Things to do in Quinua

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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.
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What to do in Quinua

 

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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 trip 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 trip to Pacaycasa. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Wari Museum

 

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Popular day trips from Quinua

The Intiwatana and Pumacocha archaeological site, Ayacucho, Peru

Ayacucho

Frequently asked questions

Is Quinua worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are loads of fun things to do in Quinua. Make sure to enjoy the area's blend of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Quinua?
Start your sightseeing adventures with a visit to the most popular attractions. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Quinua while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Quinua?
You can't leave without exploring Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary, ranked 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 easily be able to explore its most in-demand sights and get a taste for the local vibe. For the chance to enjoy attractions in the surrounding areas and get off the beaten path, consider staying for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Quinua with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Quinua with kids.
What to do in Quinua for adults?
Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Quinua. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Quinua?
With loads of free things to do in Quinua, you can experience the area without getting your wallet out. Check out free events and festivals or stroll through the local neighbourhoods.