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Intihuatana Archaeological Complex

Ayacucho, Peru

Intihuatana: great Inca archaeological complex in Ayacucho

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About the Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana

Another archaeological complex of the Inca Empire located in the region of Ayacucho besides the Archaeological Center of Vilcas Huaman, is the Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana or Pumacocha.

Pumacocha is a Quechua word that means: “lake of the pumas“, since, according to the locals, the complex from the sky is shaped like an Andean puma, an important species of Peruvian fauna.

The Intihuatana Archaeological Complex is extensive, occupying 3,000 m2. In this complex we can find stone structures, such as the tower, the sundial, the Inca baths and a palace in which it is said that young women and virgins were prepared for human sacrifices or to serve the Inca family; you can also see the stone that is said to have been used for those human sacrifices.

Historians say that this place was built for the Inca nobility, because the rock structures are assembled to perfection, which shows the care with which the complex was built.

By the way, if you did not know, in this complex there is a small waterfall that is considered as “the water of eternal youth” and this is because these waters come from a spring deep in the mountains and have favorable minerals for human health and is also completely drinkable, so I suggest you bring an empty water bottle.

Besides having impressive archaeological works, you can admire the valley that is around it, full of vegetation and fauna around it. It also has a lake called Pumacocha, in which you can navigate in a small boat, the cost of S/.10 soles ( USD 3.50 dollars) per person.

At what altitude is the Intihuatana Archaeological Center in Ayacucho?

The town of Intihuatana is located at 3300 meters above sea level.

What is the best season to visit the Intihuatana Archaeological Center in Ayacucho?

The best season to visit Ayacucho is the Dry Season, which starts in April and ends in September, since it does not rain much and the days are clear and hot. On the other hand, other very fun seasons with many travelers are the Holy Week season, which is normally celebrated during the first weeks of April, and the Ayacucho Carnivals, which are celebrated in February.

What are the opening hours of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho?

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How much do I have to pay to enter the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex in Ayacucho?

The entrance fee to the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex is S/. 6 soles (USD 2 dollars) per adult (nationals and foreigners), children pay S/. 6 soles (USD 2 dollars).

Bath of the Incas, Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana - Ayacucho

Bath of the Incas, Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana – Ayacucho

Spring of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Spring of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Archaeological Center of Intihuatana, Ayacucho - Peru

Archaeological Center of Intihuatana, Ayacucho

How to get to the Intihuatana Archaeological Center in Ayacucho?

By cab

From any point in the city of Huamanga or Ayacucho you can take a cab that will take you to Intihuatana for approximately S/. 30 to 40 soles (USD 8 to 11 dollars) each way, this option is convenient when traveling in a group, you can ask the cab driver to wait 1 or 2 hours for you to make the journey in peace or you can also take another cab back.

A tip I give you is to visit the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex and the Vilcas Huaman Archaeological Complex on the same day, as these two centers are very close to each other, with a distance of 22 km between them.

By car

If you do not have a car, a good option is to rent one and get to Intihuatana Archaeological Complex quietly, you can also reach several of the tourist destinations in Ayacucho by road, so you would save on tourist service.

The route to Intihuatana from the city of Ayacucho is not dangerous since 100% of the road is asphalted, but it is always important to drive with caution and stealth, remember that you are going uphill into the Ayacucho highlands.

From the city of Ayacucho or Huamanga by private road you will travel 84 km and arrive at the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex in a little more than 2 hours.

A tip I give you is to visit the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex and the Vilcas Huaman Archaeological Complex on the same day, since these two centers are very close to each other, with a distance of 22 km between them.

By public transportation

From the city of Ayacucho, you should take the bus line 1 to the Terminal del Sur (the terminal is located next to the Mercado del Sur), the cost of the ticket is S/. 2 soles (USD 0.80 dollars) per person and in 15 minutes you arrive at the terminal, you can also take a cab to the Terminal del Sur, the cost of the trip is between S/. 10 to 15 soles (USD 3.50 to 5 dollars).

Already in the terminal you can board a car or a bus, the cost of the car ticket is S/20 soles (USD 6 dollars) per person and the bus ticket is S/. 15 soles (USD 5 dollars) per person, the travel time to Intihuatana is 2 hours . I suggest that you tell the driver that you want to get off at the archaeological complex of Intihuatana, the vehicle will leave you about 5 minutes walk from the entrance of the archaeological center.

For the return there are buses or cars that go to the city of Huamanga or Ayacucho from Intihuatana, the cost of return ticket is usually S /. 15 soles ( USD 5 dollars) per person.

An option that I suggest, since you are going by public transportation, is that after visiting the Archaeological Center of Intihuatana you visit the Archaeological Complex of Vilcas Huamán, which is about 22 km after Intihuatana. You can take a bus or a car to Vilcas Huaman on the same road, the cost of the ticket is S/5 soles (USD 2 dollars) per person, ask the driver to tell you at the stop of Vilcas Huaman Complex, and from there you can take a vehicle to the city of Huamanga or Ayacucho for the amount of S/15 soles (USD 5 dollars) per person.

By tourist agency

Many tourist agencies offer the service of a full day tour to the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Vilcas Huaman Archaeological Complex and the lower part of the Puya de Raimondi Forest. This is a highly recommended option for travelers who do not want to worry too much about transportation or scheduling activities.

How much does the day tour to the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex in Ayacucho cost?

The price of the 1-day tour is between S/.50 to 80 soles ( USD 14 to 22 dollars) per person. Normally these tours visit: the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, the Vilcas Huaman Archaeological Complex and the lower part of the Puya de Raimondi Forest.

How long is the full day tour to the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex in Ayacucho?

The full day tour starts at 9:00 am and ends at approximately 4:00 pm. Normally these tours visit: the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, the Vilcas Huaman Archaeological Complex and the lower part of the Puya de Raimondi Forest.

Pumacocha Lake of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Pumacocha Lake of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Valley of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Valley of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Sundial of the Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana, Ayacucho

Sundial of the Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana, Ayacucho

Walls of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Walls of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Palace of the ñustas - Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana, Ayacucho

Palace of the ñustas – Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana, Ayacucho

What to expect and how to prepare for the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex in Ayacucho?

Wear a cap or wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunblock, as the sun is intense and can damage your skin.

Wear hiking shoes, although the ground is not too rugged, do not be overconfident as the Peruvian Sierra has mostly rugged and rocky terrain.

Follow the pre-established paths and listen to the suggestions and indications of your guide.

Try not to carry too much weight and be light since you are walking at high altitude and you can get tired quickly.

Carry an empty water bottle so you can drink water that comes from a spring. The water contains minerals and is totally drinkable.

Carry coins and bills in SOLES (preferably coins) as you will have to pay for the entrance fee to the archaeological complex. In addition, many stores, food and handicraft stalls in Intihuatana only accept cash in soles.

The hike in Intihuatana does not require physical resistance, the tour is 1 hour.

Valley of the Intihuatana Archaeological Complex, Ayacucho

Architectural Complex of Intihuatana, Ayacucho

Archaeological Complex of Intihuatana, Ayacucho