Ayacucho
The city of churches
The city of Ayacucho, capital of the region of Ayacucho, is in the southern central Andes, 583 km / 362 miles from Lima; 560 km / 348 miles from Huancayo, and 582 km / 362 miles from Cusco. The area was the capital of the first Andean empire, the Wari Empire, which reached its peak towards the 6th century A.D. The Incas dominated this region in 1438, and the Spanish
conquistadors founded the Christian city in 1539. Although there are a number of archaeological remains, Ayacucho is best known for its beautiful colonial architecture represented in over 30 churches, each with their richly decorated altars.
On the plains of Quinua, the Battle of Ayacucho was fought on December 9, 1824 as the final seal to the independence of South America. Besides its attractive buildings and beautiful countryside, Ayacucho is known as the Capital of Peruvian Arts and Crafts for the number of families of artisans that have continued generation after generation to craft unique pieces such as the delicate retablos, full of tiny carved figures. Its folk music and dances are also popular, particularly the famous Scissors Dance.
Altitude
2,746 masl (9,006 ft)
How to Get There
- By air: there are daily flights from Lima to Ayacucho (35 minutes).
- Overland: from Lima, the drive takes 8 hours on the Los Libertadores highway, via Pisco.
Attractions
The main churches include the Cathedral (1612); Jesuit church of the Compañia (17th century); San Cristobal (1540), which is the oldest; San Franscico de Asis (1552); church and convent of Santa Clara (1568); Santa Teresa (1688); church and convent of Santo Domingo (1548); and La Merced (1541). The colonial homes have large patios, elaborate stone doorways and walls with animal motifs, particularly pumas and serpents. The most important houses are the Casona Vivanco (17th century); Casona Ruiz de Ochoa (17th century); Casona Boza y Solis (1740); and Casona de Castilla y Zamora (1677), which is the headquarters
of the National University of San Cristobal de Huamanga.
Lodging
The city has up to three-star hotels and hostels.
Tourist Services
Full restaurant services in several categories and of local, national and international dishes. Transport and guided tours offered by travel agencies.
Minimum Length of Stay
One to two days for the main attractions in Huamanga, two to three days to take in nearby archaeological sites and other attractions.
Recommendations
Acclimatization is necessary. Avoid over-exertion on arrival, eat easily-digestible food, and drink coca tea to ward off high-altitude sickness.
Season / Climate
Sunny and dry between April and October; the rainy season is November-March.
Nearby Attractions
- The Santa Ana quarter: 10 minutes from the city center, is traditionally inhabited by potters and weavers.
- Wari: archaeological complex 22 km / 13 miles northeast of Ayacucho. The ancient capital of the pre-Inca Wari empire covers an area of 2,000 hectares.
- Quinua: 37 km northeast of Ayacucho. Town of potters, descendants of the Wari.
- Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary: 38 km / 23 miles northeast of Ayacucho. The scene of the Battle of Ayacucho (1824) with a commemorative obelisk.
- Horseback riding can be organized.
- Vilcashuaman: archaeological site 120 km / 74 miles
southeast of Ayacucho. Altitude: 3,470 masl / 11,385 ft.
Festivals
- Easter Week (March / April, movable): Ayacucho's Roman Catholic faith is shown throughout the week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, following the sequence of the Passion of Christ with daily processions through streets carpeted in flower petals.
- International Prickly Pear and Cochineal Festival (fourth week of January).
- Ayacucho Carnival (February).
- Yaku Raymi Water Festival (August).
Gastronomy
- Patachi: soup with wheat, peas, cabbage, broad beans, bacon, fresh and salt-dried meat and mint.
- Qapchi: potato and fresh cheese salad.
- Puca Picante: pork fritters in peanut sauce.
- Caldo de Mondongo: soup of beef, bacon and tripe seasoned with mint leaves.
Arts & Crafts
Local craftsmen are famous for their 'retablo' boxes, in which they represent religious and traditional scenes. They use age-old techniques such as natural dyes to produce colorful rugs and blankets. They are also known for their figurines in alabaster stone from Huamanga quarries, and for their silver filigree work.
|
