Wari Archaeological Complex
Complejo Arqueológico Wari
The capital site of the Wari Empire (c. 600 to 1000 AD), the first empire of the Andes, with underground tombs, temples and a site museum.
The Wari Archaeological Complex lies about 20 kilometers northeast of Ayacucho. It was the capital of the Wari Empire, which predates the Inca by several centuries, and at its peak it may have housed tens of thousands of people across a vast area. The open areas include clusters of stone-built tombs, a D-shaped temple, the Monjachayoq underground tomb and the remains of megalithic architecture. A small museum at the entrance displays pottery and stone carvings. Cacti cover the site and the sun is intense, so bring sun protection. A small entry fee applies. The site is usually visited in the same half-day tour as Quinua village and the Pampa de Ayacucho battlefield. You can book a local group tour or hire a car.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Quinua
- Pampa de Ayacucho Historic Sanctuary
- Museo Histórico Regional Hipólito Unanue
- Museo de la Memoria (ANFASEP)
- Church of Santo Domingo, Ayacucho
- Casona Boza y Solís
- Ayacucho Cathedral
- Church of the Company of Jesus, Ayacucho