Marcahuasi Plateau Lima
Explore the mystical Marcahuasi Plateau, a high-altitude wonder near Lima, famed for its ancient stone figures and dazzling starry nights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies for stargazing
Marcahuasi Plateau Lima
Best Time
Clear skies for stargazing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the mystical Marcahuasi Plateau, a high-altitude wonder near Lima, famed for its ancient stone figures and dazzling starry nights.
"The experience was well worth it, despite the long journey from Lima!"
🎯 Early Start is Key
Depart Lima before 8 AM to catch the crucial bus to San Pedro de Casta.
💰 Budget-Friendly Travel
Aim for around S/48-S/50 for transport and entry, excluding food.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stone Monoliths
Marcahuasi Plateau
Discover ancient stone formations resembling animals and human figures, sparking imagination and wonder.
Milky Way & Stargazing
Marcahuasi Plateau
Experience an incredibly clear night sky, perfect for astrophotography and witnessing the Milky Way.
Cloud Inversions
Marcahuasi Plateau
Witness breathtaking 'cloud mattresses' forming below, creating a surreal and magical landscape.
Sunsets and Sunrises
Marcahuasi Plateau
Catch spectacular sunrises and sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Andean landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Journey
Packing Essentials for Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Early Start is Key
Depart Lima before 8 AM to catch the crucial bus to San Pedro de Casta.
💰 Budget-Friendly Travel
Aim for around S/48-S/50 for transport and entry, excluding food. +1
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Nights get very cold! Bring warm clothing, a good sleeping bag if camping. 
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking for hours, so sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes are essential.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Early Start is Key
Depart Lima before 8 AM to catch the crucial bus to San Pedro de Casta.
💰 Budget-Friendly Travel
Aim for around S/48-S/50 for transport and entry, excluding food. +1
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Nights get very cold! Bring warm clothing, a good sleeping bag if camping.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking for hours, so sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes are essential.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially given the altitude.
🌌 Astrophotography Gear
Bring tripods and cameras for incredible Milky Way shots.
🐴 Horseback Option
If hiking is too strenuous, horses are available for hire to reach the plateau.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Adventures
Marcahuasi is a great spot for adventurous pets too!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Marcahuasi offers a truly unique and breathtaking experience, with its surreal stone formations and spectacular night skies being major highlights. While the journey from Lima can be long and tiring, most visitors find the effort well worth it for the unforgettable views and sense of wonder. The altitude and cold at night are common considerations, but manageable with proper preparation.
"Marcahuasi is one of the most interesting places I’ve ever visited. Although it took quite a long time to get there from Lima, the experience was well worth it!"
Atlas
"Great hike, very tiring with the altitude but the view is spectacular. Not sure I would do it again with how long it takes to get there and back."
Cristina Soria
"Beautiful day trip from Lima! Strongly recommended."
Saurabh Das
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey typically starts with a bus or 'colectivo' from Lima (e.g., Jirón Chota or Santa Anita) to Chosica (around S/8-S/15). From Chosica, take another bus or 'colectivo' to San Pedro de Casta (approx. S/15-S/20). The final ascent to Marcahuasi can be a 3-hour hike or a paid ride. +3
Many travelers opt for public transport, taking buses or 'colectivos' to Chosica and then to San Pedro de Casta. This is generally the most budget-friendly option. +3
The total travel time can range from 4 to 6 hours, depending on transfers and the mode of transport chosen. An early start is highly recommended.
Yes, it's possible to do a full day trip, but it will be a very long and tiring day. Many recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy the experience, especially for stargazing.
Yes, several travel agencies offer organized tours from Lima, which can simplify logistics and provide guided experiences.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for nationals is typically S/10, and for students, it might be slightly less. +2
You pay the entrance fee upon arrival in San Pedro de Casta, where you'll also receive information about the routes. +1
Besides the entrance fee, you might pay for transport to San Pedro de Casta, a mobility fee to the plateau (Portachuelo), and potentially horse rentals. +1
Generally, tickets are purchased on-site in San Pedro de Casta. However, for organized tours, booking in advance is usually required.
While there isn't a strict closing time for entry, it's best to arrive in San Pedro de Casta during daylight hours to arrange your ascent.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
Marcahuasi is famous for its unique stone monoliths resembling various figures, incredible stargazing opportunities (including the Milky Way), stunning cloud inversions, and beautiful sunrise/sunset views.
Yes, Marcahuasi offers great hiking opportunities. The trek from San Pedro de Casta can be challenging due to altitude, but the views are spectacular.
The Marcahuasi Plateau is located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters (approximately 13,000 feet) above sea level.
Camping is a popular activity at Marcahuasi, allowing visitors to experience the night sky and early morning views. Designated camping areas are available.
Dress in layers! Bring warm clothing, including a jacket, hat, and gloves, as temperatures drop significantly at night. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
In San Pedro de Casta, you can find local restaurants offering set menus ('menú') for lunch. On the plateau itself, options are more limited, so bringing snacks is advisable. +1
A set menu in San Pedro de Casta can cost around S/10-S/15. Bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea to save money and ensure you have what you need. +1
Yes, firewood is often available for purchase in San Pedro de Casta if you plan to camp and have a bonfire.
Bringing your own snacks, water, and some easy-to-prepare meals is highly recommended, especially if you plan to camp overnight.
Local restaurants in San Pedro de Casta may offer simple vegetarian options, but it's best to inquire beforehand or bring your own food if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The stone monoliths, the vast plateau landscape, the 'cloud mattresses,' and especially the night sky for astrophotography are prime spots.
Absolutely! Marcahuasi is renowned for its incredibly clear night skies, making it a dream destination for capturing the Milky Way and stars.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for landscapes. Daytime is great for exploring the monoliths, and nighttime is unparalleled for stargazing.
While any camera can capture the beauty, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens is ideal for astrophotography. A tripod is essential.
There are no specific photography restrictions mentioned, but always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1For a more comfortable experience, consider hiring horses for the ascent from San Pedro de Casta, which can make the journey more manageable for younger legs. Camping overnight allows for a more relaxed pace, but ensure you have appropriate gear for cold nights. Some families have successfully brought their pets, highlighting that it can be a pet-friendly adventure with proper preparation.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, pack your own food and water. While there are eateries in San Pedro de Casta, bringing snacks and meals for your stay on the plateau will be more economical. If camping, consider sharing costs for firewood or bringing your own. The experience of camping under the stars is a major draw and a free activity once you're there.
🌌 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Bring your tripod and camera gear to make the most of these opportunities. Daytime photography is equally rewarding, with the unique stone monoliths and dramatic landscapes providing endless subjects. Don't miss the golden hours for sunrise and sunset, which paint the plateau with stunning colors.
Remember to pack extra batteries, as the cold can drain them faster, and consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the vastness of the landscape and the night sky.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Journey: Lima to Marcahuasi
Once in San Pedro de Casta, you'll need to register and pay the entrance fee. From here, you have a choice: hike the approximately three-hour trail to the plateau or hire a horse. The hike is rewarding but demanding due to the altitude, while horses offer a more comfortable, albeit paid, ascent.
Key takeaway: Plan your transport meticulously, start early, and consider acclimatization to make the journey smoother. The effort is consistently described as 'well worth it' for the unique experience awaiting you.
The Magic of Marcahuasi Nights
+1 Astrophotographers find Marcahuasi to be a dream location, with clear skies offering incredible opportunities to capture stunning celestial photographs. Camping on the plateau allows you to fully immerse yourself in this nocturnal spectacle. Imagine waking up to a sky filled with countless stars, or witnessing the ethereal glow of the Milky Way stretching across the horizon.
While the cold at night is a significant factor, requiring warm sleeping gear and clothing, the experience of sleeping under such a magnificent sky is often described as unforgettable and deeply moving. +1Pro-tip: If astrophotography is your goal, bring a sturdy tripod and a camera capable of good low-light performance. Even without professional gear, simply lying back and gazing at the stars is a profound experience that makes the journey to Marcahuasi incredibly rewarding.
Exploring the Stone Sculptures
These natural sculptures are a testament to the erosive power of wind and weather over millennia. While some are more obvious than others, the fun lies in spotting them and letting your imagination run wild.
Remember: Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to discover these natural wonders. The altitude can make the exploration more challenging, so pace yourself and enjoy the unique geological artistry of Marcahuasi.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit