Private Marcahuasi plateau tour from Lima: hike the Andes

Hike to the Marcahuasi amphitheater and walk the plateau on your own terms

A full-day private tour from Lima to the Marcahuasi plateau in the Andes, with SUV transport, a professional guide in English or Spanish, breakfast, and a 45–60 minute uphill walk to 3,600m elevation. You spend roughly 3 hours on the plateau exploring the main attractions and the landscape. The tour includes pickup from Lima and stops at Santa Eulalia for breakfast and San Pedro de Casta to register with the local community before the climb.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private roadtrip to Marcahuasi plateau

• Stop at Santa Eulalia for breakfast
• Stop at Autisha canyon bridge for photos
• Register at San Pedro de Casta visitor book
• Buy water and snacks in San Pedro de Casta
• Walk uphill 45-60 minutes to Marcahuasi amphitheater
• Tour Marcahuasi plateau attractions for 3 hours

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from Lima and a drive to Santa Eulalia, where you stop for a light breakfast at a local restaurant and access to facilities. From there the route continues to the Autisha canyon bridge — a photo stop — and then to San Pedro de Casta, the last point to buy water and snacks before the climb. You register in the visitor's book of the peasant community, a requirement for access to the plateau.

The walk up to Marcahuasi takes 45 to 60 minutes and gains significant elevation; the plateau sits above 3,600m, so the climb demands moderate fitness and acclimatization. Once you reach the amphitheater, the guide leads you through the main attractions across the plateau for approximately 3 hours. A snack is included partway through. The landscape and the rock formations are what you come for, and the time on the plateau is yours to move through with the guide rather than on a fixed schedule.

Transport is private — SUV or minivan depending on group size — so the pace and stops are yours to set. The guide speaks English, Spanish, or other languages on request. If you want professional photography or video documentation of the day, including drone footage, that can be arranged in advance. The full day runs 9 to 10 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Private SUV or minivan transport from Lima.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• breakfast at Santa Eulalia.
• snack on the plateau.
• pickup and return to your Lima hotel or location.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Green Soul Overland

Is this one for you?The 9–10 hour commitment means this is a full-day excursion with no time for other activities in Lima that day, but the private vehicle and guide let you set the pace on the plateau itself — you're not locked into a group schedule once you arrive. The 45–60 minute uphill walk to 3,600m is non-negotiable, so this suits travelers in moderate fitness who can handle altitude; if the climb is a concern, the optional horse service removes that barrier.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Marcahuasi plateau actually like once I get there?

Marcahuasi is a high-altitude plateau in the Andes known for its distinctive rock formations and panoramic views. The amphitheater is the main gathering point, and from there you walk the plateau to see the primary attractions — the formations and the landscape are the draw, not a series of built structures or museums.

How hard is the walk up to Marcahuasi, and what happens if I can't make it?

The uphill walk takes 45 to 60 minutes and reaches 3,600m elevation, so it requires moderate physical fitness and the ability to handle altitude. The operator notes it is not suitable for travelers with limited mobility, spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. If altitude sickness ("soroche") becomes an issue during the climb, the guide can adjust the pace, but the walk itself is a fixed part of reaching the plateau.

Do I need to bring my own water and snacks?

Breakfast is included at Santa Eulalia, and a snack is provided on the plateau. San Pedro de Casta is the last opportunity to buy water and additional snacks before the climb, so you can stock up there. Bottled water and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is there a way to reach the plateau if I don't want to hike the full 45–60 minutes?

A horse service is available as an optional add-on to help with the climb to the plateau. You can arrange this when you book if you prefer not to walk the entire uphill stretch.

What language will the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and Spanish as standard. Other languages including German, French, and Portuguese can be arranged on request when you book the tour.

Does the price include everything, or are there meals I need to pay for separately?

Breakfast and a snack on the plateau are included. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so plan to eat before the drive back to Lima or bring food with you.