FAQ

Marcahuasi is located about 70 km east of Lima.

Marcahuasi is a plateau in central Peru in which many anthropomorphic and zoomorphic stone figures are found.

Marcahuasi is a “stone forest” on a plateau at 4000 meters above sea level where a great variety of figures can be found.

The amphitheater is a crevasse on the surface of the plateau which roughly divides it into the north and south sectors. The amphitheater is a popular camping site.

Marcahuasi was discovered by Daniel Ruzo in 1952.

Marcahuasi is interesting because of the structures in stone that exist there and because so little is known about them. Now we have enough data to suggest that much of what we find in Marcahuasi is the work of human beings from an unknown culture.

A visit to Marcahuasi is worthwhile, not only to see the stone monuments but also to experience the magic of the site, perched high upon the Andes mountains as well as to experience the hospitality of the people in the village of San Pedro.

It was discovered in 1952.

The weather is dry and cold from June to September, rainy and warmer from January to April.

There are trails around the plateau which are used by the local population. Also there are several approaches from the village of San Pedro as well as trails that criss cross the plateau.

Trekking trails can be found everywhere in the region.

We consider a stone forest to be an area containing numerous structures in stone. It may be of natural origin or it may have been worked on by man. For example, the site called Cumbemayo in northern Peru shows clear evidence of human intervention.

Marcahuasi presents us with several mysteries such as whose work it represents, what were its purposes, when was it developed and so on.

Maps of the plateau are available in the town hall of San Pedro de Casta.

Our website www.marcahuasi-ruzo.com has numerous pictures of Marcahuasi and there are many sites in the internet that post photos of the plateau.

San Pedro de Casta can be reached from Lima in 3-4 hours and access to the plateau from the village in about two hours on foot or fifteen minutes by car.

To reach Marcahuasi from Lima using public transportation you must take a bus to the town of Chosica from where minibuses leave regularly for San Pedro de Casta. One can also drive from Lima to San Pedro.

You can get there using public transportation from Lima to Chosica and then on to San Pedro or you can drive.

On foot two to three hours, the base of the mountain can be reached by car in fifteen minutes followed by a half hour climb to the area known as the amphitheater.

Depending on the season and holidays it costs $5-$10.

The best time to visit is the dry season, June to September.

Approximately 14,000 feet (4,000 meters).

Ideally you should spend three nights on the plateau. On the first day set up camp and get acclimatized to the altitude. On the second day tour the north side where most of the sculptures are found and on the third day the south side.

The village of San Pedro de Casta at the foot of the plateau is quite colorful and celebrates important feasts during Easter, the saint’s day on June 29 and the Fiesta de las Aguas or Water celebration in early October when the rainy season starts.

There are literally dozens of sculptures in good condition and many more that have eroded almost beyond recognition.