Marcahuasi hike from Lima: 4x4 to remote Andean plateau

Ride into the highlands and hike across wind-sculpted stone

A full-day guided hike to Marcahuasi plateau departing from Lima in a private 4x4 vehicle, with breakfast in Santa Eulalia, entrance tickets and an experienced guide who specializes in mountain terrain. The route climbs to 3,700 meters above sea level across remote Andean landscapes, passing through Chosica and the village gateway of San Pedro de Casta before reaching the plateau's ancient structures and surreal rock formations. Moderate to strong fitness is required. The tour runs 10 to 12 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Miraflorespassing by
2. Marcahuasi2h · entry included

4x4 trip and Marcahuasi hike

• Pick up and depart Lima
• Pass through Chosica town
• Stop in Santa Eulalia for breakfast
• Stop in San Pedro de Casta for tickets
• Hike Marcahuasi plateau

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Lima location and a 3- to 4-hour drive inland in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle designed for mountain roads. As you leave the city behind, the landscape shifts from urban sprawl to open terrain, then to the foothills of the Andes. The vehicle carries a maximum of four to five passengers, so the ride stays intimate and the driver can adjust pace and stops to the group. You'll pass through Chosica (known locally as "The City of the Sun" for its clear skies, a sharp contrast to Lima's winter fog), and then descend briefly into Santa Eulalia, a town that sits at the natural threshold of the highlands.

In Santa Eulalia, you'll stop for a traditional local breakfast before the final push upward. From there, the road climbs toward San Pedro de Casta, a small village that serves as the trailhead. You'll collect your entrance tickets here and prepare for the hike itself. The plateau sits at 3,700 meters above sea level, so the ascent is real. The guide will pace the walk to match the group and watch for signs of altitude. Bottled water and a first aid kit travel with you, and the guide carries oxygen as a precaution.

Once on the Marcahuasi plateau, the landscape opens into something few travelers reach. Wind and rain have carved the rock formations into shapes that seem almost deliberate: ancient structures built by early inhabitants stand among them, adding to the sense of stepping into another time. The hike itself crosses the plateau's stunning terrain, and the guide will point out the geological and cultural layers as you walk. The whole experience (drive, breakfast, hike, descent) takes 10 to 12 hours, so plan the day accordingly and wear layers. Mountain weather can shift quickly.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Lima location.
• air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle with a maximum of four to five passengers.
• experienced guide specializing in hiking and mountain terrain, available in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• traditional breakfast in Santa Eulalia.
• entrance tickets to the Marcahuasi plateau.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• first aid kit and oxygen cylinder for safety at altitude.

Options for this experience

2 options

Full-day exclusive 4x4 trip to Marcahuasi for hiking, from LimaUp to 15 people · Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 05:00Pickup is included

Private Experience Full-DayUp to 8 people · Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 05:00Lasts 10 hours, with snacks and water. Private tour; pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 to 79 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by viagent/Xploreperu

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to reach Marcahuasi without the standard crowded routes and long hikes that most day trips follow: the 4x4 access and small group size mean you'll spend more time on the plateau itself and less time on logistics. The early breakfast and experienced mountain guide make the altitude manageable for travelers with moderate fitness. If you're new to high-altitude hiking, the pacing and support make a real difference.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual hike on the Marcahuasi plateau itself?

The hike across the Marcahuasi plateau is part of the full 10- to 12-hour day, which includes the 3- to 4-hour drive from Lima, breakfast stop, and the return journey. The guide will pace the walk to match your group's fitness level and the altitude, so the exact time on the plateau varies, but you'll have substantial time to explore the rock formations and ancient structures.

What's the drive like from Lima to the trailhead?

The drive takes 3 to 4 hours in a 4x4 vehicle and climbs steadily as you leave the city. You'll pass through Chosica and Santa Eulalia, stopping for breakfast in Santa Eulalia before the final ascent to San Pedro de Casta, where the hike begins. The vehicle is air-conditioned and carries no more than four to five passengers, so the ride is comfortable even as the terrain gets steeper.

What altitude will I reach, and do I need to be concerned about altitude sickness?

The Marcahuasi plateau sits at 3,700 meters (12,100 feet) above sea level. The guide is experienced with mountain terrain and will pace the hike to help your body adjust. Bottled water and oxygen are carried as precautions. Travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness. Those with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries are not recommended for this tour.

What's included in the tour price, and what should I budget separately?

The tour includes pickup from Lima, the 4x4 vehicle, a traditional breakfast in Santa Eulalia, bottled water, entrance tickets to the plateau, and a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. Lunch is not included, so bring snacks or plan to eat in one of the villages. Tips for the guide are customary but separate.

Can I book this as a private tour, or will I be with other travelers?

You can book a private experience for your group, or join a shared service starting from one person. Shared tours are capped at four to five passengers per vehicle, so even group departures stay small and personalized.

What should I bring, and what's the weather like at that altitude?

Bring layers. The highlands are cool, especially in the morning and evening, and weather can change quickly. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, sunscreen, a hat and a light rain jacket. The plateau is exposed, so sun protection matters even on cloudy days. Start with warm clothes and shed layers as you warm up during the hike.