Most bookedMarcahuasi Experience in Lima
Marcahuasi is a stone forest located just a few hours away from Lima. It is said that within the depths of this Peruvian Wonder lie hidden the secrets of...
- Breakfast
Lima, Peru
Visit Marcahuasi
Explore a massive granite stone forest sitting 4,000 meters above sea level. Find the right transport, compare guided tours, and plan your hike.
4.9 from 220 traveller reviews on Viator
- 4,000 mAbove sea level
- 80 kmEast of Lima
- 20 PENForeigner entry fee
- 4 sq kmPlateau area
Tickets & tours
Choose your Marcahuasi transport or tour
Select a guided day trip from Lima or plan an independent overnight camping trek.
Most booked
Best valueExclusive Full-Day 4x4 to Marcahuasi Hiking in Lima
Our tour offers an exclusive and seamless adventure to Marcahuasi in premium 4x4 vehicles, allowing you to explore remote Andean landscapes in total comfort and safety....
- Breakfast in the Santa Eulalia town
- Bottled water
- Tours available from 1 person in shared service. Max 4–5 passengers per vehicle. Only bookings are treated as private tours for a more personalized experience.
Private Day Trip to Marcahuasi from Lima
Explore Marcahuasi on a private day trip from Lima. Enjoy unique landscapes, mysterious stone formations and pure air in the...
- Official guide to specialized tourism
- Admission fee
- Bottled water
Explore
What to see on the plateau
Discover ancient tombs, natural rock formations, and high-altitude lakes.
The Monument to Humanity rock formation towers more than 20 meters over the plateau.
It resembles multiple human faces depending on the angle.
Plan your visit
Plan your visit
How long it takes
Hiking from San Pedro de Casta takes 2 to 4 hours. Guided day trips from Lima last 10 to 14 hours.
Best time to go
Visit during the dry season from May to October. Skies are clear for stargazing and the trails are safe.
Getting there
Take a bus to Chosica, then a local minibus to San Pedro de Casta. Alternatively, book a 4x4 tour from Lima.
Entry budget
Foreigners pay 20 PEN. Peruvian adults pay 10 PEN. Minors and students pay 5 PEN. Camping is free.
About Marcahuasi
Marcahuasi is a volcanic plateau located east of Lima in the Andes. It sits at an elevation of roughly 4,000 meters. The area covers four square kilometers and features massive granite formations eroded over millennia.
Hikers use the town of San Pedro de Casta as a base. The hike up to the plateau takes between two and four hours. The site contains pre-Columbian funerary tombs known as chullpas. Visitors also explore the Amphitheater, a designated camping area offering natural wind protection.
Read our guide on Hike Duration to choose your route. If you plan to stay overnight, check Essential Camping Gear to prepare for sub-zero temperatures.
How we compare tours
Transport type
We specify if tours use a standard minibus or an off-road 4x4 vehicle.
Group size
We highlight private excursions versus shared group departures.
Inclusions
We list whether meals, oxygen equipment, and entry fees are provided.
From Viator
What travelers say
4.9
220 reviews of the marcahuasi experience on Viator
10/10 best experience i had in a while. Highly recommend to anyone around Lima
Execellent trip my guide and driver was fantastic ------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazing hike and very nice guide, caring. The road is very bumpy and the altitude is not easy for everybody
Travel tips
Hiking and planning advice
Tours vs. DIYCompare guided tours with winter gear against budget DIY transport.Read 
Weather & TimingFind out when to visit for clear skies and how to prepare for the cold.Read 
Hike DurationCompare the 2-hour short trail and the 4-hour long trail to the plateau.Read 
Altitude SicknessTips to prevent altitude sickness at Marcahuasi's 4,000-meter plateau.Read Essential Camping GearWhat to pack to survive a freezing night at 4,000 meters.Read 
Natural or Man-Made?The science and theories behind the famous rock shapes.Read Where is Marcahuasi located?
Marcahuasi is located roughly 80 kilometers east of Lima in the Huarochirí Province of Peru. It sits high in the Andes mountains above the base town of San Pedro de Casta.
How do you get to Marcahuasi from Lima?
You can take a public colectivo to Chosica, then board a local minibus to San Pedro de Casta. This takes about 4 hours total. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour with private transport. See Tickets for options.
What is the altitude of Marcahuasi?
The Marcahuasi plateau sits at an elevation of approximately 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) above sea level. The base town of San Pedro de Casta is at 3,180 meters.
Is Marcahuasi safe to visit?
Yes, but you must prepare for extreme high altitude and freezing night temperatures. Acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness and bring adequate winter gear if you plan to camp.
How much does it cost to enter Marcahuasi?
The official entrance fee is 20 Peruvian Soles for foreigners. Peruvian adults pay 10 Soles, and minors or students pay 5 Soles. This fee includes camping access.
Can you do a day trip to Marcahuasi from Lima?
Yes. Several operators offer 10 to 14-hour full-day trips from Lima. However, it is a very long day of driving and high-altitude hiking. Check Tours vs. DIY to weigh the pros and cons.
Ready for the Andes?
Book your tour or prepare your hiking gear for the ascent.