Millpu Turquoise Pools
Discover Millpu's breathtaking turquoise pools, a natural wonder carved into the Peruvian Andes. Experience vibrant mineral waters and stunning canyon...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best color, fewer crowds
Millpu Turquoise Pools
Best Time
Best color, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Millpu's breathtaking turquoise pools, a natural wonder carved into the Peruvian Andes. Experience vibrant mineral waters and stunning canyon landscapes.
"The color of the water is unreal! Views are totally worth the ride."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking involved, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the trails and pools.
💧 Acclimatize to Altitude
Millpu is at high altitude. Consider taking altitude sickness pills or coca leaves before your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Turquoise Pools
Circamarca community
A series of natural pools with breathtaking turquoise waters, formed by mineral deposits over millennia.
Canyon and Waterfall Views
Along the trail to the pools
Experience rugged canyons, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls that lead to the stunning pools.
Local Trout Restaurants
Outside the Millpu site
Savor fresh, locally sourced trout after your visit for a delicious taste of Ayacucho's cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Turquoise Hues
Altitude and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking involved, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the trails and pools.
💧 Acclimatize to Altitude
Millpu is at high altitude. Consider taking altitude sickness pills or coca leaves before your visit.
☀️ Visit Early for Best Light
Arrive before 11 am to enjoy the pools with fewer people and optimal lighting for photos.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
While the water is inviting, swimming is not permitted to preserve the natural beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking involved, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the trails and pools.
💧 Acclimatize to Altitude
Millpu is at high altitude. Consider taking altitude sickness pills or coca leaves before your visit.
☀️ Visit Early for Best Light
Arrive before 11 am to enjoy the pools with fewer people and optimal lighting for photos.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
While the water is inviting, swimming is not permitted to preserve the natural beauty.
🚗 Self-Drive Option
A hire car can navigate the dirt road, offering a chance for solitude before tour groups arrive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Millpu Turquoise Pools for their stunning, unreal turquoise color and the beautiful canyon scenery. The easy hike makes it accessible for most, and the opportunity to enjoy fresh trout nearby is a delightful bonus. Some note that the water color can vary by season and that swimming is not permitted.
"Stunning place with beautiful turquoise pools! Really worth the ride from Ayacucho. It is an easy hike, so quite accessible even if one is not good on foot :) you are not allowed to swim, but you can get very close to the water.
Depending on the season, the pools might also appear brown/green (rain season).
We paid 60 Soles per person + 15 for the entry"
Henry Lankes
"Beautiful turquoise pools in a stunning canyon near Ayacucho! The short and easy hike makes it accessible for everyone. You can’t swim, but the views are totally worth it. The color of the water is unreal! Outside the site, there are small restaurants where you can enjoy fresh trout — a perfect way to end the visit."
Adrian Hediger
"Majestic place. It's about the 3 hours ride from the main city Ayacucho but it's ver beautiful. Altitud is about the 3000m I think. My suggestion is to buy pills for the altitude or coca 🌿 leafs. The entrance is 10 soles for Peruvians and 15 for foreigners (4€). You can find touristic tours in Ayacucho and book your tour."
MrMilan007
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Millpu is by taking a tour from Ayacucho, which typically includes transportation. Alternatively, you can drive yourself, though be prepared for about 10km of dirt/gravel road. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. +1
Yes, you can drive yourself to Millpu. Arriving early, around 11 am, can allow you to experience the pools before larger tour groups arrive.
The road leading to Millpu is described as dirt/gravel for about 10km, which most standard hire cars can manage.
The travel time from Ayacucho to Millpu is approximately 3 hours.
While tours are the most popular option, local transport might be available, but tours offer a more convenient and structured experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Millpu is typically 10 Soles for Peruvians and 15 Soles for foreigners. Some tours may include this fee.
No, swimming is not allowed in the Millpu Turquoise Pools to preserve their natural state.
The main restriction is that swimming is not permitted. The local community manages access to the site.
Access to outsiders was reportedly limited until around 2015, contributing to its relatively unknown status.
It's advisable to book tours in advance, especially during peak season, though entry to the site itself is usually paid on arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the pools is described as easy and short, making it accessible for most visitors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. +1
Visiting in the morning, ideally before 11 am, is recommended to experience the best turquoise color and fewer crowds.
The altitude is around 3000 meters, so it's advisable to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and potentially snacks. Sun protection is also advisable due to the high altitude.
The water is famously a vibrant turquoise color due to mineral deposits, though this can vary seasonally. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are small restaurants located outside the Millpu site where you can enjoy fresh trout, a local specialty.
Fresh trout is a popular and recommended dish available at the restaurants near the pools.
While there are dining options, it's always a good idea to carry some snacks and water, especially if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning hours, especially before 11 am, offer the best light for capturing the vibrant turquoise colors of the pools.
The intense turquoise color is due to geological formations and mineral deposits, creating a stunning visual for photographs.
The entire trail offers scenic viewpoints of the canyons, waterfalls, and the series of pools, providing ample photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive canyon views, while a polarizing filter can enhance the water's color.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and respect the natural environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Visiting in the morning, ideally before 11 am, is highly recommended for the best light and to capture the most vibrant colors. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology Behind the Turquoise
The water originates from a stream emerging from within the earth, carving its way through limestone rocks and creating a series of cascading pools. +1This natural phenomenon is particularly striking during the dry season when the water is clearer and the mineral concentration is optimal for showcasing its brilliant color. During the rainy season, the water may appear more brown or green due to increased sediment.
Visiting Millpu: Practicalities and Community
While the site has gained popularity, it has only been accessible to outsiders relatively recently, with community access reportedly opening up around 2015. This has helped preserve its natural charm, though it also means infrastructure is still developing. The local community plays a vital role in managing the site, and respecting their rules, such as the no-swimming policy, is crucial for continued access and preservation. Travelers often opt for organized tours from Ayacucho, which provide transportation and sometimes guided explanations.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit