Marcahuasi Plateau
Rocky plateau with enigmatic stone formations near Lima
A high‑altitude granite plateau east of Lima, Marcahuasi is known for mushroom- and face‑shaped rock formations; hikers and campers arrive for sunrise photography and strenuous treks at nearly 3,800-4,000 metres.
Marcahuasi at a Glance#
Address: Marcahuasi plateau area, near San Pedro de Casta, Department of Lima, Peru
Hours: Daylight hours
Admission: Free (natural site; some local community entrance fees possible)
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Marcahuasi#
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.
January
January is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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August
August is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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September
September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.