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 :-)
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.
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Ayacucho Region

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ayacucho Region

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

Centro Turístico Cultural San Cristóbal

You can find out about the history of Ayacucho with a stop at Centro Turístico Cultural San Cristóbal. Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its monuments.

Centro Turístico Cultural San Cristóbal

Ayacucho Cathedral

Ayacucho Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Ayacucho, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time to visit the monuments and shops while you're in the area.

Ayacucho Cathedral

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

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

Church of Santa Teresa

After visiting Church of Santa Teresa, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ayacucho. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Church of Santa Teresa

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

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

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.