Ayacucho
Capital of the Department of the same name, better known
as the "City of the Churches", due to thirty three
churches of different styles and architecture
that adorn the city.
As most of the highlands in Peru, the weather
is warm and sunny during the day and cold in the
evenings. The rainy season is from November to
March.
Before the Inca invasion, the Huari formed a confederation
of ethnic groups, which spread through most of
Peru and represented a constant threat to the
Inca Empire.
In this area, Pampa de la Quinua in December 1824,
the decisive battle of Ayacucho took place, ending
the Spanish colony to Peru.
Important sights and Museums
Plaza de Armas
Or Plaza Sucre considered to be one of the largest
and more beautiful of the country, with the
cathedral and city hall buildings.
Barrio Santa Ana
A district full of artesania shops, galleries
and workshops. Located in the upper area of
the city.
Wari
An archeological site, 25 Km North of Ayacucho.
Capital of the Wari State, and one of the largest
Pre-Columbian American cities.
Titancayoc
94 Km South of Ayacucho. You can find the plant
with the tallest flower stalk in the world.
Good for adventure travel. A Guide in Ayacucho
should be found.
Museo Andres Avelino Caceres
28 de Julio 508. Housed in a 16th century colonial
house (Casona Vivanco). Displays prehispanic,
colonial and republican art. Open Mon -Sat,
9am -12 noon and 2pm -to 5 pm.
Other museums are Museo Historico Natural in
the University and Museo Arqueologico Hipolito
Unanue.
Churches
The Cathedral
Plaza de Armas. Built in 1615, with 16 high
vaults, elegant decoration, magnificent altars
with beautiful carvings covered in gold leaf
and exquisite paintings in the interior.
La Compañía de Jesus
Block 1 of 28 de Julio. Built in 1605. Baroque
style with two impressive 18th century towers.
Santa Clara
Block 3 of Grau. Beautiful coffered ceiling,
with two Renaissance entries and a single tower.
San Cristobal
28 de Julio 651. Considered to be the oldest
church in town, built in the 14th century.
San Francisco de Asis
28 de Julio 305 Renaissance style, with beautiful
altars and paintings.
Santa Teresa
Magnificent baroque style gold leaf altars.
Santo Domingo
Designed in the shape of a Latin Cross, with
triple Roman arches and Byzantine towers.
Colonial Houses
Casona de la Universidad San Cristobal de
Huamanga
Plaza de Armas, beautiful example of the colonial
architecture in Ayacucho, dating from the 17th
century.
Casa del Marques de la Totora
Plaza de Armas, stone walls, with patios and
a nice garden with a beautiful old fountain
