Ayacucho is about 8 hours from Lima by bus, down the South Pan American Highway through Pisco and then up the new Los Libertadores route through the mountains, which climbs up to 4000 meters above sea level. Watch out for saroche (altitude sickness).

Buses leave Lima daily for Ayacucho and the fare is about 20 US dollars. There are also regular flights from Lima to Ayacucho.