MarcahuasiWhen to Go
Best Time to Visit Marcahuasi
Marcahuasi is best visited in the Andean dry season (May-September) when trails are firmer, the views are clearer and nights are cold but predictable.
Dry season (best)
May-September · Day 10-20°C, night -5-5°C
Clear skies and firm trails make this the most popular time; nights are cold so bring warm gear.
Wet season
November-March · Day 12-22°C, frequent rain
Clouds obscure the dramatic silhouettes and trails can be slippery; fewer visitors but moodier weather.
Weather & Climate near Marcahuasi
Climate
Marcahuasi's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 1°C to 17°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
Air Quality:
AQI 54
Moderate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 55 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 98 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 7° - 16° | 11° | 109 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 17° | 11° | 20 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 3° - 16° | 8° | 2 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 15° | 7° | 0 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 1° - 15° | 6° | 0 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 2° - 15° | 7° | 0 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 3° - 16° | 8° | 2 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 17° | 11° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 5° - 17° | 11° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 5° - 17° | 11° | 21 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
How to Get to Marcahuasi
From Lima, minibuses or colectivo services run to Matucana and on to San Pedro de Casta (roughly 70-90 km east of Lima, depending on route). From San Pedro de Casta the hike to the plateau is typically 2-4 hours depending on pace; local guiding and horse transport are available in the village.
Tips for Visiting Marcahuasi
- Acclimatize in Lima or higher elevations before attempting the hike - the plateau sits around 3,800-4,000 metres.
- Start before dawn to catch the sunrise on the rock faces and to avoid the thin-air fatigue of midday.
- Hire a guide from San Pedro de Casta - local guides point out less-known sculptures and short climbing routes.