Discover Ayculaca

Macusani brings together towering nevados, the rocky landscape of Pacunasa, historic church art and Chicharrón de alpaca, offering a range of nature and cultural experiences. They span everything from views of the high-mountain landscape to religious art and a food culture passed down through generations. Your interests can help you choose the right setting for your trip and your search for a holiday rental.

High-mountain landscapes and water

Nevado Allincapac in Macusani reaches 5,767 metres and is considered an Apu, or protective mountain. Regional Ordinance No. 017-2015-GRP-CRP of 10 January 2016 recognised Nevado Allincapac as a priority area for the conservation of biodiversity. This makes Nevado Allincapac in Macusani both a striking landform and a place with a specific conservation goal.

Macusani’s landscape also includes lagoons. In Macusani, meltwater from the nevados Allin Qhapaq, Huayna Qhapaq and Chichi Qhapaq feeds, among others, the lagoons of Alpicota, Coñocota and Taype.

The rock formation of Pacunasa

The rock formation of Pacunasa in Macusani lies at an altitude of 4,885 metres and is known as the “Ciudad Gótica de Pacunasa” (Gothic City of Pacunasa). Its geological forms resemble the towers of a Gothic city. The route to the rock formation in Macusani has two sections: from the interprovincial bus terminal in Macusani, it runs 15 kilometres by taxi along a paved road to the Huaylluma peasant community. From the Huaylluma peasant community, it continues for another 2.5 kilometres on foot along a hiking trail to the formation. The Huanca Huanca rock paintings lie along the route to the formation in Macusani.

For planning, it is therefore important to account for the change from driving to walking: include both sections rather than treating the route as a taxi ride all the way. Road conditions and services may change; check the latest situation before setting out.

Church art and regional cuisine

Another cultural highlight is the Templo de San Juan Bautista in Macusani. The Templo de San Juan Bautista in Macusani contains easel paintings from the 18th century, including depictions of the Virgen Inmaculada Concepción “La Milagrosa” and the Virgen del Carmen, as well as candelabra sculptures. In Macusani, the focus is on religious imagery and historic painting, while Pacunasa is defined by its geological forms and rock paintings.

Chicharrón de alpaca is part of Macusani’s living food culture. Its preparation is passed down from generation to generation there. The dish is described as the most representative of Carabaya Province, and its authentic flavour is attributed to Macusani. To prepare it in Macusani, selected alpaca meat is cooked in its own fat until golden brown, tender and juicy. It is served with typical Altiplano ingredients in Macusani: native potatoes, chuño and corn, along with rocoto or ají ground in a batán.

Finding a holiday rental in Ayculaca

When looking for a holiday rental in Ayculaca, you can compare the locations of the rentals you are considering.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Isla Suasi, Ocosuyo, Huillanopampa, Lampa, Mañazo, Tililaca, Tambopata, Capachica

For the main travel overview: Puno.