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

Discover the most popular places to visit in Quinua

Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary

4.5/5(3 reviews)

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

5/5(2 reviews)

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

Popular day trips from Quinua

The Intiwatana and Pumacocha archaeological site, Ayacucho, Peru

Ayacucho

Frequently asked questions

Is Quinua worth visiting?
Quinua has an interesting mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional food, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Quinua?
Kick-start your getaway adventures with a visit to the most popular attractions. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Quinua while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Quinua?
Don't go home without checking out Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary, rated 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 have plenty of time to tick off its most popular sights and get a taste for the local way of life. For the chance to enjoy highlights in the surrounding areas and venture off the tourist trail, consider staying for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Quinua with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Quinua with kids.
What to do in Quinua for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Quinua for adults including Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary.
Are there free things to do in Quinua?
With lots of free things to do in Quinua, you can discover the area without breaking the bank. Soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or roam the local neighbourhoods.