Yanamilla Airport

Overview

Air Force Colonel Alfredo Mendivil Duarte Airport is the main air gateway for Ayacucho in south-central Peru, connecting the city with the wider country while serving a highland region known for history, religion, and Andean scenery. Identified by IATA code AYP and ICAO code SPHO, it is classified as a medium airport and plays an important role for both local residents and visitors heading to Ayacucho for cultural events, business, or onward travel into the surrounding mountains.

What Travelers Should Know

• The airport sits at 8917 ft (2718 m) above sea level, so some travelers may notice the altitude on arrival, especially after coming from lower elevations.
• It uses the America/Lima time zone, which is the same time used across most visitor itineraries in Peru.
• There is one runway, 02/20, measuring 9186 ft, with an asphalt surface and lighting to support operations in a range of conditions.
• Because it is the primary airport for Ayacucho, it is the most practical arrival point for reaching the city quickly by road.

Why The Setting Matters

Its high-elevation location shapes the travel experience as much as the destination itself. Visitors arriving in Ayacucho can expect thinner air, cooler mornings or evenings, and strong daytime sun, so it is smart to pace yourself after landing, stay hydrated, and keep a light jacket handy. For many travelers, the airport’s value is not just convenience but access: it places you close to one of Peru’s most distinctive highland cities without the longer overland journey that road travel can require.