What to do in Quinua

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 :-)
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.

Places to Visit in Quinua

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Quinua, Ayacucho Region while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Quinua attractions from NZ$61, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Quinua tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 3 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Quinua. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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What to do in Quinua

Discover the most popular places to visit in Quinua

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

Wari Museum

You can study the exhibits at Wari Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Pacaycasa. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Wari Museum

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Quinua worth visiting?
Quinua has an interesting mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional food, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Quinua?
Kick-start your getaway adventures with a visit to the most popular attractions. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Quinua while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Quinua?
Don't go home without checking out Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary, rated the top tourist attraction in Quinua.
Is three days enough to stay in Quinua?
Book an escape in Quinua for three days and you'll have plenty of time to tick off its most popular sights and get a taste for the local way of life. For the chance to enjoy highlights in the surrounding areas and venture off the tourist trail, consider staying for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Quinua with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Quinua with kids.
What to do in Quinua for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Quinua for adults including Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary.
Are there free things to do in Quinua?
With lots of free things to do in Quinua, you can discover the area without breaking the bank. Soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or roam the local neighbourhoods.