Famous for its 33 churches Ayacucho is an important historical place – It was there that the Battle of Ayacucho on the 9 December 1824 took place when the Spanish troops of viceroy La Serna fought against the Liberation. The battle put an end to the Spanish presence in the old American colonies and sealed the independence of the new nations.
Founded in 1540 with the name San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga, the city was re-baptized by Simon Bolivar in 1825 as Ayacucho, in homage to the battle that put an end to the Spanish domination. The city of Ayacucho, capital of the province, is one of the most remarkable colonial urban settlements. Known as "Sevilla Peruana" for its religious festivities of Semana Santa (Holly Week) and "Ciudad de las Iglesias" (city of the churches) for its several temples. Ayacucho is also known for its beautiful houses of European style.
The 33 colonial churches of renaissance baroque and mestizo styles, with stone fronts and insides carved in wood and covered with layers of precious metals are major tourists attractions.
The handicrafts of Ayacucho, are among the best of Peru and are admired all over the world.
The Valley of Huanta, located at 50 kilometers from Ayacucho, is known as "Esmeralda de los Andes" for its favorable location and rich biodiversity in flora and fauna. In this valley one can see many ecological steps from jungle to snowy peaks.
The Valley of Huanta is also famous for its liquors of fruit and bee honey.
Titancayuq - The National Sanctuary of Titankayuq (Titancayoc) is located at 110 kilometers from the city of Ayacucho. With 440 hectares and an average of 300 plants per hectare, it is the biggest "puya" forest in the world. This plant, that can be up to 10 meters high, has over 1 millon blossoms, the most blossoms of the vegetal realm.
Town of Quinua- Located at 36 kilometers from Ayacucho, this little town of pottery artisans is near the famous pampa where the independence of Peru was gained.
Pampa Galeras – The National Reservation Pampa Galeras Barbara D´achille, located at 870 kilometers from Ayacucho. It is the most important Andean Reservation of the region. It is characterized by a landscape of plains surrounded by valleys and ravines. The Reservation is known for protecting 18.000 vicuñas.
Vilcashuaman - Located 80 km south-east of Ayacucho and its name means ‘sacred falcon’ which was a totemic animal of the Chancas and Pocras, the ones that built this sanctuary. The Incas later built an Usnu or ceremonial pyramid to worship the sun, an Inca palace, military fortifications and other finely finished constructions.
Famous for its 33 churches Ayacucho is an important historical place – It was there that the Battle of Ayacucho on the 9 December 1824 took place when the Spanish troops of viceroy La Serna fought against the Liberation. The battle put an end to the Spanish presence in the old American colonies and sealed the independence of the new nations.
The Valley of Huanta is also famous for its liquors of fruit and bee honey.