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The Turquoise Waters of Ayacucho

Ayacucho, Peru

The Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho: A must-see destination!

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About the Turquoise Waters of Millpu

The turquoise waters, without a doubt, is one of the most impressive tourist destinations in Ayacucho, a natural beauty that will leave you with your mouth open. The colors of its waters are due to the sunlight and the minerals that lie in its waters.

The turquoise waters are made up of 20 pools and these change color depending on the season.

From May to September the waters become turquoise, from October to December they are light green, from January to February they have a brown color (this is because it rains a lot and the water from the rains drags the earth from the mountains, which reaches the pools and therefore the color).

Although in the social networks and in different web pages you will find people sitting on the edge of the pools or even swimming in the pools, this is no longer possible, since this causes the dust to rise with the minerals that give them those special colors, causing their loss. Let’s take care of our natural reserves so that our future generations can appreciate them as well.

These beautiful natural turquoise waters are located around a terrain with beautiful views, which you will enjoy throughout your journey to the pools, you can also take pictures wearing traditional Ayacucho clothing and with the herd of some villagers who offer these services.

At what altitude are the Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho?

Millpu, Circamarca and all the surrounding villages are located at more than 3500 m.a.s.l.

What is the best season to visit the Turquoise Waters, Millpu in Ayacucho?

From May to September the waters turn turquoise, from October to December they are light green, from January to February they have a brownish color (this is due to the fact that it rains a lot during these dates and the rainwater drags the earth from the mountains, which reaches the pools and that is why the color).

Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho

Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho

Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho

Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho

How to get to the Turquoise Waters in Millpu, Ayacucho?

By car

Traveling by car is the most convenient option if you want to have privacyand travel alone with your family, in case you do not have a car, a good option is to rent one and get to Millpu quietly, you can also reach several of the tourist destinations in Ayacucho by road, so you would save on tourist service.

The route to Millpu is not dangerous since almost 90% of the road is paved, 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 116 Km and arrive at Pataqocha in Circamarca (where the hike to Millpu begins) in a little more than 2 hours approximately.

In the town of Pataqocha you will find all the tourist buses that arrive with travelers from the city of Ayacucho to the turquoise pools.

By public transportation

From the city of Ayacucho (Huamanga) you can take a bus that will take you to the town of Circamarca (the town of the Turquoise Waters) in about 2 hours, the ticket price is between S/15 to 20 soles
(USD 4 to 5 dollars) per person and usually leave to Circamarca usually only on weekends or festival season, as there are more travelers.

Arriving in Circamarca you will have to take another vehicle or walk 30 minutes to Pataqocha or Patajocha, from where your hike to the Turquoise Waters will begin. In Pataqocha you will find all the tourist buses that arrive with travelers from the city of Ayacucho to the turquoise pools.

By tourist agency

Many tourist agencies offer the tour service to the Turquoise Waters of Millpu, 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 Turquoise Waters in Millpu, Ayacucho cost?

The price of the 1-day tour is between S/. 70 to 100 soles ( USD 19 to 28 dollars) per person.

How long is the full day tour to the Turquoise Waters in Millpu, Ayacucho?

The full day tour starts at 8:00 am and ends at approximately 4:00 pm. There is a stop for lunch.

Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho

Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho

Landscape of the town of Millpu (on the way to the Turquoise Waters), Ayacucho

Landscape of the town of Millpu (on the way to the Turquoise Waters), Ayacucho

Where to stay at Aguas Turquesas in Millpu, Ayacucho?

Ten minutes away from the Turquoise Waters in Millpu is the village of Circamarca, where you will find lodging from S/. 40 soles (USD 11 dollars) per night. This option is recommended for travelers who come on their own to Millpu and want to stay to enjoy more of the towns of Circamarca and Millpu. These lodgings are simple, but they fulfill their purpose.

Here is a lodging in Circamarca:

Hospedaje Melgar, the cell phone number is: + 51 953214451

Can I camp in Aguas Turquesas de Millpu in Ayacucho?

Yes, in Millpu you will find a camping site called “Campamento Millpu”, camping is free and there are locals who offer food, so you will have all the basic comforts. I suggest that you bring your own camping clothes, as not many people rent camping clothes and their rentals may run out, so don’t take the risk and bring your own clothes.

What to expect and how to prepare for the Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho?

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

Wear hiking shoes, as the terrain is rugged and quite steep.

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

Try not to carry too much weight and be light, as the trail is uphill and you can get tired quickly.

Carry a bottle of water with you.

Carry coins and bills in SOLES, preferably coins, as you will have to pay S/. 5 soles (USD 1.40) per adult for the entrance fee to the Centro Poblado de Circamarca (where the Turquoise Waters are located). In addition, many stores and food stalls in Millpu only accept cash in soles.

At the entrance to start the hike to the Turquoise Waters you will find toilets.

On the way to Millpu you will find a stall called “Yayay Wasi‘ is a venture of a young Ayacuchan who is dedicated to the sale of souvenirs and handicrafts allegorical to the town of Millpu and also sell water, hats and some snacks.

Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho

Turquoise Waters of Millpu, Ayacucho

Landscape of the town of Millpu (on the way to the Turquoise Waters), Ayacucho

Landscape of the town of Millpu (on the way to the Turquoise Waters), Ayacucho

Landscape of the town of Millpu (on the way to the Turquoise Waters), Ayacucho

Landscape of the town of Millpu (on the way to the Turquoise Waters), Ayacucho

Landscape of the town of Millpu (on the way to the Turquoise Waters), Ayacucho

Landscape of the town of Millpu (on the way to the Turquoise Waters), Ayacucho