Ayculaca: Culture and Landscapes of the Macusani District

Church art, a traditional regional cuisine, and highland landscapes offer different starting points for planning your trip. The following places and traditions are associated with Macusani.

Culture and Cuisine in Macusani

The Templo de San Juan Bautista in Macusani contains 18th-century easel paintings. These include depictions of the Virgen Inmaculada Concepción “La Milagrosa” and the Virgen del Carmen. Sculptures of candlesticks are also part of the collection. The church thus brings together two forms of sacred art: painted images of the Virgin Mary and sculptural works designed as candlesticks.

Another regional specialty is chicharrón de alpaca. It is considered the most representative dish of Carabaya Province; its authentic flavor is attributed to Macusani. To prepare it, selected alpaca meat is cooked in its own fat until golden brown, tender, and juicy. It is served with typical Altiplano ingredients: native potatoes, chuño, and corn, as well as rocoto or ají ground in a batán. In Macusani, its preparation is regarded as a living tradition passed down from generation to generation. The ingredients and method of preparation, as well as the passing down of the dish, are therefore part of the district’s culinary character.

Peaks, Rock Formations, and Lagoons

Nevado Allincapac reaches an elevation of 5,767 meters and is regarded as the Apu, or protective mountain, of Macusani. Under Regional Ordinance No. 017-2015-GRP-CRP, dated January 10, 2016, it was recognized as a priority area for the conservation of biodiversity. Its cultural significance as a protective mountain and its formal recognition for biodiversity conservation are both noteworthy.

Another type of landscape is reflected in the name “Ciudad Gótica de Pacunasa.” The rock formation lies at an elevation of 4,885 meters; its stone forest consists of geological formations resembling the towers of a Gothic city. The lagoons, too, are part of the district’s highland landscape: meltwater from Nevados Allin Qhapaq, Huayna Qhapaq, and Chichi Qhapaq feeds, among others, Alpicota, Coñocota, and Taype. Peaks, rock formations, and lagoons thus represent different aspects of the landscape.

Getting to the Pacunasa Rock Formation

The route described to the rock formation begins at the interprovincial bus terminal in Macusani. From there, take a taxi 15 kilometers along a paved road to the Huaylluma farming community. Then continue on foot for 2.5 kilometers along a trail. The Huanca Huanca rock paintings are located along the way to the rock formation. Plan for a taxi ride followed by a walk. Road conditions and services may change; check this information before setting out. The 2.5-kilometer walk is considerably shorter than the 15-kilometer taxi journey.

Discover more destinations: Juliaca, Tambopata, Isla Suasi, Chucuito, Huillanopampa, Puerto Leguía, Anapia, Tililaca

For the broader travel overview: Puno.