The department of Ayacucho is synonymous with strength, history, and beautiful landscapes. This incomparable place is perfect for excursions with friends or family.
Ayacucho has an average altitude of 2,761 meters above sea level (masl). The department is located in the south-central part of the country, straddling the Peruvian Andes Mountains. However, its altitude varies depending on the district and its proximity to the Andes, varying between inter-Andean valleys, punas, and a tropical rainforest.
The department is crossed by both the Andes and the Ampato Mountains. Its soaring peaks and volcanoes make it one of the highest snow-capped mountain ranges in Peru. Some of its notable geographical variations are as follows:
Snow-capped mountains: Ccarhuarazo (5,112 meters above sea level), Rasuhuillca (4,986 meters above sea level), and Ritipata (4,900 meters above sea level)
Volcanoes: Sara Sara (5,505 meters above sea level) and Cerro Auquihuato (4,980 meters above sea level)
At 5,505 meters above sea level, the Sara Sara volcano is the highest peak in Ayacucho. In contrast, the lowest point in the department is the city of San Francisco, in the Ayna district of the province of La Mar. The city is located at just 612 meters above sea level, with a low of 220 meters above sea level, equivalent to the average altitude of Lima.
The city of Ayacucho has a dry, temperate, inter-Andean valley climate, with an annual average of 15.4°C. However, it has extremes that range from highs of 26.5°C in November to lows of 7°C mid-year (June and July).
Its vast surface area of 43,814.80 km2 and its variety of regions give Ayacucho a rich climatic diversity. The jungle regions have warmer average temperatures, while the Andean punas reach much lower extremes. If we look at some of the department's largest cities, we can appreciate and compare their variety:
|
San Miguel (La Mar) |
Huanta (Huanta) |
Puquío (Lucanas) |
Cangallo (Cangallo) |
Vilcashuamán (Vilcashuamán) |
|
|
Altitude |
2,661 meters above sea level | 2,627 meters above sea level | 3,214 meters above sea level | 2,577 meters above sea level | 3,490 meters above sea level |
|
Average maximum temperature |
26.4°C (November) | 25.9°C (November) | 20.8°C (November) | 25.8°C (November) | 20.7°C (November) |
| Average annual temperature | 16.4°C | 15.9°C | 10.9°C | 15.7°C | 10.8°C |
| Average minimum temperature | 5°C (June) | 4.4°C (June) | 5.1°C (June) | 4.4°C (July) | -0.5°C (July) |
Getting to Ayacucho from Lima by air or land is easy, and daily departures are available. Tickets cost between 35 and 110 soles for the Lima-Huamanga route, depending on the date and the ground transportation company chosen. The bus trip takes an average of 10 hours, so it is recommended to travel at night and sleep in to arrive well-rested.
The average altitude in Ayacucho is 2,800 meters above sea level. It is important to take precautions against altitude sickness and avoid excessive physical exercise upon arrival.
The climate is typical of the mountains: dry and temperate, with high temperatures of 26°C and lows of 9°C. It is sunny and hot between 10 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., while at night and in the early morning it is cold and freezing. Therefore, you should bring light clothing for tours or sightseeing, and warm clothing, such as a raincoat and windbreaker, for overnight stays or exploring open spaces.
Easter events are massive and last up to 10 days. It is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance if you plan to travel during these dates.
+51 84 226 547
+51 912 891 560
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
www.salkantaytrekmachu.com
