Sleep right under the stars in a natural theater in the tip of a holy mountain.
Marcahuasi is a andean plateau 4000 meters above the sea level in a chain of mountains to the right side of the Rimac river in the Lima province, which is not the same as the Capital of the province, which is only one region also named Lima. Lima as a province has ten different regions, being Lima the capital, only one of them.
If you like backpacking or want to do more destinations in Lima with a smaller budget I strongly recommend you to go camping in Marcahuasi. You will have to consider the fact that it is a very high altitude destination and you will be required to do some physical effort but you can always cheat renting a donkey for your backpacks and a horse for yourselves. But, come on, you have to try doing it the right way. Otherwise, how are you going to survive the zombie apocalypse? Jk.
To get there you need to leave Lima in a bus that goes to Chosica, which is the sierra part of Lima in direction of the ATE district. Once you are in Chosica you take a second bus to the small city of San Pedro de Casma in the Huarochirí region of the Lima province. The road is beautiful but also a bit dangerous. If you are driving yourselves, make sure you pick a trustworthy driver who knows the way.
The road to Marcahuasi from the beautiful and folkloric San Pedro de Casma is by foot. So take a while to check the cute city, people are very friendly, but be kind because andean natives dont like spoiled people. My best advice is: Dont eat much, get some water, wood, and make sure you can carry all that stuff before starting your journey.
The walk consist of 4km uphill path between the abyss and most amazing landscapes you could possibly ask for in dry or rainy season. You must take it slow if you feel like the altitude is getting to you. Take enough breaks, drink a lot of water, wear sunscreen and keep going! You will find in the top a natural theatre named "La Fortaleza" in the tip of the holy mountain, were you will be able to camp right above the stars. Once you are there, make sure you climb to the top of the Fortaleza area were you will find a rock formation shaped like an altar. The area has a very strong magnetic force. Pay your respects, you are in holy ground. The gods will be listening.
Marcahuasi is also famous for its mystical vibes. Many people go there to experience San Pedro ceremonies. The San Pedro cactus, when prepared correctly, is a very strong entheogen used by peruvian shamans to connect you to your masters, akashic memory or to start a powerful healing process. The cactus was called "wachuma" in pre-columbus times, later it was adopted by the spanish language as "San Pedro" because the colonized indiands started to believe that this christian saint holded the keys to the realm of heaven. Following this mixture of traditions many people around Perú have San Pedro cactuses in the fron door of their houses, in order to protect the house.
Ufo sightings hotspot
Marcahuasi is also known as a hotspot for ufo sightings and it is the main reason why some people like camping there. Since you are literally above the clouds, the stars are nothing less than diamonds in the sky.
In the area surrounding Marcahuasi you can find some very interesting rock formations. One of them is called "Monument to humanity" a giant rock with a human profile, a goddess and many animals. Some people believe they were created by the erosion of time, other believe they were man made.
Finally I belive it is important to talk about the local giant legends. Ancient stories about a race of giants that once lived in the area. There are some photos in the Internet of people that claim they have seen this giants in modern days, but on terrible quality so it is very unlikely. Still, the mystery is served and you are welcome to find out by yourself. But please, if you do see a giant or a ufo over there, remember to focus your camera before taking those controversial pictures!
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