Marcahuasi

Marcahuasi (or Marcawasi) is a plateau in the Andes mountain range, of volcanic origin with a size of 4 km2. In this place, the most popular sports are trekking and climbing.

Here you can find attractive lagoons and rocks that form amazing monuments, among them are: Laguna Cachu-Cachu, El Anfiteatro, El Valle de las Focas, Casa de Daniel Ruzo, Chulpas, Laguna Huacracocha, León Africano, Felino Sagrado, La Fortaleza, and El Monumento a la Vida.

Photo: marcahuasi.com

Location of Marcahuasi

Marcahuasi is located in the district of San Pedro de Casta, Province of Huarochirí, department of Lima; about 90 km from the city of Lima, at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, between the valleys of Santa Eulalia and Rímac, occupying an area of 3 km2. It is located near the town of San Pedro de Casta (at 3,350 meters above sea level and characterized by its cobbled streets and the beautiful balconies of its old houses).

• Climate and temperature

Between January and April: Rainfalls and cloudy skies during most of the day and all night, average temperature of 22°C during the day and 7°C at night.

Between April and July: Clear skies and strong cold at night, average temperature of 27°C during the day and 6°C at night.

Between July and October: Intense sun during the day and very cold at night, average temperature of 24°C during the day and 5°C at night.

Between October and December: Intense sun until noon, then cloudy and cold at night, average temperature of 21°C during the day and 6°C at night.

• Altitude of Marcahuasi

It ranges from 3350 meters above sea level in San Pedro de Casta to almost 4000 meters above sea level on the Marcahuasi mountain.

 How to get to Marcahuasi?

To get to Marcahuasi, we must first reach San Pedro de Casta. How to get to San Pedro de Casta? To get there, you have to take the Central Highway, pass Ñaña, Chaclacayo, and Chosica, and at kilometer 37.5 take the left turn, which leads to Santa Eulalia. Then you must cross the Autisha bridge and continue to the right until you reach San Pedro de Casta, located at 3,180 meters above sea level and 80 kilometers from Lima, characterized by its cobbled streets and the beautiful balconies of its old houses. A huge church stands in its sloping square and from there the journey to Marcahuasi begins. This circuit can be done on horseback (3 hours) or on foot (approximately 6 hours). See also: trekking in Marcahuasi

• First part

If you are coming from downtown Lima or Callao, you must reach Av. Paseo Colón and take the minibuses heading to Chosica.

If you are in south Lima, you have to reach Av. Javier Prado and take a minibus to Santa Anita Roundabout and then take the bus to Chosica.

If you are coming from the north, you must take the Evitamiento highway, get off at Santa Anita bridge, and then take the minibus to Chosica. The fare is approximately 5 nuevos soles and the travel time is 2 hours.

• Second part

Upon arriving in Chosica, you must go to Echenique Park and head about 120 meters north of the park to Libertad Street where the bus stop for San Pedro de Casta is located. The price varies between 10 and 15 nuevos soles on regular days, and 20 and 30 on long holidays. The travel time is 3 hours.

• Third part

Upon reaching the town of San Pedro de Casta, you must go to the tourism office located in front of the square, register and pay the entrance fee to Marcahuasi, the rates are as follows:

- 5 nuevos soles for national adults

- 10 nuevos soles for foreigners

There you can request more information about Marcahuasi, hire pack animals, and agencies with guides for the journey.

Adventure Sports practiced in Marcahuasi

The 2 sports practiced in this site are:

• Trekking
• Rock Climbing

The first one usually starts from the town of San Pedro de Casta until reaching the mountain range (lasting approximately 4 hours) and the second one is practiced on the same mountain.

Extra Notes: Marcahuasi Tourism

Marcahuasi is a good place for camping, there are monuments where one can get comfortable and set up a camp. Recommended sites for overnight stays are the cabins, located near the Monument to Humanity; La Fortaleza, located on the opposite side of the town of San Pedro de Casta; and the best camping spot is the amphitheater, which is protected from the cold and wind thanks to the rocks that cover it and form a kind of stadium.

It is said that Marcahuasi is a good place for UFO sightings, there are many stories of encounters with extraterrestrials, and local experts say that to see one you have to endure climbing to the highest point of the mountain. The night view is amazing, you can uniquely observe the starry sky, it is a great experience for people who choose to spend the night there.

Other attractions of the place are the mysteries surrounding the monuments, according to their discoverer and researcher Daniel Ruzo, the soul of those who go to Marcahuasi will be welcomed by the deepest of human emotions.

Get out of the city routine and venture into the adventure that awaits you in Marcahuasi, it is a unique experience. Gather your group of companions and head towards Huarochirí.

Photo: marcahuasitours.com