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Millpu’s Turquoise Pools: Peru’s Hidden Natural Treasure

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The Turquoise Pools of Peru: A Hidden Paradise in the Andes

Welcome to the turquoise pools of Millpu in Peru! These unique natural pools are one of the rarest and most beautiful treasures Peru has to offer, changing with each season for a new experience every time.

How did I discover this place?

Before my trip to Peru, I started following a few Instagram accounts showcasing the country’s incredible landscapes. One day, I came across photos of stunning turquoise pools, and I was blown away – did this view really belong to Peru? Then I remembered that Peru’s landscape is incredibly diverse: it has jungles, dunes, colorful mountains, and lagoons – so why not turquoise pools surrounded by white mineral formations?

החלטתי לבדוק, שוחחתי עם כמה בלוגרים וסוכנויות מקומיות, וגיליתי שהבריכות המדהימות האלה נמצאות כ-3–4 שעות נסיעה מאייאקוצ’ו (Ayacucho), והן בהחלט שוות את המאמץ.

A hidden gem

Not many travelers have heard of Millpu (I might have even been the first Israeli there!). However, little by little, tourism is growing, and with it come new restrictions to protect the natural beauty of the area. It used to be allowed to swim in the pools, but now locals keep a close eye on them to preserve the water’s pristine condition. There are even Peruvian grandmothers sitting up on the cliff who whistle if someone tries to dip their toes in!

So yes, you can’t swim here anymore, but the water is freezing anyway – so you might not be missing much in that regard.

Millpu’s “Throat” – The Sacred Watefall

The water flows into the pools from an area called the “Water Throat,” which you can reach by following the stairs along the creek. The place has a special sacred status for the locals, so in addition to taking in the amazing natural surroundings – lush greenery, wildlife coming to drink, and cliffs encircling the pools – there’s also a cultural layer to the experience.

Getting There and Costs

The pools are located near the town of Ayacucho, and the drive there includes around 3.5 hours of winding mountain roads. I chose to go with a private driver, which allowed me to stop whenever I wanted and enjoy the journey at my own pace.

If you prefer to go with a group, it will cost around 50–60 soles per person, usually in a group of about 15 people, with a 8:00 am departure from Ayacucho. For a private tour, renting a jeep costs around 200–250 soles, and you can pick a convenient departure time. I left at 5:30 am to avoid the crowds, which turned out to be a great decision! Just as I finished my tour, three other groups started to arrive.

Entry to the pools costs 5 soles.

When to Visit?

The best time to visit the pools is between April and October, Peru’s dry winter season. During the rainy season, algae can grow at the bottom of the pools, changing the water to a greenish color.

A Quick Stop in Ayacucho

Ayacucho is a charming town east of Lima, offering a mix of lesser-known yet fascinating tourist spots.

Getting to Ayacucho

You can get to Ayacucho by an overnight bus from Cusco, Lima, or Ica (Huacachina). The best route is from Ica, which is about 7 hours away. When you arrive in the morning, it might be a good idea to take a day to rest before heading out on a tour, given the bumpy mountain roads.

Things to Do in Ayacucho

Plaza de Armas

Like many cities in Peru, Ayacucho has a central square surrounded by restaurants. On Sundays, you’ll see local grandmothers selling homemade ice cream.

The Local Market

From the main square, there’s a pedestrian street leading to the local market, where you’ll find a variety of goods, with fresh fruit juices and fruit salads being particularly recommended.

Casa Museo Joaquin Lopez Antay

The artist’s house has been converted into a museum where you can learn about the region’s unique retablo art. The museum is within walking distance of the main square, so check the hours before you visit.

Extreme Swing Over the City

Columpio extremo is a swing located on one of the city’s best viewpoints, right on the cliff’s edge. For 10 soles, you can enjoy a swing with an incredible view over the valley, and there’s also a zipline, a small lighthouse, and local snack vendors nearby.

Where to Eat in Ayacucho

Two great restaurant options are Via Via and Sukre, both located near the main square. There are limited vegan options in Ayacucho – I managed to find falafel (at Sukre), a local version of pad thai, and fries.

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Hey there!

I’m Reut Sugar, a travel addict who doesn’t want to quit!

From my solo female travels to my life as a digital nomad, I’m on a mission to uncover the coolest spots in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Peru, Israel, and beyond.

Whether you’re after off-the-beaten-path adventures, mindful travel tips, or delicious vegan eats, I’ve got you covered.

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