Ayacucho: Millpu Waterfalls & Turquoise Pools Day Trip

What you're walking toward in Ayacucho's canyon

You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to the Millpu trailhead, then walk thirty minutes through Ayacucho's canyon to reach the turquoise natural pools and staggered waterfalls. The pools are cold and layered, fed by small falls from above. You return the same way, with the vehicle waiting at the start of the trail.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Arrive at Millpu Natural Pools
• Enjoy cascading turquoise waterfalls
• Walk 30 minutes to small waterfalls
• Explore Millpu waterfall

The Experience

The vehicle climbs out of Ayacucho town before the heat sets in, winding up the canyon road with the windows down and the air getting cooler. You're heading to Millpu, where the natural pools sit in layers of turquoise — the kind of color that doesn't look real until you're standing next to it. The driver knows the road; the air-conditioned cabin means you arrive without the dust in your hair. Once you step out, the walk begins: thirty minutes on foot, following the canyon floor as the sound of falling water gets louder.

The pools themselves are staggered down the canyon like a natural staircase, each one fed by small waterfalls that tumble from the rocks above. You move between them at your own pace — there's no rushing, no schedule beyond the light. The water is cold enough to feel sharp when you wade in, and the canyon walls rise around you in shades of rust and grey. A few people bring swimwear; most just sit on the rocks and watch the water move. The thirty-minute walk back is easier downhill, and by the time you reach the vehicle again, you've seen what most travelers miss when they stay in town.

This works best if you're comfortable with moderate hiking and can handle the altitude — Ayacucho sits at over 2,700 meters, and the walk is steady but not steep. The pools are cold year-round, so even if you don't swim, the walk itself is the point. The vehicle waits, and the drive back gives you time to dry off and think about what you just saw.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport from Ayacucho to the Millpu trailhead and back.
• Access to the natural pools and waterfalls.
• Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Huancaraylla Tours Peru

Is this one for you?Right for travelers with moderate fitness who want to see Ayacucho's canyon pools without arranging their own transport — the vehicle handles the drive, leaving you to focus on the walk and the water.

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Top questions

How long is the walk to the pools?

Thirty minutes on foot from the Millpu trailhead to the natural pools.

Can you swim in the pools?

Yes, the pools are swimmable, though the water is cold year-round.

What's included in the tour?

Air-conditioned vehicle transport to and from the trailhead. Entry to the pools is not separately charged.

Is this tour suitable for people with health conditions?

It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Moderate physical fitness is required for the walk.

Are there infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available in the vehicle.

What's the altitude in Ayacucho?

Ayacucho sits at over 2,700 meters above sea level.