AYACUCHO UNCOVERED 4D
Immerse yourself in Ayacucho’s rich culture & natural beauty.
Traditional craftsmanship at Santa Ana & Quinua.
A beguiling blend of pre-Inca, Colonial & modern history.
Epic Andean scenery, including the stunning Millpu canyon.
Overview
A four-day itinerary to explore the essence of Ayacucho - the ‘City of Churches’ - through its most iconic cultural and natural landmarks.
In the city itself, we visit the historic central square, known as Plaza de Sucre, with its statue of Marshall Sucre, a hero of South American liberation, and its imposing Cathedral; and the traditional district of Santa Ana, where local artisans share their techniques that have been honed over centuries.
On the second day, we venture out of the city to explore the Wari archaeological site, the capital of the first Andean Empire, pre-dating the Incas.
We then visit the scene of a more modern historical event: Pampa de Ayacucho where an 1824 battle marked the end of Spanish rule of Peru.
In the picturesque village of Quinua, we witness more age-old craftsmanship, this time in the form of pottery,
The third day involves a long drive south of Ayacucho, but it is well worth it to be able to see the turquoise waters of Millpu — a hidden, natural gem in the Andes.
Ayacucho Uncovered 4D Itinerary Outline:
Day 1: Arrive Ayacucho; City Tour. Overnight at Casa Andina Hotel.
Day 2: Wari, Quinua & Pampa de Ayacucho. Overnight at Casa Andina Hotel.
Day 3: Millpu. Overnight at Casa Andina Hotel.
Day 4: Transfer to Ayacucho airport.
Prices
Below prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in standard rooms.
| Itinerary | Length | Prices From |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Ayacucho | 4 Days | £382 / $518 |
INCLUDED:
Accommodation in stated hotel, or similar, on a bed & breakfast basis
Other meals as stated
Private transport for all transfers & excursions
Excursions, as stated in itinerary, on a private basis.
Specialist, English-speaking guides
All entrance fees
NOT INCLUDED
4D Itinerary
AYACUCHO UNCOVERED: 4-DAY detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Ayacucho: Arrival; City Tour
On arrival at Ayacucho airport, you are welcomed by a guide and transferred in a private vehicle to your centrally-located hotel.
Having settled in to your accommodation, we take you on a guided tour of the city.
Ayacucho’s central square.
We begin in the centre of Ayacucho, at the historic Plaza de Armas, which shows the huge influence of the Spanish on the city after The Conquest.
In one corner of the square is the Colonial mansion Casona Boza y Solís, built in 1740 by a Spanish general who was mayor of the city; while the south-eastern corner is dominated by the impressive Catholic Catedral de Huamanga. We visit both.
We then continue to Joaquín López Antay Museum to learn about the traditional craft of retablos. There are intricate works of art, originating in Ayacucho, portraying images of saints or religious scenes on shelves inside a portable wooden box, with hinged doors to protect the content.
Next, we visit Mirador Acuchimay for a panoramic view of the city.
A weaver at work in Santa Ana.
Finally, we go to the district of Santa Ana to visit two workshops where local artisans share their techniques and unique creations.
At the end of the tour, you will be returned to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Ayacucho, or similar.
Meals included: None
Day 2: Ayacucho: Wari, Quinua & Pampa de Ayacucho
We begin today’s tour by driving from the hotel to Wari Archaeological Complex, considered the capital of the first Andean Empire.
We explore the site's main structures, including tombs, galleries, ceremonial streets, the Main Temple, and the site museum to learn more about the ferocious Wari people.
After this cultural experience, the journey continues to the Pampa de Ayacucho, the scene of the regime-changing Battle of Ayacucho, in 1824, between the ‘liberators’ of South America and the royalists of the Spanish Empire. An imposing obelisk celebrating the victory and subsequent independence for Peru stands at the site.
Potter at work in Quinua.
The tour then proceeds to the charming town of Quinua, known for its pottery tradition. We will visit local workshops and observe local potters as they shape their ceramics.
There will be free time for lunch in Quinua: this is a good chance to try regional dishes such as cuy chactado (spatchcock guinea pig) or chicharron (fried pork).
The day ends with a transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Ayacucho, or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 3: Ayacucho: Turquoise Waters of Millpu
Today we pick you up from the hotel to make the drive south of the city.
The first stop is at the small town of Condorqocha, after roughly an hour’s driving, where we can stretch our legs, spend a penny, and take in the atmosphere of remote Andean life.
A view of the Millpu River and gorge.
We then continue driving south to the Turquoise Waters of Millpu, a natural wonder hidden in the mountains. In total, it is a journey of 125 km (78 miles) from Ayacucho.
Upon arrival, we hike from the entrance to the viewpoint, a distance of roughly a mile (1.5km). The start point of the hike is at roughly 3,700 m (12,139 ft), so it is recommended to walk slowly and wear sun protection.
Once at the mirador, there are spectacular views of the Millpu River, which descends a narrow gorge in a series of pools. A combination of minerals suspended in the river’s water- including copper, sulphur, silver and limestone - gives it its distinctive colouring.
Having admired the beautiful view and taken photos, we hike down to the river's edge and then to its source, known as the Ojo del Agua (Eye of the Water), for a deeper understanding of the area.
We then return to the entrance of Millpu, where there are a number of restaurants, for lunch (not included).
After lunch, we make the return journey to Ayacucho, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Ayacucho, or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 4: Ayacucho: Departure
After breakfast, at the appropriate time, we are taken in a private vehicle to Ayacucho airport, for the flight to Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast.
End of services.
NB. If you would like to spend longer exploring Ayacucho and its environs, we can certainly add hotel nights and suggest activities.
Map
Reviews
“Our favorite guide was in Ayacucho. He was a young man, only 24 years old. It was our first stop on our itenerary, so we had many questions about the Peruvian culture, politics, etc. He answered all our questions honestly. We even had some great discussions about politics and elections.
He made sure we got our pictures taken in the very best spots so we could have snap worthy photos, and he was very accommodating for our slowness in hiking at a high altitude that we had not yet acclimated to yet.
He even bought us a local type of drink to try. ”