Imagine a day filled with striking natural beauty, vibrant turquoise waters, and a gentle hike through lush landscapes—all for just $43. That’s what you get with the Visit to Millpu Aguas Turquesas tour, a full-day adventure starting from Lima Province, Peru. Led by a friendly local guide in a small group, this experience takes you to some of Ayacucho’s most mesmerizing sights, with a focus on the spectacular pools of Millpu and the unspoiled scenery that surrounds them.

What we love most about this tour is how close you’ll get to nature, with a scenic drive followed by a manageable hike that rewards you with a panoramic view of the turquoise pools. Plus, the opportunity to indulge in fresh trout dishes at the end makes this a well-rounded, authentic experience.

A possible consideration is that the hike is uphill and takes about an hour and ten minutes, which could be challenging for some travelers with limited mobility. Also, entry fees and meals are not included in the base price, so budgeting a little extra for those is wise.

This tour is ideal if you enjoy natural scenery, moderate physical activity, and local cuisine. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see a less-touristy side of Peru and are comfortable with a small group setting and some light hiking.

Key Points

Stunning natural pools: Over 20 pools with vivid turquoise waters in a narrow gorge.
Scenic hike: About 70-minute uphill trek to a viewpoint overlooking the pools.
Authentic experience: Visit a local village, enjoy trout dishes, and see Ayacucho’s landscape.
Limited group size: Small groups ensure personalized attention and better interaction.
Conservation efforts: Pools are not for swimming due to ecosystem protection, which preserves their natural beauty.
Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Millpu Tour

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Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins early, with a pickup at 8:00 am from the main square of Huamanga, Ayacucho. The modern, comfortable tourist transport takes you on a roughly 1 hour and 15-minute drive through the Peruvian countryside. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of rural life and scenic landscapes that set the tone for the day ahead.

The Stop in Condorccocha

After about an hour and 15 minutes on the road, you’ll arrive in the village of Condorccocha. Here, you can grab some breakfast on your own—perhaps a hearty chicken broth, lamb, sandwiches, or traditional mates—before continuing your adventure. This stop is a practical pause that allows you to fuel up and stretch your legs before the more active part of the day.

The Hike to Millpu Viewpoint

Next, the journey takes you to the village of Circamarca, where the real physical activity begins. The hike from Circamarca to the natural viewpoint of Millpu lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes uphill. While this might sound demanding, it’s a manageable trek for most and well worth the effort.

Leading you along a well-marked trail, your guide narrates stories of the area and points out local flora and fauna. As you ascend, the views of the surrounding valleys and mountains gradually unfold. When you reach the viewpoint, you’ll get an awe-inspiring panorama of the more than 20 pools, their turquoise waters shimmering in the sunlight.

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The Pools of Millpu

The star of the show, these natural pools, are carved into a narrow canyon and are fed by mountain streams. Their vibrant turquoise hue is caused by sunlight filtering through mineral-rich waters, creating an almost surreal spectacle.

While the pools are tempting, due to ecosystem conservation restrictions, travelers are not allowed to swim or enter the water. This helps preserve their pristine condition and the local ecosystem. Nevertheless, the view from the top is breathtaking enough to make this a memorable photo opportunity.

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The Return and Lunch

Descending back to Circamarca, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a lunch featuring local trout dishes—a specialty in this area due to its fish farming tradition. Delicious, fresh, and straightforward, this meal offers a taste of the local culinary scene and provides a satisfying end to your active morning.

Return to Ayacucho

By around 7:30 pm, your tour concludes with the drop-off back in the city. The day’s balance of scenic views, light physical activity, and culture makes for a well-rounded experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic natural beauty is the main draw. The pools’ vivid colors and dramatic canyon setting are unlike anything you’ll find in typical tourist spots. The short but scenic hike offers a great way to see the landscape up close without feeling overwhelmed.

Another highlight is the chance to support conservation efforts—visitors are encouraged to admire the pools from above rather than swim, ensuring these stunning waters remain pristine. The inclusion of a local guide enriches the experience with stories and insights you won’t find in guidebooks.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The price of $43 is quite reasonable considering transportation, guide, and a well-organized itinerary. However, remember that entrance fees (~S/.15) and meals are extra costs, so plan accordingly.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, and a camera—the views are worth capturing.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for the uphill hike.
The small group size (up to 10 participants) ensures a more personalized, relaxed experience, but it also means you should reserve early.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with certain medical conditions, given the physical nature of the hike.

Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time

If you’re craving a dose of nature with a splash of adventure, this tour delivers. The spectacular pools are a visual feast, offering that “almost unreal” scenery that keeps visitors talking. It’s a fantastic way to see a less-visited part of Peru, away from the crowds and commercialism.

For travelers who appreciate moderate physical activity combined with cultural authenticity, this experience provides a nice balance. The trout lunch adds a tasty local flavor, anchoring the day in Peruvian rural life.

Travelers who rated this experience highly particularly appreciated the stunning views and the chance to witness natural beauty that’s still relatively untouched. The entire day feels like a small, intimate journey into the heart of Ayacucho’s scenic landscapes.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a compelling blend of breathtaking scenery, light adventure, and culture. For just $43, you get an insightful drive, a manageable hike, and stunning vistas that will stay with you long after leaving. It’s best suited for those who enjoy moderate physical activity, picture-perfect landscapes, and authentic local experiences.

While it may not be for those with mobility issues or seeking swimming opportunities, the viewpoints and landscapes more than compensate. The small group setting ensures a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and the focus on conservation means you’ll leave with a sense of respect for the area’s delicate ecosystem.

If you want to see some of the most beautiful pools in Peru and enjoy a genuine rural experience, this trip to Millpu is well worth considering. It’s a great way to connect with nature and add a memorable chapter to your Peruvian journey.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes comfortable tourist transport from the main square of Huamanga, Ayacucho.

How long is the hike?
The uphill hike from Circamarca to the viewpoint lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, which is manageable with some preparation.

Can I swim in the pools?
No, swimming is not allowed. The pools are protected to conserve their natural beauty and ecosystem.

What’s the best time to go?
While not specified, sunny days will enhance the turquoise effect of the pools and provide better views from the viewpoint.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You can buy breakfast in Condorccocha or enjoy trout at lunch in Circamarca.

Is it suitable for all travelers?
Not quite. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with certain medical conditions due to the uphill hike and physical activity involved.

In summary, this tour combines scenic beauty, light adventure, and cultural touches into an accessible day trip. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to experience the natural side of Peru with an eye for conservation and authentic local flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

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