Marcahuasi hike from Lima: stone formations and Andean culture

Four hours on the Marcahuasi plateau: stone sculptures, a lagoon, pre-Hispanic tombs and cliffs at 15,400 feet

This guided hike explores Marcahuasi, a high-altitude plateau in the Andes east of Lima, combining a four-hour trek through stone formations, ancient chullpas and geological landmarks with stops in two traditional mountain villages. The day includes organic avocado tasting in Santa Eulalia, fresh local fruits from San Pedro de Casta farmers, round-trip hotel transport from Lima, and entrance to the plateau. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or other languages and shares the history, geology and cultural traditions of the region throughout the hike.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Marcahuasi and San Pedro de Casta

• Stop in Santa Eulalia for avocados
• Purchase entrance tickets in San Pedro de Casta
• Buy fresh organic fruits from local vendors
• Guided hike at Marcahuasi plateau
• Visit stone formations and rock sculptures
• See lagoon and ancient chullpas
• Enjoy panoramic viewpoints and geological sites
• Learn history, legends, and geology from guide

The Experience

The day starts in Santa Eulalia, a valley town known for avocados, where you taste fresh local avocados with artisan bread while learning how the community grows and sells its harvest. From there, the route climbs to San Pedro de Casta, one of the most traditional mountain settlements in the region—you'll buy entrance tickets to Marcahuasi and pick up fresh organic fruits directly from local farmers before heading to the plateau.

The main hike takes about four hours at approximately 4,700 meters (15,400 feet) above sea level. You walk through the Marcahuasi plateau exploring the stone formations and rock sculptures the site is known for, a lagoon, ancient chullpas (pre-Hispanic funerary structures built into the mountainside), spectacular cliffs and panoramic viewpoints, and unique geological formations shaped by thousands of years of Andean weather and geology. Your guide walks with you the whole way, explaining the stories, legends, history and cultural significance of each landmark—the plateau has been sacred to local communities for centuries and holds clues to Peru's pre-Hispanic past.

Round-trip transport from your Lima hotel is included, so the logistics of reaching the trailhead are handled. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the operator notes the hike suits all fitness levels, though the altitude and four-hour duration mean a reasonable pace and acclimatization help. You'll return to Lima the same day.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel transport from Lima.
• entrance ticket to Marcahuasi.
• organic avocado tasting with artisan bread in Santa Eulalia.
• fresh organic fruits from local San Pedro de Casta farmers.
• certified multilingual guide for the full day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Lima Mountain Escape

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guided hike with cultural stops included in one itinerary, rather than booking transport and village visits separately.

Top questions

What exactly is Marcahuasi and why is it worth the altitude?

Marcahuasi is a high-altitude plateau in the Andes east of Lima, home to distinctive stone formations and rock sculptures, a lagoon, and ancient chullpas—pre-Hispanic funerary structures built into the mountainside. The site has been sacred to local communities for centuries and offers both geological interest and cultural history; your guide explains both as you walk.

How long does the hike take and how high do we go?

The hike lasts about four hours on the plateau itself, which sits at approximately 4,700 meters (15,400 feet) above sea level. The full day from Lima is 14 to 16 hours including transport, stops in the villages and the hike.

What do we eat during the day?

You taste fresh local avocados with artisan bread in Santa Eulalia, then pick up fresh organic fruits from San Pedro de Casta farmers before the hike. These are included; bring water and snacks for the plateau itself if you prefer extras.

Do we need special gear or training for this hike?

The operator states the hike suits all fitness levels. The altitude is the main factor—4,700 meters is high, so acclimatization and a steady pace help. Wear layers and sturdy hiking shoes; the plateau is exposed. Your guide will set the rhythm and can adjust for the group.

Can children do this hike?

Children are welcome from age 3. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller in the villages; the plateau hike itself is on foot. The altitude and four-hour duration mean families should consider their child's hiking experience and comfort with elevation.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your guide is certified and speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and three additional languages. Confirm your language preference when you book.