Marcahuasi, Peru

Marcahuasi, Peru

July 2, 2016

The best feeling in the world is a clear open road with the curiosity of what’s to come. Being out in nature leaves me with a strong sense of peace and clarity that cannot be matched in a meditation room. This week’s trip went to the Andes of Peru (a 4 hour drive east of Lima). Marcahuasi  is known for sightings of UFOs and the Stone Forest-- mystical, natural carvings of faces and animals into the large, energy-filled stones. When reading about this place, I was excited about the mysticism associated as well as natural super-plants found in the area to cure illnesses.

We rode in a bus up the dirt road carved into the mountain to a small town called San Pedro de Casta. After a nice lunch, we started up the 5Km path to Marcausai. Donkeys, horses, and locals moved up the path carrying campers’ gears, campers, or guiding the herd. Thank goodness for the resting huts along the way that gave us an excuse to sit, breath, and regain strength.

At 13,000ft above sea level, we reached the top and were welcomed by a flat ground for camping. The donkeys roamed around trying to munch on as much grass as possible and the campers set up their party spot. Pedro and I napped as soon as the tent was set! I woke up after the sun fully set to a sky full of billions of stars. We even saw plenty of shooting stars!!

In the morning, we climbed the stones to explore some of the area and then descended towards better oxygen levels. The car ride down the mountain was one of the most frightening experiences in my life (my trip in Haiti still ranks #1)! The driver never seemed to hug the mountain close enough or drive slow enough for my comfort. All in all, it was a great trip.

I recommend that you try exploring this area. Take about a day and a half to travel to/from the area, hike, and explore!