Ayacucho and central Andes holidays
Ayacucho and central Andes holidays at a glance
Ayacucho Peru is the anchor of this region, and it earns the title of jewel in the crown.
Wander its plazas and you’re moving between churches built over four centuries of Spanish rule, all set against a backdrop of Andean life that never stopped for the colonisers – this is a part of the country where indigenous tradition and colonial Peru sit side by side rather than one erasing the other.
Beyond the city, the landscape opens out. South of Ayacucho, Andahuaylas and Abancay reward a detour; further north, Huancayo climbs to 3,259 metres and Huancavelica – one of the oldest indigenous towns in Peru – sits higher still at 3,676 metres.
Between them runs the Mantaro valley, as fertile and photogenic a stretch of Andean Peru as you’ll find, and Tarma, one of the country’s oldest towns, ringed with flower terraces that have made it Peru’s principal flower-growing region.
For Peru archaeology fans, this is quietly one of the richest corners of the country: the Inca ruins at Huánuco Viejo and the 4,000 year old temple of Kotosh both predate the well-trodden Cusco circuit by centuries.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Ayacucho and central Andes
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Ayacucho offers Peru’s richest cultural experiences, preserved colonial architecture and traditional crafts. It’s an excellent for those seeking authentic local culture.
When to visit Ayacucho and central Andes
The Central Andes experience distinct dry and wet seasons, with conditions influenced by altitude.
Warm and sunny days in Ayacucho, with temperate nights and some rain; in the Central Andes these are the wettest months
Warm and sunny days in Ayacucho, with temperate nights and the possibility of the odd shower; in the Central Andes the rainy season draws to a close; Easter celebrations are notable in the region
Cooler, drier months in Ayacucho and in the Central Andes; night-time temperatures drop, significantly so at higher altitudes
The coolest, driest months in Ayacucho and in the Central Andes; night-time temperatures drop, significantly so at higher altitudes
A popular time to travel, with sunny days and more moderate night-time temperatures; some rain should be expected as the wet season arrives, generally around late October
There should be plenty of sunshine and temperatures increase in Ayacucho; in the Central Andes expect cloudy intervals and increased showers as the rainy season in the mountains develops
Accommodation in Ayacucho and central Andes
Accommodation options range from characterful colonial hotels and boutique properties in Ayacucho to comfortable lodges and guesthouses throughout the wider region.
Many properties reflect the area’s cultural heritage while providing convenient access to historical and natural attractions.
Casa Hacienda San Juan is a working ranch and dairy farm welcoming guests in the fertile mountain valleys of remote Andean Peru.
La Mansion Casa is a typical mid-range hotel in the Andean town Andahuaylas with simple guest rooms and a cafeteria.
Via Via is friendly accommodation in a restored and refurbished colonial mansion on Ayacucho’s main square with a popular restaurant.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
FAQs about visiting Ayacucho and central Andes
Ayacucho and central Andes is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit The central Andes?
The central Andes can be visited throughout the year. Most visitors will use climate as a criterion but others may be attracted by any one of numerous fiestas: Inti Raymi, Easter, Corpus Christi, Christmas. The dry season when sunny days can be expected runs May-Oct but in Jun-Jul it can be below freezing at night.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
Rain falls Jan-Mar. - What is Peru's official language?
The official language spoken in Peru is Spanish.
- What is Peru's official currency?
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Numerous money exchange offices exchange US dollar cash (few accept euros or sterling and
- What is the time difference between The central Andes and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and the central Andes is GMT-5 hours.
- Which other countries combine well with the central Andes?
Cusco and the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas, 270km by road; Machu Picchu, 75km by road and rail from Cusco; Tambopata and the lodges of the southern Amazon, 1 hour by air from Cusco
- How do you get to the central Andes?
Flights to Ayacucho from Lima take 1 hour.
- What are the festivals, and cultural events in the central Andes?
Ayacucho: Semana Santa (Easter week): many elaborate religious processions. Many other religious festivals throughout the year, including Carnival in the week before Lent.
Ayacucho: Fiesta de las Cruces: around May 23rd, variable; includes a folkdance involving men dancing with scissors. Tarma: Many festivals including Holy Week (with flower carpet competition); Carnaval Tarmeño (20-25 Feb)
Tarma and around: Several Senor de los Milagros processions in October.
Mantaro Valley: This area hosts a huge number of festivals, especially at Carnival and Holy Week (Good Friday processions take place in many villages).
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.