Ayacucho: Excursion to Vilcashuamán and Pumacocha

Uncover the captivating archaeological gems of Peru’s Ayacucho region with this 12-hour excursion. Departing from Plaza Mayor, you’ll explore the impressive Raimondi Puyas, the Pumacocha complex, and the historic Vilcashuamán ruins – all while accompanied by knowledgeable bilingual guides. This immersive journey promises to transport you back in time, revealing the rich cultural heritage that lies within these remarkable sites. But before you embark, make sure you’re aware of the important regulations that govern your experience.

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Key Points

A 12-hour tour departing from Plaza Mayor in Ayacucho at 8:00 a.m. and priced from $36.00 per person.
Exploration of the archaeological sites of Pumacocha complex and Vilcashuamán ruins, with guided tours in English and Spanish.
Opportunity to see the Raimondi Puyas, a towering plant species, and visit the Intihuatana (sundial) and palace remains at Pumacocha.
Lunch break for self-catering included, and the tour continues to the trapezoidal plaza of Vilcashuamán and the 16th-century San Juan Bautista church.
Transportation, entrance fees, and knowledgeable guides provided, but the tour is not wheelchair-accessible, and pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Ayacucho: Excursion to Vilcashuamán and Pumacocha is a 12-hour tour that departs from Plaza Mayor in Ayacucho at 8:00 a.m.

A 12-hour tour departing from Plaza Mayor in Ayacucho at 8:00 a.m. to explore archaeological sites Vilcashuamán and Pumacocha.

Priced from $36.00 per person, the tour offers exploration of archaeological sites, including the Pumacocha complex and the Vilcashuamán ruins.

Guided in English and Spanish, the tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a lunch break for self-catering.

Visitors should bring a passport or ID, camera, and cash.

Not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour doesn’t allow pets, alcohol, or drugs.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

Looking for more options in Ayacucho? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Plaza Mayor in Ayacucho at 8:00 a.m., the tour first visits the Raimondi Puyas, which can reach up to four meters in height.

Next, it explores the archaeological complex of Pumacocha, featuring a tower, sundial (Intihuatana), and palace remains. Guests then enjoy a lunch break for self-catering.

The tour continues to the archaeological complex of Vilcashuamán, notable for its trapezoidal plaza that can accommodate 20,000 people and the old Temple of the Sun, now the site of the 16th-century San Juan Bautista church.

Transportation and Guide

Transportation for the excursion is provided by bus, which departs from Plaza Mayor in Ayacucho at 8:00 a.m. The tour is led by English and Spanish speaking guides who provide commentary throughout the day.

| Services Included | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Bus travel |

| Guiding | English and Spanish speakers |

| Entrance Fees | $2 per person |

The guides are knowledgeable about the history and significance of the archaeological sites, enhancing the overall experience for participants. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and engage with the guides throughout the tour.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect an immersive cultural experience as they explore the archaeological wonders of Vilcashuamán and Pumacocha.

At the Raimondi Puyas, they’ll see giant bromeliad plants reaching 4 meters tall. The Pumacocha site features a tower, sundial, and palace remains, while Vilcashuamán impresses with its massive trapezoidal plaza and 16th-century church.

Guests will have a lunch break for self-catering. The tour covers transportation, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, and entrance fees.

However, it’s not wheelchair-accessible, and visitors should bring their passport, camera, and cash. Pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.

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Important Reminders

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, participants should ensure they bring their passport or ID, camera, and cash for the entrance fees and any additional expenses.

Plus, the following important reminders should be kept in mind:

Pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.
Ensure the correct contact number, including the country code, is provided, with WhatsApp recommended for easy communication.
For last-minute reservations, it’s advised to check availability via email before booking.
The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
A reserve now and pay later option is available.

There's plenty more to explore in Ayacucho

Entrance Fees and Inclusions

The tour includes transportation by bus, as well as an English and Spanish speaking guide to accompany participants throughout the excursion. Entrance fees are $2 per person. The inclusions are:

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

|————|————|

| Transportation | Meals |

| Guide | Beverages |

| Entrance fees | Gratuities |

| | Personal expenses |

Meals and beverages are not provided, allowing participants the flexibility to explore local cuisine during the lunch break. The tour offers a comprehensive experience while keeping costs manageable for travelers.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

How does the tour’s customer feedback and ratings compare to other offerings?

Based on the lone review, the excursion appears to have received a dismal 1 out of 5 stars from a GetYourGuide traveler in Germany. The scathing review states "Estafa, nunca apareció" or "Fraud, never showed up", suggesting a complete failure to deliver on the promised tour.

A lone 1-star review alleges a complete failure to deliver the promised tour, calling it a "fraud" that "never showed up."

This stark contrast to the otherwise glowing 4.8/5 average rating across over 1,000 reviews for Ayacucho tours on the platform.

Key customer concerns appear to be:

Failure to meet advertised tour details
Lack of communication or follow-through
Poor overall experience and value

Booking and Reservation Details

Prospective travelers can reserve the Ayacucho: Excursion to Vilcashuamán and Pumacocha tour through GetYourGuide’s website or mobile app.

The 12-hour tour is priced from $36.00 per person and is available in English and Spanish. Customers can opt for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or choose the reserve now & pay later option.

Important details to note include the 8:00 a.m. departure from Plaza Mayor, Ayacucho, and the return to Ayacucho by 8:00 p.m.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, camera, and cash, and are advised that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring Snacks and Water on the Tour?

According to the tour information, travelers are allowed to bring personal snacks and water on the excursion. The tour does not provide meals, so bringing one’s own provisions is recommended for the self-catering lunch break.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. It involves hiking and exploring archaeological sites, which could be challenging for small kids. However, older children may enjoy the educational and cultural aspects of the tour.

Do I Need to Book in Advance or Can I Join on the Day?

Travelers can book this tour in advance, but they can also join on the day if there’s availability. Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot, especially for last-minute reservations, which require checking availability via email.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Departure Time?

The departure time is set at 8:00 a.m. and can’t be changed or adjusted. Travelers are expected to arrive at the departure point on time, as the tour departs promptly at the scheduled time and won’t wait for late arrivals.

Can I Get a Refund if I Need to Cancel at Short Notice?

Yes, you can get a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. This tour offers free cancellation with a full refund, giving you flexibility to change your plans at short notice.

The Sum Up

The "Ayacucho: Excursion to Vilcashuamán and Pumacocha" offers an immersive 12-hour journey through Peru’s rich archaeological heritage. Participants can explore impressive Raimondi Puyas, the Pumacocha complex, and the historic Vilcashuamán ruins, accompanied by knowledgeable bilingual guides. With a self-catered lunch and reasonable pricing, this tour provides an engaging and affordable way to discover Peru’s captivating ancient sites.