Location and Geography: The department of Ayacucho, in the Ayacucho Region, is located in a wide valley in the South Central Andes of Peru. The department of Ayacucho has a rugged topography, it is notably smoothed out on the high plateaus and plains.
Across the north, one finds the foothills of the Rasuhuilca Range (Huanta Province) and in the south central the Huanzo Range. These axis serve to differentiate the three geographic regions: the high plateaus of the south and southeast, abrupt mountainous country in the center and tropical forest in the northeast.
Altitude: 2746m
Access Ways: By Land: From Lima to Ayacucho: 585 km (8-9 hours on an asphalt highway). The trip starts on the South Pan-American Highway, driving through: Lima - Cañete - Chincha - San Clemente - Humay - Huancano - Huaytará - Ayacucho. The trip takes 9 hours by bus, 8 by private vehicle. Along the way, the road passes over areas of more than 4000m. This route is the most recommended.
Airport: in the city of Ayacucho.
History:
Founded by San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga in 1540, Ayacucho received its actual name after the battle that won the Independence of the Americas on December 9, 1824. Ayacucho is the "City of the Churches" as there are more than 36 elaborately decorated churches with alters of silver and gold leaf. Its Plaza de Armas and its arcades have a serene beauty.
Culture and Traditions:
Currently, more than 50% of the population speaks Quechua. The ancient city of Huamanga was a mining center and a stopover between Lima and Cusco. During the period of the Viceroy, it enjoyed great prosperity which is reflected in the abundance and quality of its churches and houses. Ayacucho is one of the most notable colonial urban centers of the continent. The area was the center of the first Pan-Andean culture, known as the Imperio Wari. The remains of their capital can be found close to Ayacucho. The colorful Holy Week festivities attract many tourists. In this season, the city is adorned with beautiful flowers and there are processions and masses during the week.
ATTRACTIONS - AYACUCHO
The Cathedral:
Devoted to the Virgin of the Snow, the cathedral was constructed in the XVII century. Its mestizo style combines renaissance and baroque elements. The sober façade contrasts with the richness of its interior and its ten gold plated retablos.
Church of San Cristobal:
Dated to 1540, it was the city's first church. It was used as a cathedral in the beginning. The Church of San Cristobal is characterized by its simplicity.
It has only one main tower made of stone and a small bell tower.
Church and Convent of San Francisco de Asis:
Constructed in the XVI century. It possesses the city's largest bell. It also houses a valuable collection of colonial paintings from the Cusco and Ayacucho schools.
Church of La Compania de Jesus:
This church dates to the XVII century. It is characterized by its baroque style and it two symmetrical, carved towers which are decorated with floral friezes.
Church of La Merced:
Constructed in the XVI century, this church was the second building in Ayacucho and is characterized by its renaissance elements. The image of the Virgin of La Merced is sculpted in wood and covered in gold leaf on the main alter.
Church of Santa Teresa and the Monastery of Carmelitas Descalzas:
The construction (republic style) was started in 1683. Of note is the main alter with the image of the Virgin of Carmen and the choir delicately carved in wood and incrusted with conch, pearl, and mother of pearl. The monastery preserves its role from the time of the Viceroys as a home for the nuns of the cloister of the order of Carmelita.
Church of Santa Ana:
It was constructed by indigenous peoples in 1569. The façade was modified to include a baroque style doorway in 1748.
Arc of Triumph, or of San Francisco:
It was constructed in 1910 in commemoration of the victory of the battle on May 2, 1886 against the Spanish forces who were trying to reconquer their old colonies.
Boza and Solis House:
Colonial mansion from the XVII century of the mestizo style. It showcases a principle hall which empties out onto a patio with a fountain. Inside, one finds the cell in which the Independence Hero Maria Parado de Bellido was confined for three days before being executed by shooting.
Castilla and Zamora House:
Principal headquarters of the San Cristobal de Huamanga National University; it was founded with the rank of Royal and Pontifical on July 3, 1677. It was also the headquarters of Archiepiscopal Palace. The Bishop Cristobal de Castilla and Zamora surrendered it to serve as a university cloister.
Vivanco House:
It has a large, round patio made with corridors of carved wood arches and pillars. Its construction dates to the XVII century and combines stone and adobe. It currently functions as the Museum of Colonial Religious Art and the Museum of the Great Marshall Don Andres Avelino Cáceres Dorregaray.
Ruiz de Ochoa House:
Its door, from the XVIII century, is considered of the best of its type. The distinct architectural elements of the house show the richness of the mestizo style.
Casa Velarde Alvarez:
It is one of the oldest houses in the city and belonged to the Marques of Mozobamba. The construction, carried out by indigenous artisans between the XVII and XVIII centuries, has a carved wood wall and decorations with Andean motives (snakes, pumas, lizards, and more).
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Artisan Neighborhoods of Santa Ana, Puca Cruz and Belen:
In this area there are workshops and homes of the most notable masters of popular art who express their creativity through carvings on Huamanga stone, textiles, retablos, jewelry, paintings, saddlery, and more.
Wari Archaeological Complex:
22 km north of the city of Ayacucho (30 minutes by car). Located at 2750m, it is one of the largest urban centers of ancient Peru. It belonged to the Wari culture, which flourished between the VI and XI centuries AD. The complex is divided into "neighborhoods" or sectors according to the buildings which were made of stone and mud covered in a fine plaster. Most were painted red and white and had a water system with underground drainage. There is a site museum with pieces found in the area.
Yacimiento Archaeological Site of Pikimachay:
24 km north of the city of Ayacucho (25 minutes by car). Located at 2850m, they have found numerous Paleolithic Andean instruments and remains of now extinct animals in Pikimachay. They have been dated from 20000 to 15000 BC.
Town of Quinua:
32 km northeast of the city of Ayacucho (50 minutes by bus). Quinua (3396m) maintains the spirit of the typical Andean village. Its inhabitants are mainly dedicated to ceramic production. The Capitulation of Ayacucho was signed here, which put an end to the Spanish rule.
Historic Sanctuary of the Pampa of Ayacucho:
33 km northeast of the city of Ayacucho, close to the town of Quinua (55 minutes by bus). The Battle of Ayacucho was fought on this field on December 9, 1824. This defined the emancipation of Peru, and all of South America, from the Spanish dominance. There is a 44m commemorative obelisk which represents the years of fighting from 1780 to the first revolution of Tupac Amaru.
PROVINCE OF LUCANAS:
Pampa Galeras National Reserve - Barbara D'Achille:
870 km south east of the city of Ayacucho by the South Pan-American Highway, via Nasca (10 hours by car). The reserve has 6500 ha and its altitude varies between 3850m and 4150m. The area, created by an extensive plain with smooth undulations. It is surrounded by valleys and ravines. The weather is cold and dry, with an average annual temperature of 7.9°C. The reserve is a refuge for some 6,000 vicunas and home to other animals typical of the high Andes such as the Andean fox, Andean cat, Andean deer, and vizcacha. There is also a great variety of birds such as the mountain gull, the hummingbird, the Andean eagle and the kestrel.
PROVINCE OF VILCASHUAMAN:
Vilcashuaman Archaeological Complex:
118 km south of the city of Ayacucho (3 hours by car). This Inca administrative center is well known because of two of its buildings: the Temple of the Sun and the Moon and the Ushno. The first is a building made of polished and carved stone and showcases three staggered terraces. The Church of San Juan Bautista was built on the base of the Temple of the Sun and the Moon during the colonial era. . The Ushno is a truncated step pyramid of five superposed platforms. The stones which make up the building were carved and assembled with great precision.
Weather: The city has an agreeable, temperate and dry climate. The sky is always blue and sunny and it is characterized by its persistent spring-like air. It is considered to be one of the most healthy and enjoyable climates in the country. Average temperature: 17.5ºC.
When to Travel: It is recommended to visit Ayacucho during the Holy Week celebration; it is the most spectacular and emotional in Peru. The months from April to October are excellent for visiting Ayacucho.
