Marcahuasi
Marcahuasi
4.5
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4.5
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Carla S
Willemstad, Curaçao48 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
I went with a large group on our own some years ago, but never thought it was possible to leave a review about Marcahuasi. This place is MAGIC. We spent 1 night there and the experience was amazing. It is a unique spot in the world I would say, where you are far away from the civilization, and can explore the area watching the surreal shapes of the rocks and specially "feeling" the magic that this place has. Just go prepared, there is NOTHING there, so you will have to bring enough food and water for your stay.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgar
Miami, FL11 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
This is more of a guide on how to get to Marcahuasi for a one day trip than a review:
The first thing that you must know: This hike is not for unacclimatized beginners.
This is one of the thousand hidden gems in Peru, not a very well known place but its worth the trip. Here are a few facts that you should know before taking this journey:
1. It located in a very high area of Peru, reaching up to 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) over sea level, you must be acclimatized, or bring enough medicine and persona oxygen tanks just in case.
2. The trip to reach Marcahuasi from Lima takes roughly 6 hours, depending in which part of town you live.
3. There are day tours that you may take at most travel agencies that will charge around $300 per person which will include transportation, food and a guided tour to the summit of the plateau, however, if you want to truly experience this journey I recommend that you do it on your own following the tips and I will include below.
4. Contrary to most opinions, you CAN make this trip in one day, and it is completely worth it.
What to Bring:
- Roughly $50-75 in cash per person in local currency
- Warm clothes, gloves, a hat, boots and a poncho
- No need to bring food, water or snacks as there is a small restaurant near marcahuasi where you may buy to-go sandwiches for less than $2
- Sunscreen
- If you are a beginner, consider buying a personal oxygen tank at any pharmacy, and some dramamine or sorojchi pills
How to Begin this Journey:
My cousin and I completed this journey in one day and it was completely spontaneous. We got off to a very early start, around 4am. We took El Chosicano bus which makes several stops along the way and it only costs 5 Soles (US$ 1.50) make sure you ask the bus attendant that you wish to get off at Parque Echenique in Chosica (https://goo.gl/maps/sALdp), which is about an hour from Lima. Once you reach this park walk a few feet over to the intersection between El Sol St. and Parque Echenique St. Here you will find several “Colectivos” which are taxi cabs that will take you to several local destinations along with other passengers onboard. You probably will not see a sign for Marcahuasi, but you can ask any of the drivers to take you to a small town called San Pedro de Casta, do not pay more than 120 Soles (US$ 30.00), at this time you should also ask for his phone number and negotiate a price for him to come pick you up at 4pm.
IMPORTANT: There are public buses that take you to San Pedro de Casta and back but they are not reliable and are never on time, so unless you want to stay the night you must arrange transportation back to Chosica.
The trip up to San Pedro de Casta (https://goo.gl/maps/MXngY) is roughly 1.5 hours. You will be dropped off at the Tourist Center near the Main Square. Here is where you pay the Marcahuasi entrance fee which is 5 Soles (US$ 1.50) for Peruvian Nationals and 10 Soles (US$ 3.00) for Foreign Visitors. At this place you may also ask for a guide and a horse, the cost of the horse is 20 Soles (US$ 6.00) and the guide does not charge but donations are encouraged (US$ 10.00 suggested). While you wait on the guide, you may step next door to one of the only restaurants in town, here you may purchase water, sandwiches, mate de coca and other snacks.
Once the guide arrives with your horse, it will take about 2 hrs to reach the summit, at some places you must get off the horse and do some walking, especially when the rocks are wet as they are too slippery for the horses to climb. Once you reach the summit the views are spectacular, the rock formations are noticeable and there are plenty of places to take photographs and relax. At the plateau you may choose to camp and they guide will come back the next day or if you are taking a day trip you can spend some time walking around and touring the place for about 2hrs, which is plenty of time to see all the rock formations.
At this time you will begin your descent back to San Pedro de Casta, once you get signal make sure you call the cab driver to come pick you up. While you are waiting on him you may tour around the city, make sure you stop by El Mirador. When you get to Chosica you may take any bus back to Lima and you will arrive to your destination in the evening with plenty of photographs and the satisfaction of having completed your journey to Marcahuasi.
Send me a message if you have any questions!
The first thing that you must know: This hike is not for unacclimatized beginners.
This is one of the thousand hidden gems in Peru, not a very well known place but its worth the trip. Here are a few facts that you should know before taking this journey:
1. It located in a very high area of Peru, reaching up to 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) over sea level, you must be acclimatized, or bring enough medicine and persona oxygen tanks just in case.
2. The trip to reach Marcahuasi from Lima takes roughly 6 hours, depending in which part of town you live.
3. There are day tours that you may take at most travel agencies that will charge around $300 per person which will include transportation, food and a guided tour to the summit of the plateau, however, if you want to truly experience this journey I recommend that you do it on your own following the tips and I will include below.
4. Contrary to most opinions, you CAN make this trip in one day, and it is completely worth it.
What to Bring:
- Roughly $50-75 in cash per person in local currency
- Warm clothes, gloves, a hat, boots and a poncho
- No need to bring food, water or snacks as there is a small restaurant near marcahuasi where you may buy to-go sandwiches for less than $2
- Sunscreen
- If you are a beginner, consider buying a personal oxygen tank at any pharmacy, and some dramamine or sorojchi pills
How to Begin this Journey:
My cousin and I completed this journey in one day and it was completely spontaneous. We got off to a very early start, around 4am. We took El Chosicano bus which makes several stops along the way and it only costs 5 Soles (US$ 1.50) make sure you ask the bus attendant that you wish to get off at Parque Echenique in Chosica (https://goo.gl/maps/sALdp), which is about an hour from Lima. Once you reach this park walk a few feet over to the intersection between El Sol St. and Parque Echenique St. Here you will find several “Colectivos” which are taxi cabs that will take you to several local destinations along with other passengers onboard. You probably will not see a sign for Marcahuasi, but you can ask any of the drivers to take you to a small town called San Pedro de Casta, do not pay more than 120 Soles (US$ 30.00), at this time you should also ask for his phone number and negotiate a price for him to come pick you up at 4pm.
IMPORTANT: There are public buses that take you to San Pedro de Casta and back but they are not reliable and are never on time, so unless you want to stay the night you must arrange transportation back to Chosica.
The trip up to San Pedro de Casta (https://goo.gl/maps/MXngY) is roughly 1.5 hours. You will be dropped off at the Tourist Center near the Main Square. Here is where you pay the Marcahuasi entrance fee which is 5 Soles (US$ 1.50) for Peruvian Nationals and 10 Soles (US$ 3.00) for Foreign Visitors. At this place you may also ask for a guide and a horse, the cost of the horse is 20 Soles (US$ 6.00) and the guide does not charge but donations are encouraged (US$ 10.00 suggested). While you wait on the guide, you may step next door to one of the only restaurants in town, here you may purchase water, sandwiches, mate de coca and other snacks.
Once the guide arrives with your horse, it will take about 2 hrs to reach the summit, at some places you must get off the horse and do some walking, especially when the rocks are wet as they are too slippery for the horses to climb. Once you reach the summit the views are spectacular, the rock formations are noticeable and there are plenty of places to take photographs and relax. At the plateau you may choose to camp and they guide will come back the next day or if you are taking a day trip you can spend some time walking around and touring the place for about 2hrs, which is plenty of time to see all the rock formations.
At this time you will begin your descent back to San Pedro de Casta, once you get signal make sure you call the cab driver to come pick you up. While you are waiting on him you may tour around the city, make sure you stop by El Mirador. When you get to Chosica you may take any bus back to Lima and you will arrive to your destination in the evening with plenty of photographs and the satisfaction of having completed your journey to Marcahuasi.
Send me a message if you have any questions!
Written 6 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaysuzan
Royal Palm Beach, FL16 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
Known as a place existing outside of the boundaries of time, the Markawasi Stone Forest rises majestically 12,800 feet above the world on the western Andean ridge; lying at its base along the Pacific coastline is the city of Lima, Peru. Punctuating the ancient landscape of this three-mile long, tabletop mountain are massive carved effigies, including curious replicas of unknown human races and long-extinct animals. Among the effigies may be found mind-boggling images of winged sphinxes, elephants, camels, and animals which are unknown to this age and continent. With its sixteen carved faces of the Races of Man, the massive Monument to Humanity stands out as the most spectacular and prominent structure, dominating the landscape. There are many important facets of Markawasi, all pieces of an incredible, complex puzzle. For the ancient healers, a rich pharmacopoeia of medicinal plants, the bounty of the mesa, provided remedy of physical and spiritual ailments. Twenty-two energy vortexes, called “cruzes”, or crosses, carved in stone, each having a specific healing power, are easily visible on the plateau and have an undeniable energy that can be felt without any special preparation or sensitivity; spontaneous cases of healings have been reported. From the mountain the landscape diminishes into the distance, calling attention to the abysses and plummeting stairways, shrouded in mist. On clear nights, the stars descend so close that one could nearly touch them.
Written 4 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IntrepidExplorerGal
San Francisco, CA2 contributions
Apr 2011 • Couples
At 12,000 feet above sea level and just east of Lima in the high mountains overlooking the Pacific ocean, Markawasi is a quietly beautiful, mystical place where it is easy to believe that anything can happen. A perfect example of that was on our recent journey to the Markawasi stone forest of Peru. We followed the route laid out in the new book about the site, Markawasi. Our mountain guide and his cheerful staff were wonderful! How else can you explain creating a campsite comparable to a mini-Hilton hotel at the top of the world? They were very knowledgeable about trekking, hiking and camping in the Andes, and pointed out the two most popular routes for viewing the astonishing stone monuments, including the 80' high Peca Gasha monument with 14 faces. We ate very well and even had hot chocolate and marshmallow's to roast on the huge bonfire every night! We would recommend taking a professional tour as it includes services and gear that you wouldn't normally travel with or find to rent on your own. Our trip included first aid tools, including an oxygen tank, necessary to fight the effects of high altitude sickness called 'soroche', a phone to communicate with the base camp, dining tent, and a 2nd thick pad to put under my sleeping bag. We even had private "bathrooms" (there are no toilet facilities of any kind on the mesa), and a tented dining area with chairs added to our comfort. If we needed to return to camp we were provided assistance, our guides continuously checked our water consumption and fatigue levels, and provided frequent rests. Everything, food, tents, etc. must be packed up the mountain by mule, so the effort of a professional mountain crew is much appreciated. Nice camping at over 12,000 feet elevation! They made it all seem so easy but I know they worked very hard so that we could have a wonderful and unforgettable experience in Markawasi!
Written 26 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaysuzan
Royal Palm Beach, FL16 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
An extraordinary site at the top of the world! At 12,000' during the "dry" season, May through October, one finds good trails and conditions; warmest nights are September/October for camping. A small hotel in the village of San Pedro provides base for day treks. Here one may rent gear, buy food, and hire burros and horses for the ascent to the plateau-- a 2-hour easy stride along winding trails with stunning scenery. Reaching the flat top plateau one finds great day trek for most fitness levels. We followed the maps and recommendations as featured in the beautiful hardcover book by Kathy Doore, "Markawasi Peru's Inexplicable Stone Forest". Contributing their thoughts on the enigma of Markawasi are a group of notable experts including Boston University professor of geology and geophysics, Robert M. Schoch best known for his re-dating of the Great Sphinx of Egypt, Machu Picchu archaeologist, Marino Sanchez, and Lima artist, Javier Ruzo, who comments on his grandfathers legacy. Journalist, Lisa Rome, contributes an historical retrospective, while Peter E. Schneider and Sean Adair provide stunning photography. A collection of personal memoirs, illuminating the deeper mysteries surrounding the enigma of Markawasi (Marcahuasi) are prominently featured. In addition to weaving the cultural, historical, and often magical lore associated with the ancient Peruvian mesa into an incredible tapestry of dazzling images, illustrations, and walking maps are over 400 illustrations, maps, and color photos, travel tips, a camping guide, and advice on high-altitude travel. This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone seriously considering the trek!
Written 26 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marblecake8
Lima, Lima, Peru4 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
Disclaimer: If you are afraid of heights you probably shouldn't go to Marcahuasi. The 4-hour bus ride up the mountain is exciting and beautiful but I was not prepared for some of those drops!
Marcahuasi is a great spot to go in Peru if you don't want to be surrounded by tourists. It is BEAUTIFUL at the top during the day, but the nights are freezing. Make sure to rent mattress pads (if it rains you WILL want these), a warm sleeping bag and tents in San Pedro. Also a donkey to carry everything up! And if you speak Spanish, a guide is a worthwhile investment (and so reasonably priced) because some of the rock formations are difficult to see without someone pointing them out, also the guides know about the ruins on top of the mountain. You feel so secluded from the outside world in such an amazingly beautiful place, I would definitely go back.
Another reason to go to Marcahuasi is that all of the money that you spend in San Pedro goes directly to the people (I believe). You rent donkeys from one family and tents from another and then another guide. This village has decided to do all of the tourism themselves to avoid being taken over by outside businesses like Aguas Calientes. It is a great way to support an rural Peruvian village, and the people in San Pedro are some of the kindest I met in Peru.
!
Marcahuasi is a great spot to go in Peru if you don't want to be surrounded by tourists. It is BEAUTIFUL at the top during the day, but the nights are freezing. Make sure to rent mattress pads (if it rains you WILL want these), a warm sleeping bag and tents in San Pedro. Also a donkey to carry everything up! And if you speak Spanish, a guide is a worthwhile investment (and so reasonably priced) because some of the rock formations are difficult to see without someone pointing them out, also the guides know about the ruins on top of the mountain. You feel so secluded from the outside world in such an amazingly beautiful place, I would definitely go back.
Another reason to go to Marcahuasi is that all of the money that you spend in San Pedro goes directly to the people (I believe). You rent donkeys from one family and tents from another and then another guide. This village has decided to do all of the tourism themselves to avoid being taken over by outside businesses like Aguas Calientes. It is a great way to support an rural Peruvian village, and the people in San Pedro are some of the kindest I met in Peru.
!
Written 24 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael_Stone2013
Houston, TX1 contribution
Dec 2013 • Couples
The air is thin, the hike I would rate as moderate to difficult, it is all uphill going and all downhill returning... But IT IS worth it. Be sure to hire a guide or you will probably get lost in this incredible place. If the sun is out, you will get burned. At night it is very cold and you will not be disappointed by the star show. If you're lucky and watch the stars for a while you might see something unexplainable like a light where no light should be and moving in different directions before rising high in the sky. Our guide could not explain it. The rock formation will amaze you, the views are some of the best, the people are few but very friendly.
Written 23 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blckmmb
Gypsum, CO128 contributions
Oct 2012 • Family
Great hiking and scenery. Only a few hours from Lima but over 13,000 feet high, these mountains are not for beginners. Hike up to the "Stone Forest" a you'll be rewarded with amazing shapes carved in ancient stones. A human faces with innumerable, different silhouettes, and pre-Inca ruins.
Written 6 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fransie w
20 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
While the rocks are fascinating to see and the scenery is amazing, I wish I had known that the only camping area would be packed full of possibly hundreds of people, tents, stray dogs, loads of rubbish, alcohol, very drunk loud people and loud music till about 4.30am. I went expecting a quiet, spiritual experience, so got a rude shock with the party atmosphere and no sleep. Not sure if it is always like this. Worth a visit to see the interesting rocks which appear to have faces and other likenesses. Very unique.
Written 1 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan S
57 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Go camping, hire a donkey to carry your things, and see the most dramatic rock formations and scenery in the world. Seriously. Don't know how more people don't know, but probably for the best.
This is for real travelers, not tourists. Requires a terrifying ride up the mountain along cliffsides in old buses, the town is very local, no hotels here, only camping. You need to be able to speak some Spanish to hire a donkey or anything here.
Rent tents in Lima before!
Come for one night, watch sunrise and sunset. Freezing at night except in summer!
This is for real travelers, not tourists. Requires a terrifying ride up the mountain along cliffsides in old buses, the town is very local, no hotels here, only camping. You need to be able to speak some Spanish to hire a donkey or anything here.
Rent tents in Lima before!
Come for one night, watch sunrise and sunset. Freezing at night except in summer!
Written 14 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liliana A
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
Hi, thank you for sharing your experience. Did you feel unsafe regarding burglars?
Written 6 September 2022
Hey! No, not at all, but I was not alone. At the camping site I didn't feel unsafe either. :)
Written 26 December 2022
Hola, queria saber si han viajado a marcahuasi con sus hijos pequeños. Mi niño tiene 6 años y estoy pensando en viajar con él pero quería saber si no habia problemas en cuando a la altura y el frio. Si pudieran ayudarme con eso les agradecería bastante!
Written 24 June 2022
Hola, quisiera saber si se puede acampar en el anfiteatro, quiero ir con unos amigos este sábado...
Written 11 November 2019
Si claro que puedes acampar , en San Pedro de Casta están los guías y de allí ahora pueden subir en carro hasta una parte luego caminar por media hora hacia el anfiteatro, espero tengas una experiencia maravillosa
Written 12 November 2019
Rosinka18
Charlotte, North Carolina
Hi, Is it easy to drive car to Marcahuasi ? or it is required some sort of mounting driving experience?
Written 5 September 2018
My husband and I would like to go to Marcahuassi from Lima Peru, leaving on the 17th of june and coming back on the 18th. WE do not want to do it in our own since next day we have a flight to Cuzco and do not want to take risks, what travel agency or tour can we contact to make this possible? THANKS
Written 6 June 2018
Is it possible not camping in Marcahuasi?
I was thinking about sleeping in some hostel and returning to Lima the next morning. It's possible?
Written 1 June 2018
Oi Alexandre. Bom dia! Por favor, me indique o hotel que ficou e como chegou até Marcahausi. Obrigada.
Written 26 May 2018
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