Ayacucho, also known as Huamanga, is a beautiful city in the south-central region of Peru. In this article we'll discover the best tourist attractions in Ayacucho, from Puyas de Raimondi forests to ancient and charming colonial churches.
1. Titancayoq
This is the largest Puyas de Raimondi forest in all of Peru. It is located at 4200 masl and has 2,270 hectares. Since 2010 it has been protected by the state, so visiting it guarantees an authentic experience of this particular ecosystem's nature. Puyas bloom every 80 years, and only once in their lifetime, in a nature spectacle like no other.
How to get to Titancayoq: To get there you need to head south from the city of Ayacucho, at km 101 of the road to Vilcashuamán you'll find signs indicating the entrance to the forest.
2. Turquoise Waters of Millpu
Photo by @paolostefanor When a photo is worth more than a thousand words. The intense color of the Turquoise Waters of Millpu amazes everyone who visits them. In recent years this has become the preferred destination for travelers arriving 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 checking our article everything you need to know about the Turquoise Waters of Millpu. At Nomades we offer a tour to the Turquoise Waters of Millpu that includes transportation and a guide.
3. Jirón 28 de Julio
One of the most famous streets in Ayacucho, 28 de Julio leads to the city's central market as well as the beautiful commemorative arch of the Battle of May 2, 1886, when Spanish forces were defeated.
How to get to 28 de Julio: The street is connected to Ayacucho's Plaza de Armas, so it's very easy to find from there.
4. San Cristóbal Temple and Santa Teresa Monastery
Built in 1540, the San Cristóbal temple is the smallest and oldest of Ayacucho's churches. Right across from it is a cloistered monastery of Carmelite nuns. Visiting these churches and all the other 37 found in Ayacucho is undoubtedly one of the must-do activities in the city.
How to get to San Cristóbal temple: It is located on the sixth block of Jirón 28 de Julio. On our Premium Ayacucho City Tour, you'll visit these churches as well as other tourist attractions in the city.
5. Pampa de Ayacucho
Being in open spaces provides a sense of freedom that's hard to find anywhere else. In Pampa de Ayacucho there is a sanctuary that commemorates the Battle of December 9, 1824, the battle that defined Peru's independence from Spain. Undoubtedly, the air of freedom is felt here.
How to get to Pampa de Ayacucho: You'll need to take a bus to the town of Quinua and from there a mototaxi to take you to the visited monument. You can also do it with Nomades, on our one-day tour to Pampa de Ayacucho.
6. Cangallo Waterfalls
Visiting waterfalls is always a good plan. The power of water falling, the sound and the moisture of its spray on your face is a very powerful experience. Ayacucho hides some stunning and powerful waterfalls. Such is the case of the Pumapaqcha waterfall, which can be seen in the photograph.
How to get to the Cangallo Waterfalls: At Nomades we offer a tour of the Cangallo Waterfalls, where the first waterfall we'll visit will be Pumapaqcha. Then, we'll visit the Batan waterfall and, subsequently, we'll continue hiking through a tunnel to visit the third waterfall of Qorimaqma.
7. Vilcashuamán
You'll find the historical footprint of the Inca empire in the Vilcashuamán archaeological complex. In this city you'll find remains of polished stone, typical of Inca architecture. In Vilcashuamán you'll find of course the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon, as well as the famous Ushnu seen in the photograph.
How to get to Vilcashuamán: From Ayacucho's south terminal you can take a bus heading to Vilcashuamán, which will drop you very close to the archaeological complex after four hours of travel. At Nomades we offer a Vilcashuamán tour from Ayacucho, where you can discover the historical richness behind this complex with one of our expert guides.
8. Pampa Galeras
The Pampa Galeras Reserve is Peru's largest vicuña conservation center. It is located between 3800 and 5000 masl and is one of the tourist attractions in Ayacucho farthest from the city. However, traveling to see its vast and beautiful landscapes is completely worth it.
How to get to Pampa Galeras: 870 km from Ayacucho, to get there you need to head along the road in a southwest direction, as if you were going to Nazca. At that kilometer mark you'll find signs to enter the reserve.
Do you know other tourist attractions in Ayacucho that we should add to this list? Leave your suggestions in the comments!
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