What to do in Ayacucho Region

Activities, attractions and tours

Located 22 kilometres north-east of Ayacucho, on the road to Quinua, the Wari ruins cover some 16 square kilometres in an isolated, elevated location in the middle of the biggest cactus forest I’ve ever seen. The Wari were an ancient civilisation who flourished between 600 AD and 1100 AD, long before the Incas arrived. Their empire extended north beyond Chiclayo and south as far as Lake Titicaca (that’s the majority of the length of the entire country), with its capital on the pampa above Ayacucho. Once home to some 50,000 people, there is now possibly the same number of cactus plants in their place. A fantastic place if you love cacti, nature, ruins, and isolation :-)
Condor photographed in the Peruvian Andes, in the department of Ayacucho. #Blue
20km north east of Ayacucho, on the road to Quinua (not sure if the position on the map is EXACTLY correct) are the ruins of the capital of the Wari empire. The Wari ruled from 600AD to 1100AD and therefore pre-date the Incas. The extensive ruins are scattered among endless fields of Opuntia cacti and Prickly Pear, and these were more of a fascination to me than the ruins themselves. Despite being so exposed, the site felt quite mysterious and strangely eerie: we didn't see a single other tourist there, but we did see swarms of locusts (which, at first we mistook for birds). It's a beautiful spot, the views are amazing on a clear day and you'll see plenty of colourful butterflies and flowers. But remember to bring water, as the site is literally in the middle of nowhere, so there are no opportunities to purchase any nearby. You can catch a local bus, combi or shared taxi to the ruins, but be wary of stopping too late. We stayed until dusk, and ended up having to hitch a ride back to Ayacucho because - I assume - we'd missed the last lot of public transportation heading that way.
At 4000msnm altiplanos with hundreds of wild Vicuñas. Amazing views.
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What to do in Ayacucho Region

Popular places to visit

The Plaza de Armas with the cathedral in the background in Ayacucho, Peru

Ayacucho Plaza de Armas

You can find out about the history of Ayacucho with a stop at Ayacucho Plaza de Armas. Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its museums.

Ayacucho Plaza de Armas

Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary

You can find out about the history of Quinua with a visit to Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.

Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary

Ayacucho Popular Art Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Ayacucho Popular Art Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Ayacucho. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.

Ayacucho Popular Art Museum

Thermal Baths Larcay

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Thermal Baths Larcay during your travels in San Pedro de Larcay. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Thermal Baths Larcay

Memory Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Memory Museum during your travels in Ayacucho. Take in the museums and mountain views in the area.

Memory Museum

Centro Turístico Cultural San Cristóbal

Enjoy an outing to Centro Turístico Cultural San Cristóbal during your stay in Ayacucho. Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its museums.

Centro Turístico Cultural San Cristóbal

Museo Andrés Avelino Cáceres

You can browse the exhibits at Museo Andrés Avelino Cáceres, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Ayacucho. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.

Museo Andrés Avelino Cáceres

Church of Santa Clara

Church of Santa Clara is just one of the places to see in Ayacucho, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Take in the museums and mountain views in the area.

Church of Santa Clara

Plaza Moré

During your trip to Ayacucho, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Plaza Moré. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.

Plaza Moré