Ayacucho, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, is synonymous with culture, art, and dazzling landscapes. Therefore, when exploring Ayacucho Peru, you will walk its streets surrounded by colonial houses and temples full of details, such as the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo temple, which are an essential part of Ayacucho's attractions.
Among the things to do in Ayacucho, participating in its festivities stands out, especially during Holy Week, renowned for its processions and popular traditions. Likewise, in the markets of this place, it is common to find unique pieces made by skilled local artisans, who carry with them the tradition of pottery.
Furthermore, the Ayacucho region is home to spectacular Andean landscapes, ideal for walks, viewpoints, and moments of tranquility. Those who ask themselves, "Is Ayacucho worth visiting?" will discover that this land also has its history: the famous Battle of Ayacucho was fought here in 1824, in the Pampa de la Quinua, a key event for Peru's independence.
On the other hand, among the things to do in Ayacucho, activities range from cultural routes to adventures in the middle of nature. This city and its surroundings await those who wish to discover a destination full of art, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
Where is Ayacucho located?
Ayacucho is located in the south-central part of Peru, in the Andean highlands, at approximately 2,746 meters above sea level. It borders regions such as Huancavelica, Apurímac, and Cusco, making it an important passage between the coast and the jungle. Its capital, the city of Ayacucho, is a little over 550 kilometers from Lima and can be accessed by land or air.
Demographic Data
- Country: Peru
- Department: Ayacucho
- Capital Province: Huamanga
- Official Language: Spanish, Quechua
- Altitude: 2761 m a.s.l. no. m.
- Climate: Temperate, Dry
- Coordinates: 13°09′47″S 74°13′28″W
- Airport: AYP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte
What destinations to visit?
The city of Ayacucho
Called 'The City of Churches' due to the large number of religious centers that it gathers together, the region's capital combines Hispanic elements with indigenous touches, such as carved alabaster stones -a mineral similar to marble- with motifs of local flora and fauna. . With a baroque style, the Ayacucho Cathedral, dating from the 17th century, is one of the main attractions of the region.
Among other tourist places are the temple of San Cristóbal -the oldest in the region- and the temple of San Francisco de Asís -which brings together a vast collection of colonial canvases-. The great festivities full of color and music are not alien to this department. The Ayacucho Carnival -a celebration that takes place during February- and the Ayacucho Holy Week -the most important in the country- are artistic heritage that all national and foreign tourists must experience.
Historic Sanctuary of the Pampa de Ayacucho
This place has a high historical value for Peruvians, because here the Spanish rule ended, which marked the Independence of Peru. It has an area of 300 hectares and there is a monument in memory of the fallen heroes. It is built from marble and means a seal of cultural identity for Peru.
In the Pampa de Ayacucho there is a sanctuary that commemorates the battle of December 9, 1824, the battle in which the independence of Peru against Spain was defined. Without a doubt, here you can breathe an air of freedom.
How to get to Pampa de Ayacucho: you will have to take a bus to the town of Quinua and here a motorcycle taxi that will take you to the visited monument. You can also do it with Denomades, on our one day tour to the Pampa de Ayacucho.
Titancayoq
It is the largest Raymondi puya forest in all of Peru. It is located at 4,200 meters above sea level and has 2,270 hectares. Since 2010 it has been protected by the state, so visiting them guarantees an authentic experience of the nature of this particular ecosystem. The puyas bloom every 80 years, and only once in their lives, in an unparalleled spectacle of nature.
How to get to Titancayoq: To get there you must go south from the city of Ayacucho, at km 101 of the road to Vilcashuamán you will find signs indicating the entrance to the forest.
Turquoise waters of Millpu
When a photo is worth a thousand words. The intense color of the Turquoise Waters of Millpu surprises each person who visits them. In recent years, this has become the preferred destination for travelers who arrive in this region of Peru.
How to get to the Turquoise Waters of Millpu: If you want to get there on your own, we recommend you review our article everything you need to know about the Turquoise Waters of Millpu. At Denomades we offer a tour to the Turquoise Waters of Millpu that includes transportation and a guide.
Cangallo waterfalls
Waterfall surrounded by a wide landscape and slight vegetation Going to see waterfalls is always a good panorama. And it is that the power of the water falling, the sound and the humidity of its water on the face is a very powerful experience. Ayacucho hides some amazing and powerful waterfalls. This is the case of the Pumapaqcha waterfall, which can be seen in the photograph.
How to get to the Cangallo Waterfalls: At Denomades we offer a tour of the Cangallo Waterfalls, where the first waterfall we will visit will be Pumapaqcha. Then, we will visit the Batan waterfall and, later, we will continue the walk through a tunnel to visit the third waterfall of Qorimaqma.
Vilcashuaman
You will find the historical footprint of the Inca empire in the archaeological complex of Vilcashuamán. In this city you will find vestiges of polished stone, classic of Inca architecture. In Vilcashuamán is of course the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon, in addition to the famous Ushnu that can be seen in the photograph.
How to get to Vilcashuamán: From the southern terminal of Ayacucho you can take a bus to Vilcashuamán, it will leave you very close to the archaeological complex after a four-hour drive. At Denomades we offer a Vilcashuamán tour from Ayacucho, where you can learn about the rich history behind this complex with one of our expert guides.
Pampa Galeras
Group of vicuñas in the middle of the pampa in AyacuchoThe Pampa Galeras Reserve is the largest vicuña conservation center in Peru. It is located between 3,800 and 5,000 meters above sea level and is one of the most distant tourist places in Ayacucho from the city. However, traveling to see its wide and beautiful landscapes is completely worth it.
How to get to Pampa Galeras: 870 km from Ayacucho, to get there you must head southwest along the highway, as if you were going to Nazca. At that mileage you will find signs to enter the reserve.
Wari Archaeological Complex
An example of urban planning, this complex is one of the largest urban centers in ancient Peru and is considered the first city in the Andes. Its stone-based architecture and its neat distribution of spaces has been the object of admiration for historians and tourists. Going through its squares and paths makes the visitor admire the degree of organization that characterized this culture.
Huanta City
Known as the 'Emerald of the Andes' for its beautiful landscapes and its warm climate, Huanta has a lot to offer its visitors. Here, it is necessary to have a Caldo de tripe for breakfast or a Picante de cuy for lunch in its main market, and then visit its viewpoint -10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas- and contemplate from there a beautiful panoramic view of the entire valley. Finally, it is recommended to visit the Chapel of the Assumption: a small and beautiful temple built in homage to the Virgin Asunta Mamacha or Virgin of the Assumption.
Best Tours in Peru
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salcantay Trek Peru to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Palcoyo Mountain Tour
- Cusco to Manu Tour
- Humantay Lake Day Trip
- Huchuy Qosqo Day Hike
- Half Day Cusco City Tour
- Llactapata Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Qoyllur Riti Festival
- Apurimac River Rafting
- Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu
- Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu Tour
- Salkantay Inca Trail Combo
- Waqrapukara Peru Full Day Tour
- Sacred Valley Bike Tour
- Honeymoon in Machu Picchu
- 1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley Tours
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
- Short 2 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek
- 4 Day Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
- Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
- Urubamba River Rafting
- 5 Days Salkantay Mountain Trek
- 3 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
- 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
