Things to do & places to visit in Ayacucho Region, Peru

Ayacucho Region #16 destination in Peru 2023. The average rating score is 4.38 based on 2.043 traveler reviews, of 35 attractions. Timezone: America/Lima, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:52.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Aguas Turquesas Millpu (34 reviews)
- Stunning natural beauty. Highly recommended!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

The locals only told people about this about four years ago, which is why you may not know anything about it! But go! I didn't know much about it and I nearly didn't take this tour, because I hate tours. I'm so glad I did! It is a difficult ride to get there but it's worth it. It would be great to go independently but I think that would be difficult. The good thing is that it's so remote, there was only our one tour bus (it was a weekend, so it was quite full, 15 people or so) and hardly anyone else. It was 14 peruvians and me. More people should go here! I don't know whether or not the guide could speak any English, so that may be something to ask/consider if you don't speak Spanish. There was only one tourist bus that went from Ayacucho that day and people had booked through different agencies. So I don't think it matters too much who you book with. Just negotiate price. See more..
5.0 Casa del Retablo (4 reviews)
- Fantastic Retablos Workshop and Display
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Having visited the town of Ayacucho, I was fascinated by retablos - the colours, detail, craftsmanship and scenes depicted of Peru life! Having found Casa Del Retablo on trip advisor I was excited to see them made first hand. Silvestri gave us a demonstration, showing us his work and how he mixes potato with plaster to create the intricate miniature characters in these boxes, he had an impressive handmade collection. He was very kind and genuine, even taking us to his friends Sergio, a stone mason, down the road to show us his workshop. Fond of anything Artesanal, this was my heaven! See more..
5.0 Granja Montefino (2 reviews)
- It is a place where you discover the value of nature.
Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Farms

Is a excellent place to rest near to Ayacucho. You can do many activities like tour the greenhouses of roses and strawberry and too learn how alpacas, Guinea pigs, chickens and trout are raised. The rooms are very clean and all have view to nature. The food is healthy and tasty and they are made with products from the farm. See more..
5.0 Cafe Museo Ayacucho (2 reviews)
- Great place to visit and know how is the coffee process from seed to your cup
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

It is a good place to understand how is the process of the coffee from the seed, farm to your cup. Besides you can learn to taste qualities of coffee, the host is very kind and he likes to talk about history, culture about Ayacucho. See more..
5.0 Casona Gutierrez Ayacucho (1 review)
- A trip to the colonial past in Perú, Ayacucho
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Ayacucho is the historical city of Peru, and icon of the history of America. Reason why it houses structures represent culture in each of its corners, such as churches and mansions created at the time of the Spanish colony. The house Gutierrez represents the houses that served as a military base for the Spanish colony, created since 1630, belonged to one of the most important families in Huamanga See more..
4.5 Obelisco de la Pampa de la Quinua (516 reviews)
- Great place
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Quinua town, famous for the artisans and beautiful work in ceramics, and LA PAMPA DE LA QUINUA, where in 1824 was performed the Ayacucho Battle definitive in our independence. Rent horse riding and some topical food and souvenirs. Is close to the main City The tours cost around 10 dollars . See more..
4.5 Plaza Mayor de Ayacucho (314 reviews)
- Everybody meets in this square with park, preparing for the 200 years celebration
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The main square is a romantic place where people can meet. There are lots of flowers and trees. Everything is neatly ordered. It has been renovated looking forward to the celebration of the 200 years of independence of Peru from Spain. This has been reached in the famous "Battle of Ayacucho" in 1821. So the city is preparing itself for the "Bicentenario", which means, the 200 years, a d you can see it. In December, also the cathedral was illuminated in lots of colors from the place. See more..
4.5 Complejo Arqueologico Wari (204 reviews)
- ASTONISHING
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Compared to the archeological sites in Cuzco, this is still a rather unknown archeological site but a lanmark that worth the trip to Ayacucho. We had a great guide who walk us through the museum and part of the site. It will give a lot to talk about the generations to come. See more..
4.5 Basilica Catedral de Ayacucho (167 reviews)
- excelent view
Friday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Very pretty church in major Square On Ayacucho, lots of paintings, sculptures, it is a must On your visit. See more..
4.5 Complejo Arqueologico de Vilcashuaman (64 reviews)
- It's the second time I visited Vilcashuaman
Ancient Ruins

To get there from Huamanga at least take 4 hours, the distance is not the problem but bumpy roads make the trip slow and at the same time give you the opportunity to admire the amazing scenery, nature, and the famous puya Raymondi. It's not a big city; nevertheless, it has a colonial church, Central Park, and also the pyramid called Ushno which you can climb until the top See more..
4.5 Ushnu (33 reviews)
- Impressive but you can't go up
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This pyramid is one of the most interesting I've seen in South America. When you visit this place, you can also take a look at Tupac Yupanqui palace beside. However, if you go with a guide, choose an archaeologist, otherwise, a history amateur will tell you only useless information. Also be clever when you pay at the entrance, they have to give you the corresponding ticket. Another sad thing is that you can't go at the top of Ushno because stairs are closed. I don't know if they doing maintenance or if they are closed permanently. As for July 2018, they were closed. See more..
4.5 Museo Historico Regional Hipolito Unanue (27 reviews)
- Excellent presentation of the Pre-Inca cultures in Peru
Speciality Museums

I was thrilled to see they had sufficient original artifacts to show us the magnificent Pre-Inca cultures, including the Wari. The fact that this museum is smaller was a benefit to me as it's easier to get the big picture and see the differences in the ceramics of the different cultures going back to 2000 BC! If you are interested in Pre-Inca cultures this is a very good museum. And it's well labeled and laid out in a logical progression. See more..
4.5 Reserva Nacional Pampa Galeras Barbara D'Achille (26 reviews)
- Informative visit and vicuñas!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

During our tour, we had a short stop at their museum where we received loads of information about South American camelids and other fauna of the Reserve. And, of course, the (almost) close encounter with a herd of vicuñas was a cherry on top. Naturally, it is not allowed to go near the animals, but theey were close enough for good photo opportunities and to enjoy the fact thet these previously close to extiction species live in good numbers here. Good work! See more..
4.5 Casa Museo Joaquin Lopez Antay (25 reviews)
- lovely pieces of art
Friday: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries • Art Museums

In this place, Joaquin Lopez Antay, the creator of the "Retablo Ayacuchano", was born and lived. Between these walls, you can feel the creative spirit of this great traditional artist. See more..
4.5 Complejo Arqueologico de Pumacocha o Intihuatana (19 reviews)
- Panorama Increíble
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Un camino muy agradable rodeando la Laguna Pumaqucho en donde podrás descansar tu mente viendo los animales que de ahí se alimentan . El sitio es un poco amplio pero vale la pena llegar. See more..
4.5 La Totorilla Centro Ecologico Recreacional (16 reviews)
- Fun way to pass an afternoon with young kids
Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

This was a fun place to visit for our young kids. The entrance fee was super cheap (1 sol/kids - 4 soles/adults)! The pathways are pretty well kept, but definitely recommend good walking shoes as there are some rocky parts. Also, the path leads you down into the river valley, then back up. So be prepared for a good hike. We went on a day that was not too hot, but I wouldn't want to trek around there if it were much hotter. See more..
4.5 Templo de Santo Domingo (15 reviews)
- Try To Catch It Open!
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Santo Domingo has a beautiful exterior and interior...the gold leaf abounds in this church and is different from the Basilica. Whereas the Basilica is open everyday, Santo Domingo is unpredictable when it will be open. Even though it is supposed to be open every morning from 5:30-6:30 AM, we didn't find it open on a Wednesday morning. We were told it might be open in the evening if there is a special mass. Fortunately we wandered by on Thursday night at 6 PM and the door was open. Glad we did not miss this church! See more..
4.5 Mercado Artesanal "Shosaku Nagase" Ayacucho (10 reviews)
Spent 1-2 hours Flea & Street Markets

See more..
4.5 La Casona Velarde Alvarez (9 reviews)
- Preciosa
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Educational sites

Entre por curiosidad, se encuentra en plena plaza de armas. El ambiente de paz es impresionante. La sobriedad de su diseño la hacen un lugar muy especial. Realmente un bello espacio. See more..
4.5 Catarata Batan (8 reviews)
- impresionante
Spent 1-2 hours Waterfalls

catarata maravillosa de fácil acceso, con agencia de viajes o en auto propio esta bien señalizado no deje de visitarlo See more..
4.0 Mirador turistico de Acuchimay (122 reviews)
- Amazing view of the city!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was our last stop in Ayacucho! Very well worth visiting - you get a 360 degrees view of all of Ayacucho! See more..
4.0 Arco del Triunfo (117 reviews)
- The commerce street
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This arch is at the end of 28 de Julio street, very easy to find from the Huamanga square. 28 de Julio is a very intense commerce street, where you will find many restaurants and business, small malls and shops. Eatings on these places is very cheap and healthy, of course look it first. on the arch side you find a church, is the Saint Francis convent. See more..
4.0 Museo de la Memoria (84 reviews)
- Great visit
Speciality Museums

First time in the city. It was very clean with one of the most beautiful plazas in all of Peru. The food was great and the people very friendly See more..
4.0 Museo de Sitio Wari (73 reviews)
- Partially excavated capital of the Wari
Speciality Museums

Located on a spot with fantastic scenery, the excavations are currently only very limited in extend. One can still easily see the several wavy walls in the landscape. Further is a round, presumably ceremonial, site excavated as well as partially the graveyard. Excavations are ongoing, like on many sites in Peru, and the site might become more interesting to visit with time. The Wari were a complex culture and the Inca´s would later use the road system started by them. The on-site museum has very little of interest, but the museum in Ayacucho house many finds. See more..
4.0 Museo Andres Avelino Caceres (36 reviews)
- Homage to an impressive man
Speciality Museums

I've been here twice. This humble little museum pays homage to the life of Andrés Avelino Cáceres. He was Peru's version of General Stonewall Jackson. Impressive life, President of Peru 3 times. The museum, as best I can tell, is staffed by young soldiers from a nearby army base. See more..
4.0 Plazoleta Maria Parado de Bellido (31 reviews)
- Hypnotizing dancing
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This Plazoleta is located a few blocks where I was staying. As soon as I approached I saw a few groups of people dancing. I believe this place is used for others dancing schools to train their students . This city is known b their folkloric dancing , with very colorful customs. See more..
4.0 Cueva de Pikimachay (31 reviews)
- Small but interesting!
Caverns & Caves

A half an hour hike up a hill/mountain, it has beautiful views of Ayacucho and our tour guide noted that the Sendero Luminoso group had used it for a hideout... it's a place of solemn history, not just a random cave, and was included in our tour of La Pampa too. Would go back. Spend maybe half an hour here, not more though. More English speakers need to see this place. See more..
4.0 Casona Boza y Solis (21 reviews)
- Lovely colonial house
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

This old house has a lot of history. Maria Parado de Bellido was held in one of the cells prior to her execution. Nowadays, functions as part of the 'Poder Judicial' Not as big as others, but with nice architecture and in good condition. See more..
4.0 Casona Castilla y Zamora (19 reviews)
- Grand colonial mansion
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Guess if you were adjacent to the cathedral, you had a better chance of going to heaven. The house now belongs to the University of San Cristobal de Huamanga. The plan adapts to the terrain. Not the typical Spanish 'solar'. Has an ancient fig tree and grapevine. A lovely carving of St. Chistopher. Nice stairs leading to a second floor with great views of the cathedral. Well worth a visit. See more..
4.0 Bosque de Titankayoc (7 reviews)
- Hermoso lugar!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Lindo lugar para observar las puyas raimondi. Obligatorio conocer este sitio en el tour a Vilcashuamán. See more..