. The square turns into a carnival for tourist, with the center stage firmly occupied by llamas wearing sunglasses and with their hair combed, that look like they came out of a Star Wars movie. They are there for you to take a picture with them, for which you give a small donation to the locals, dressed in traditional costumes for you. On the square you can also buy a a local pisco sour made with the Sancayo fruit, only found in this region (I believe it is a fruit of the cactus), but go easy on the alcohol or that, mixed with the high elevation, will make the lifelike statues of people on the square look like they are alive.... and they are doing weird things when you are sober (like holding a fox, piggyback carrying a guy with a robber's balaclava and so on). The town is still reeling from an earthquake that destroyed many, if not most buildings some 15-20 years ago and having busload after busload of tourists stopping by every single day surely is a huge relief for the local battered economy."
Niccolo' Bertoldi
"Must stop on the way to Colca Canyon. The nice ladies put sunglasses on the alpacas (which quite frankly everyone should be doing) and there is this weird statue of a dude that looks like Elvis holding a fox. We were very impressed by studmuffin Chocolate wearing his sunglasses and sweet little Luka giving kisses. Vendors sell ice cream and a local pisco sour featuring Sancayo fruit that is only found in that region. The town is collapsing because of an earthquake. Performers doing traditional dances. It’s a nice place to visit."
Andrea Kilgore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maca is a common stop on tours heading to the Colca Canyon. If traveling independently, it's accessible by bus from Arequipa, often as part of a multi-day Colca Canyon itinerary. Many tour operators include it as a scheduled stop.
Yes, Maca is a frequent and often mandatory stop for most tours traveling to and from the Colca Canyon, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
The most common way to experience Maca is as part of a guided tour to Colca Canyon, which ensures you don't miss the main attractions like the dressed-up animals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Maca itself. However, you'll likely pay for your tour to Colca Canyon, which includes this stop. Donations are expected for photos with the animals.
While the church is a landmark, there are typically no entrance fees. However, it has suffered damage from earthquakes, so access might be limited.
Taking photos with the alpacas and llamas dressed up usually involves a small donation to the local handlers. Expect to pay a few Peruvian Soles.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main draw is the lively main square where locals dress up alpacas and llamas for photos. You'll also find market stalls selling handicrafts and local food and drinks like the Colca Sour.
Sancayo is a fruit from a local cactus that is used to make the unique Colca Sour. It's a regional specialty you won't find elsewhere.
Maca, like many towns in the region, was significantly impacted by earthquakes years ago. Many buildings, including the church, are still in disrepair, and tourism is vital for the local economy's recovery.
Kids often enjoy seeing the dressed-up animals and the lively atmosphere of the square. The unique sights can be entertaining for younger travelers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The must-try is the 'Colca Sour,' a Pisco Sour variation made with the local Sancayo fruit. You can also find various snacks and handicrafts from local vendors.
Yes, there are several restaurants and bars catering to tourists, offering local and some international options. They are often part of the tour stop experience.
A Colca Sour typically costs around S/10 (Peruvian Soles), and you might find it for S/8 if you opt for one without Pisco.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are with the alpacas and llamas dressed in sunglasses and styled hair. The main square and the damaged church also offer unique photographic subjects.
The animals are usually quite accustomed to tourists, and their handlers are happy to assist with photo opportunities. The main challenge might be the crowds during peak times.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit