Ayacucho

Wari Archaeological Complex

This archaeological complex belongs to the Wari culture that flourished between the 6th and 11th centuries AD. It’s one of the largest urban centers of ancient Peru, covering an area of approximately 2200 hectares. The main buildings are found in a tight nucleus in the urban center. The site is linked to the Middle Horizon period and the first colonial references date back to the chronicles of Pedro Cieza de León in 1553. The site lies 2750 meters above sea level.

Location Access
Province: Huamanga
Distance:
Time:
22 kilometers
north of the city of
Ayacucho		 30 minutes by car
District: Quinua
Locality
Reference:		 N/A
Site Details
Entrance Fee:
Opening Hours:
Museum & Other Services
Adults S/.3.00
University
Students
S/.1.00 School
Students
S/.0.50		 Monday to Sunday
8:30 – 17:00		 On-site museum,
bathrooms and guides

Cave of Piquimachay or Pikimachay

The cave has been dated to 20,000 years before Christ and samples reveal two ancient phases of occupation: the Pacaicasa and Ayacucho. The deepest level (corresponding to the first Pacaicasa phase) contains fossil remains of giant sloths and horses, and rudimentary tools of stone and bone. These remains demonstrate that during this phase nomadic hunter-gatherers inhabited the cave.

Location Access
Province: Huamanga
Distance:
Time:
25 kilometers from
the city of
Huamanga		 30 minutes by car
District: Pacaycasa
Locality
Reference:		 N/A
Site Details
Entrance Fee:
Opening Hours:
Museum & Other Services
Free entry N/A N/A

Vilcashuamán Archaeological Complex

An Inca city dating from the 15th Century, considered one of the most important administrative centers in Tahuantinsuyo. Vilcashuamán, which translates as “Sacred Hawk” was built at a strategic point on the Qapac Ñan road (a royal Inca trail), and reveals a fine architectural design and well preserved remains. The integrated architectural elements that make up the site are: the Trapezoidal Plaza, the Ceremonial Pyramid or Ushno and the Temple of the Sun.

Location Access
Province: Vilcashuamán
Distance:
Time:
118 kilometers
south of the city of
Ayacucho		 3 hours by car
District: Vischongo
Locality
Reference:		 N/A
Site Details
Entrance Fee:
Opening Hours:
Museum & Other Services
N/A N/A N/A

Pumacocha or Intihuatana Archaeological Complex

These archaeological remains are located to the southeast of the Vischongo district at an altitude of 3126 meters above sea level. The geographical context of the site is in the surroundings of Pomacocha Lagoon, over an area of around 3000m2. The complex was considered a residential zone and a retreat for the Inca elite. The site is made up of a series of buildings. Among others you’ll find a palace, a tower, and the baths of the Inca, featuring a carved stone with 13 angles.

Location Access
Province: Vilcashuamán
Distance:
Time:
5 kilometers from
Vischongo		 15 minutes
98 kilometers
south of the city of
Ayacucho		 3 hours
District: Vischongo
Locality
Reference:		 N/A
Site Details
Entrance Fee:
Opening Hours:
Museum & Other Services
Adults S/2.00
Students S/1.00
Children S/.0.50		 Monday to Sunday
9:00 – 17:00		 N/A

Caniche Archaeological Complex

Located to the northeast and a few minutes from the city center of Andamarca, Caniche is a large pre-Inca archaeological complex, with stone buildings constructed on a circular base, with slabs secured by a mixed mud mortar. Some walls reach a height of up to 12 meters. The site corresponds to the Chanka period. The name Caniche means: that which bites. Some evidence suggests that this place was used to punish delinquents, trapping them between two rocks.

Location Access
Province: Lucanas
Distance:
Time:
500 meters from
the city center of
Andamarca		 10 minutes on foot
District: Carmen Salcedo
Locality
Reference:		 N/A
Site Details
Entrance Fee:
Opening Hours:
Museum & Other Services
Free entry N/A N/A

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