Timeline
17:51
Take a taxi to San Pedro de Pichiu and hike the mule track to Cueva de Yurac Machay. Arrive early to secure a spot near the monolith.
18:21
Find a quiet vantage point inside or near the cave entrance. The white volcanic tuff walls will glow as the light shifts.
18:36
Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light hits the cave and the monolith just before the sun dips below the horizon.
18:51
Stay for the last few minutes of light. The contrast between the darkening sky and the white stone is striking.
Local tip
There are no food or drink shops listed in the immediate vicinity. Bring water and any snacks you need before you start the hike from San Pedro de Pichiu.
Check before you go
- Check the route from San Pedro de Pichiu to Cueva de Yurac Machay, as transport details are not provided.
- Hiking conditions on the mule track can vary; wear appropriate footwear.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Chavín de Huántar (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).