Marcahuasi Night Camping: 2-Day Hike from Lima to the Stone Plateau
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days (full trip; ~8–10 hours hiking total)
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and experience with full‑day hikes at altitude; able to ascend 800–850 m over several hours.
Overview
Trade Lima’s smog for an austere Andean plateau and a night under a sky that feels close enough to touch. This 2‑day hike to Marcahuasi combines a steep high‑altitude ascent, campfire dinners, and sunrise exploration of giant granite figures.
Marcahuasi Night Camping: 2-Day Hike from Lima to the Stone Plateau
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The bus hums away from Lima and the city smears into a horizon of terraces and low Andean peaks. Three hours later you step out in San Pedro de Casta (3,180 m) beneath a high, brittle sky—the kind of blue that pinches skin and sharpens breath. After a hot plate of local stew, the guide points up: a ragged line of granite silhouettes on the distant rim is Marcahuasi. By late afternoon you climb cobbled village paths that give way to tussock grass and stony switchbacks; the plateau waits at roughly 4,000 m, about 800–850 m above the trailhead.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimate beforehand
Spend a day at moderate altitude or take it easy the morning of departure to reduce risk of altitude sickness.
Bring sun protection
High‑altitude UV is intense—use sunscreen, sunglasses and a brimmed hat even on cool days.
Poles for uphill
Trekking poles reduce knee strain on the 800–850 m ascent and provide balance on cobbled sections.
Keep water accessible
Carry at least 2–3 L in your daypack and sip frequently; the operator provides vehicle hydration but rationing at altitude is common.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Vizcacha (rock‑dwelling rodent)
- Andean fox (culpeo)
History
Marcahuasi gained attention in the 1930s when researcher Daniel Ruzo promoted its stone figures; local Quechua communities have long tied the formations to cosmology and storytelling.
Conservation
The high‑altitude puna recovers slowly; use provided firewood, pack out waste and avoid carving or moving rock features to protect the fragile landscape.
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Adventure Hotspots in Lima
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mid‑height hiking boots
Sturdy traction and ankle support for cobbled paths and rocky scrambles.
Insulated down or synthetic jacket
Nights on the plateau are frigid—bring a warm, compressible outer layer.
winter specific
Headlamp with extra batteries
Essential for camp tasks, nighttime walks and early departures for sunrise.
Trekking poles
Helpful for steep ascents and protecting knees on descent.