Aguas Turquesas Ayacucho

Aguas Turquesas Ayacucho: A Day of Natural Beauty for Curious Travelers

If you’re visiting Ayacucho and craving a taste of Peru’s vibrant natural landscapes, the Aguas Turquesas tour offers an affordable and visually striking experience. For just under $30 per person, you’ll spend around 12 hours exploring the famous Natural Pools of Millpu and the small waterfalls that cascade through a rugged canyon. The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a guided walk through this pictorial landscape.

What we love about this tour are the staggering turquoise pools that seem to spill down the canyon walls and the small waterfalls that create a mesmerizing scene. The guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enhance the experience with their local insights. Plus, the early start ensures you’ll beat the crowds and catch the pools in the best light.

A key consideration, however, is that this tour is conducted only in Spanish, which could be a hurdle for some travelers. The walk to the pools involves about 30 minutes along uneven terrain, including a steep climb down—not ideal for those with limited mobility or carrying bulky gear. This experience is best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy outdoor adventures and authentic landscapes.

If you’re eager to see one of Peru’s most striking natural sights without breaking the bank, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate guided insights and are comfortable with some physical activity outdoors.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery of turquoise pools and waterfalls inside a canyon.
• Affordable price, offering good value for the experience.
• Guided tour with knowledgeable local guides, enriching the visit.
• Moderate physical activity involved, including walking and climbing.
• Limited language options, mainly Spanish, which may affect non-Spanish speakers.
• Early morning start helps maximize the natural beauty and avoid crowds.

What to Expect from the Aguas Turquesas Ayacucho Tour

When we first read about this tour, what immediately stands out is the beauty of the natural pools of Millpu. These staggered turquoise waterfalls are what photographers and nature lovers dream of. The pools are formed along the canyon walls, creating a series of vivid, shimmering baths that are both refreshing and visually stunning. The tour’s description emphasizes the waterfalls of Millpu, which are small but captivating, and the walk itself adds an element of adventure and physical activity.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Portal Constitución in Ayacucho, the trip kicks off early in the day—around 8 a.m.—with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transporting up to 14 travelers. The drive lasts about four hours, allowing you to enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the city behind and head into the canyon region. As you approach the pools, the anticipation builds.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the spectacle of cascading waterfalls. You’ll spend roughly three hours here, including the admission ticket. The highlight is undoubtedly the stunning turquoise pools, where you can take photos, dip your toes in, or simply soak in the view. Then, a 30-minute walk takes you to smaller waterfalls, with the trail leading you along uneven terrain—an aspect that some reviews pointed out as a bit challenging.

What Travelers Say About the Experience

Gareth_E, in his review, notes that the guide was great, making the experience more meaningful. However, he mentions that the tour is only in Spanish, which could limit understanding for non-Spanish speakers. He also warns about the difficult hike involving a 2 km uphill trek and a steep descent to the river, which adds an element of physical challenge. His advice about bringing your own food, especially if you’re vegetarian or allergic to fish, is practical.

In contrast, Sylvester_N calls the trip “beautiful waters” and mentions that this was his favorite site in Peru, even surpassing Machu Picchu in his personal ranking. His tip to leave early in the morning is valuable—the pools inside the canyon look most spectacular with the morning sun.

On the flip side, Aridja_S had a less positive experience, criticizing the tour for not being offered in English and feeling that it was more just transportation rather than a guided tour. She appreciated her guide’s kindness but felt the tour lacked clarity and was frustrating for non-Spanish speakers.

Practicalities and Logistics

The tour’s price point is attractive, especially considering the admission ticket and transportation are included. However, the lunch is not included, and the only meal options available at the site are limited to trout, which might not suit vegetarians or those with fish allergies. Bringing your own snacks or lunch might be wise.

The group size is small—up to 14 travelers—which allows for a more intimate experience but also means you’ll want to book at least 3 weeks in advance, as this tour is quite popular. The meeting point is central, making it convenient to start your day without hassle.

The Physical Element

The moderate fitness level required is worth noting. The walk involves uneven ground, uphill sections, and a steep descent, all of which could be a challenge for some. If you’re comfortable with light hiking and enjoy outdoor exploration, you’ll find this experience rewarding. If mobility is an issue, you might want to consider other options.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who love stunning landscapes and are comfortable with some physical activity. It’s perfect if you’re interested in authentic, less-touristy spots and don’t mind a guided experience primarily in Spanish. Nature lovers will especially enjoy the spectacular waterfalls and pools, which provide fantastic photo opportunities and a refreshing break from city life.

It’s less suitable for travelers seeking a luxurious or fully English-speaking experience or those who prefer a gentle, less active sightseeing day. The hike and physical demands might not suit everyone, but for those who enjoy outdoor exploration, it’s a memorable way to see a different side of Peru.

The Sum Up

The Aguas Turquesas tour in Ayacucho offers a visual feast of natural pools and waterfalls, perfect for anyone craving authentic scenery away from crowded tourist spots. At a reasonable price, it provides excellent value, especially with the guidance of knowledgeable locals who can enhance your understanding of the landscape.

While the language barrier and physical demands may be considerations, these are balanced by the breathtaking views and the chance to experience a lesser-known gem of Peru. This trip suits adventurous, outdoor-loving travelers who appreciate genuine landscapes and are prepared for a bit of a walk.

If you’re in Ayacucho and want a day immersed in nature’s vibrant colors and sounds, this tour will deliver moments you won’t soon forget—just remember to bring some snacks, wear sturdy shoes, and be ready for a true outdoor adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It depends on the child’s physical fitness and comfort with uneven terrain. The walk involves some uphill and steep descents, so it may be better suited for older children or teens.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?
Yes, lunch is not included. There are only trout served at the site, so if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or allergic to fish, bringing your own food is recommended.

Is the tour available in English?
No, the tour is mainly conducted in Spanish. Non-Spanish speakers might find it challenging unless they understand the language or arrange for additional translation.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Bring sun protection, a hat, and a water bottle. Light layers are good since temperatures can vary.

How long is the drive from Ayacucho?
The drive takes about four hours each way, giving you time to enjoy the scenery and perhaps nap or chat with fellow travelers.

Is there an age limit?
The tour isn’t specifically age-restricted, but due to physical activity involved, it’s best for those comfortable with walking and climbing.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, tickets for Millpu are included, but meals are not. Also, if you wish to skip the optional walk or sightseeing, that’s up to you.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the cancellation policy is flexible—full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the start.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 3 weeks ahead, as the tour is quite popular and limited to small groups.

The Aguas Turquesas Ayacucho tour is a fantastic way to experience some of Peru’s most captivating natural beauty. With its balance of outdoor adventure, stunning scenery, and expert local guides, it’s a trip that can leave a lasting impression—just come prepared for a walk and bring your camera.