Full-Day Private Roadtrip to Marcahuasi Plateau from Lima
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness with the ability to hike uphill for 45–60 minutes at high altitude; basic stamina for several hours on uneven ground.
Overview
A private roadtrip from Lima to the high, otherworldly granite formations of Marcahuasi—an accessible but altitude-demanding day in the Andes. Expect a mix of comfort transport, a 45–60 minute uphill hike at 3,600 m, and three hours exploring stone formations that look eerily human.
Full-Day Private Roadtrip to Marcahuasi Plateau from Lima
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The day begins before sunrise, headlights carving a ribbon of light up the Panamericana and then onto a narrowing Andean road. As the city falls away, the air thins and the landscape sharpens: terraced hills give way to wind-polished rock and high-altitude grass. Your private SUV hums onward, stopping in the small plaza of San Pedro de Casta for a quick breakfast where locals fold fresh empanadas into paper and the guide checks passports and the community visitors’ book.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize before you go
Spend a night in Lima or a nearby town and avoid heavy exertion the day before; the plateau sits around 3,600 m where altitude sickness is possible.
Carry at least 2 liters of water
There are limited resupply points after San Pedro de Casta; hydrate frequently to reduce altitude effects.
Strong sun and cold wind
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a windproof layer—UV is intense even when temperatures feel cool.
Sturdy footwear for uneven granite
Wear supportive hiking boots with good grip—granite slabs and scree demand stable ankles and solid traction.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Vizcacha (rock-dwelling lagomorph)
- Andean hawks and occasional condors soaring above the plateau
History
Marcahuasi’s stone forms are natural granite tors shaped by millennia of freeze-thaw; local communities have used the highland routes since pre-Columbian times and maintain visitor registers.
Conservation
The puna ecosystem is fragile—stay on marked paths, pack out all trash and minimize drone disturbance to nesting birds and wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Lima
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Necessary for traction on granite slabs and uneven scree.
Layered clothing and windproof jacket
Temperatures swing from cold mornings to sunny middays; a wind layer is critical.
2–3L hydration system
Necessary to stay hydrated at altitude where dehydration accelerates.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50)
High-altitude UV is strong even when air feels cool—protect skin and eyes.