Once a religious, social and economic centre of ancient Peru (according to Peruvian archaeologist C. Tello), the plateau of Marca Wasi (also known with the different names of Marcawasi, Markawasi, Marka Wasi, Marcahuasi, or Marca Huasi) stands high at 4,200 metres above sea level (about 13,000 foot altitude), close to the archaic rural community of San Pedro de Casta, a small village at 3,180 metres in the Central Andes of Peru.

Widespread archaeological remains dating back from pre-Inca times, spectacular valleys and an enchanting Stone Forest  - with its anthropomorphic and zoomorphic giant rock formations, resembling human profiles and animals of all sorts -  are spread around an area of four square kilometres, and have puzzled researchers of all parts of the world. Man made monuments, remnants of a vanished civilization? Natural erosion?

The researcher Daniel Russo who first re-discovered this beautiful plateau few decades ago, believed the giant stones - seemingly portraying a vast variety of anthropomorphic and animal forms, from prehistoric dinosaurs, to frogs, lions, camels, dogs, seals and turtles - were the expression of an ancient civilization which survived the Biblical great flood.

Andean shamans and local people alike are all well aware of the anomalous phenomena, special magnetic forces and energy vortices - working at different planes at different times - that are found in Marka Wasi. The copper-rich stones of this ethereal place, are also said to have protective properties and shield one from negative energies. The whole plateau exudates power and beauty, and emanate an irresistible mysterious, enigmatic attraction. 

Whatever the origins of the stones, Marka Wasi remains in fact a place where people often experience shifts of time and consciousness, and paranormal phenomena are not uncommon too. A part from the frequent UFO sightseeing (to which the local villagers of San Pedro de Casta are accustomed), the magical night sky viewed from the plateau offer unique opportunities of unparalleled beauty to see stars and constellations which are only visible from here. Not by chance, the Incas - great astronomers - frequented Marka Wasi, and left several testimonials of their presence.

Because of the altitude, the Marca Wasi journey will require a minimum of one day acclimatization in San Pedro de Casta. The journey begins from Lima, going through the city of Chosica and then will continue from there through an amazing scenery of magnificent mountains until we reach the Andean village of San Pedro de Casta, where we shall stop overnight. The trekking to Marka Wasi will begin the morning after, on horseback. No horse riding skills are required, but you need to be fit and with a good sense of adventure! We will be escorted by the don Manuel Olivares, who cooperated with Daniel Russo in the research of this mysterious place: no one in our times knows the secrets and windings of Marka Wasi better than don Manuel! Coca leaves tea will be served, before hiking through the magical rocks!

In Marka Wasi with a shaman: healing, cleansing and divination

For those with an interest in traditional healing and religious practices of the Andes, we shall have a Peruvian master shaman - maestro Hector Obispo - part of the local Andean community, staying with us during our trek to (and in) Marka Wasi, on day two.  Maestro Hector is a former Ayahuasquero who has now abandoned the use of power plants and works essentially with celestial energies and planetary forces, using special stones and medicinal plants in his healing practices (and - occasionally - even toads!). He also offers divination through coca readings, tobacco and Tarots and performs aura cleansing ceremonies.  

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Important Notes: