Getting Around Ayacucho
Ayacucho is a compact Andean city, and most of what a visitor wants to see sits within a walkable core. For everything else, taxis and buses do the work. There is no rail, metro or tram network in the city, so you can plan your days around walking, short taxi hops and the occasional long-distance bus.
On Foot
Walking is the most practical way to cover the historic centre, where the city's famous churches and religious celebrations are concentrated. The centre is small enough that many visitors never need a vehicle during the day. Do keep in mind that Ayacucho sits at high altitude, so pace yourself on hills and stairs, especially in your first days.
Rail, Metro and Trams
There is no rail, metro or tram service in Ayacucho. Getting around the city and reaching the surrounding region is done by road or by air, so don't plan on buying any train or metro tickets or passes here.
Buses and Long-Distance Coaches
Ayacucho has multiple bus terminals spread around the city, though they sit fairly close to one another. Departures run frequently, both day and night.
- Lima: Daily buses connect Ayacucho with Lima on a well-paved road, a long ride over high mountain passes that can make some travellers sick. The route runs through the Andes, Pisco and Rumichaca. The Empresa Molina bus company, based on 9 de Diciembre, is noted for this route; cheaper buses tend to be less reliable and less comfortable.
- Pisco: Daily buses run to and from Pisco along the same well-paved road.
- Andahuaylas: Daily buses are run by Molina, Wari and others. The road is partly in very poor condition and the journey is rough, but the scenery is magnificent.
- Huancayo and Cusco: Northbound and southbound routes are slower, with delays and dusty roads.
- Huancavelica: This is the most awkward connection by bus. The usual approach is to head first to Julcamarca early in the morning, then take a minibus to Lircay, then another on to Huancavelica. An alternative is to take a morning bus along the main road toward the coast as far as Rumichaca, then catch the bus onward to Huancavelica, which departs at 10:30. A third option is the morning bus to Huancayo, getting off at Izuchaca where the dirt road becomes paved, then catching local transport onward. All of these work in reverse as well, though the bus from Huancavelica to Rumichaca leaves at 04:30. Note that dirt roads may be impassable in the rainy season.
Buying tickets is generally done at the terminal or directly with the bus company rather than through any citywide pass system. Highway 24 is the main regional artery for these routes.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available and are the easiest option for short trips, airport transfers and outlying attractions. Official taxis can be identified by the signs on top of the cabs. Fares within the city are low, so taxis are a cheap and convenient fallback when you don't feel like walking.
For day trips, hiring a car or a taxi with a driver for a day or a week is a relatively cheap option. If you want to drive yourself, self-drive rental requires a minimum age of 25, a current driving licence and a valid passport. Be aware that roads in Peru can be uneven and poorly signposted.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendivil Duarte Airport (AYP) sits close to the city centre and is reached by inexpensive taxi, which makes the transfer quick and simple. Domestic airlines such as LC Busre fly between Ayacucho and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Small airlines in Peru can be a bit sketchy, and flight times are frequently subject to change with little notice, so build some flexibility into your plans if you're flying in or out.