Marcapomacocha Full Day

Experience one of the most breathtaking scenic routes in the central highlands of Peru with our Full Day Tour to Marcapomacocha from Lima. This trip will take you along the majestic Central Highway to the Junín plateau, where nature unfolds its full beauty amidst crystalline lagoons, hidden waterfalls, unique rock formations, and free-roaming Andean wildlife.

In a single day, you’ll explore the most photogenic corners of the plateau: Marcapomacocha Lagoon, the mystical turquoise Eye of the Sea, the stunning Seven Colors Lagoon, and the beautiful Carispaccha waterfalls, all surrounded by snow-capped peaks and a vast sky. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to spot vicuñas, viscachas, and Andean birds in their natural habitat.

This tour is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, those who enjoy gentle trekking, and those seeking to connect with unexplored landscapes. It’s an alternative, nearby, and breathtaking route at over 4,000 meters above sea level, ideal for those looking to escape the city and breathe in pure nature.

 Itinerary

🚐 Departure from Lima – Early Morning Adventure

The day begins very early, between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., with pick-up from central Lima locations. Our tourist transport departs for the interior of the country along the Central Highway, ascending through deep valleys, Andean tunnels, and landscapes that transition between the coast and the highlands. During the journey, our guide will share interesting facts about the route and recommendations for altitude sickness.

☕ Breakfast in San Mateo or Chicla (not included)

Around 7:00 a.m., we make a stop in San Mateo or Chicla, two picturesque towns in the heart of the central highlands. Here you can enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast (at your own expense): Andean bread, fresh cheese, brewed coffee, or coca tea. This moment is also key for acclimatization, as we are now above 3,200 meters above sea level.

💙 Arrival at Laguna Marcapomacocha – Mirror of the Andes

Our first major scenic stop is the imposing Laguna Marcapomacocha, located at an altitude of over 4,400 meters. Its deep blue waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wetlands, offer a little-known natural spectacle. You will have time to take photos, walk along the shores of the lagoon, and absorb the serene energy of this Andean landscape.

🔵 Visit to Ojo de Mar – Turquoise Lagoon

We continue to Ojo de Mar, a small circular lagoon in the middle of the high plateau, famous for its intense turquoise color and surreal atmosphere. Its name comes from its shape and appearance, as if the earth itself were looking down upon us. It is one of the most photogenic places on the trip, ideal for capturing unique snapshots.

🐾 Viscacha, Vicuña, and High Andean Bird Sightings

During the journey through this relatively undisturbed region, it’s common to spot wildlife such as:

• Vicuñas roaming freely, elegant and curious.
• Vizcachas, resembling rabbits, hopping among the rocks.
• Andean geese (huallatas) and other high Andean birds.

With luck, you’ll be able to photograph these animals in their natural habitat, with the Andean landscape as a backdrop.

🌈 Seven Colors Lagoon and Carispaccha Waterfalls – High-Altitude Postcards

Our next stop is Seven Colors Lagoon, named for the reflections of the sky, clouds, and vegetation on its waters. We continue to the Carispaccha Waterfalls, hidden cascades nestled among rocky slopes, ideal for a leisurely and contemplative walk. If conditions permit, we’ll take a short mini-trek to get closer to this natural paradise.

🍱 Picnic Lunch with Andean Views

At midday, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch (either a boxed lunch or at a rural restaurant, depending on availability). This break takes place in a safe and peaceful location with spectacular views of the mountain landscape. Weather permitting, you can eat outdoors surrounded by nature.

🚌 Return to Lima – A Full Heart

We begin our return journey in the afternoon, making brief stops for rest or to take panoramic photos of the high plateau. The sunset over the mountains will provide the last magical images of the day.

🌆 Arrival in Lima – End of Tour

Arrival in Lima is estimated between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., depending on the weather and traffic. You’ll return with a tired body, but a soul full of fresh air, spectacular landscapes, and an unforgettable experience.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

This tour has been designed to give you a complete experience in the Central Andes without you having to worry about logistics. It includes everything you need for a day of nature, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes:

🚐 Round-trip tourist transportation from Lima

Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned tourist vehicle with a professional driver, from central points in the city to the destinations in Marcapomacocha.

🧭 Specialized Official Guide

A local guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing information about the history, geography, wildlife, culture, and recommendations for altitude sickness.

💧 Guided visit to:

• Marcapomacocha Lagoon
• Eye of the Sea (Ojo de Mar)
• Seven Colors Lagoon
• Carispaccha Waterfalls
  With stops for photos and explanations of the natural surroundings.

🐾 High Andean Wildlife Sighting

Opportunity to observe vicuñas, vizcachas, Andean geese, and birds native to the Andean ecosystem.

🍱 Countryside Lunch (box lunch or rural restaurant)

Includes a prepared lunch (box lunch or regional dish at a restaurant, depending on the tour organizer), perfect for enjoying the natural surroundings.

📸 Strategic Photo Stops

Free time for photos at the most scenic viewpoints along the route.

🆘 Assistance Throughout the Tour

Constant monitoring and support from the team in case of altitude sickness or other minor issues.

❌ What’s not included?

We want you to be completely clear when booking. These are the items not included in the package:

☕ Breakfast (not included)

The stop in San Mateo or Chicla allows you to have breakfast on your own. The average cost is S/ 12 to S/ 20 per person.

🥤 Additional Drinks

The box lunch includes one drink, but other beverages such as juice, soda, or water must be purchased separately.

💰 Voluntary Tips

Tips for the guide, driver, or restaurant staff are not included. They are not mandatory, but are welcome if you wish to show your appreciation for good service.

🏨 Accommodation

This is a full-day tour. It does not include hotel nights or lodging before or after the tour.

🎫 Entrance Fees to Other Attractions Not Mentioned

The tour only covers the natural sites mentioned in the itinerary. Locations outside the tour route are not included.

🌟 Recommendations

Traveling to altitudes above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) requires some precautions. These suggestions will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

💧 Stay well hydrated before and during your trip

Altitude can cause dehydration. Bring your own water bottle and drink small amounts frequently.

🧥 Dress in layers

The weather in Marcapomacocha varies considerably. It can be very cold in the morning and at sunset, but the sun is strong during the day. Bring a warm jacket, sweater, t-shirt, wool hat, and sunscreen.

👟 Wear appropriate footwear

Some areas have uneven or wet terrain. Hiking boots or comfortable shoes with good traction are recommended.

📷 Bring your camera or cell phone with a fully charged battery

This tour is a gem for photography enthusiasts. You can also bring a power bank to ensure you have energy throughout the day.

🍬 Bring snacks and coca candies

They help prevent altitude sickness and provide energy during hikes. It’s also recommended to bring coca tea or natural lozenges.

🧴 Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses

UV radiation at altitudes above 4,000 meters can be intense, even on cloudy days.

🧾 Bring cash in soles

Some stops may offer restrooms, snacks, or local products, and they don’t accept cards.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Where does the tour start?

The tour begins in Lima, with pick-up from agreed-upon locations in districts such as Miraflores, San Isidro, or the Historic Center. Pick-up time is usually between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.

⏰ How long does the tour last?

It’s a full-day tour. The estimated duration is 16 to 17 hours, from departure to return to Lima between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., depending on weather and traffic.

💙 Can I visit all the sites if I have altitude sickness?

The route reaches very high altitudes (up to 4,400 meters above sea level). If you have never been to that altitude, we recommend consulting your doctor before the trip. We make frequent stops to acclimatize, and the team is prepared to assist you if needed.

🍽️ Are breakfast and lunch included?

Lunch (box lunch or at a local restaurant) is included in the tour. Breakfast is not included, but we make a stop along the way so you can have breakfast on your own at a local restaurant.

🐾 Is it safe to see animals?

Yes. Vicuñas, viscachas, and birds are sighted from the vehicle or during hikes, without disturbing their natural environment.

👟 Does the tour require physical effort?

The level of exertion is low to moderate. Some hikes are optional and short. If you are used to hiking and have no health problems, you will have no difficulty.

📷 Can I bring a drone?

You can bring one, but we recommend checking beforehand to confirm if weather or wind conditions permit it and if there are any local restrictions in natural areas.

🧭 Is the tour canceled in case of bad weather?

In case of heavy rain or extreme conditions, the operator may reschedule the tour for safety reasons. During the dry season (April to November), the weather is favorable for most departures.