The city of Ayacucho, the capital of the region of the same name, is located in the south central of the Peruvian Andes. In its immediate vicinity had their seats the capital of the first empire andean, the Wari Empire, which had its heyday to the sixth century of our era. The Incas dominated this region in 1438. The conquistadors Hispanics founded in the Christian town 1539.

But their varied archaeological attractions, Ayacucho notable for its beauty colonial architecture, as it has more than 30 churches, each decorated with artistic altars.

In the pampas ayacuchanas Quinoa, December 9, 1924 was fought in the Battle Ayacucho, which was defined American Independence.

In addition to its attractive monumental and beautiful countryside, Ayacucho is known as "Peruvian capital of the Craft" by concentrating families of artisans, whose members are engaged since several generations to the development of original works-as sensitive altarpieces, filled with small wood carvings, using ancient techniques.

Also notable for its colorful folklore, which includes the famous Dance of the Scissors.

Altitude

2746 m altitude.

Getting there

Air: Daily flights between Lima and Ayacucho (35 minutes).
By land: From Lima, the trip takes 8 hours for the route of the Libertadores via Pisco.

Attractions

Among the major temples include the Cathedral (1612); Temple of the Company (seventeenth century);
Temple St. Kitts (1540), the oldest; Temple of St. Francis of Assisi (1552); Temple and Convent of Santa Clara (1568); Temple of Santa Teresa (1688); Temple and Convent Santo Domingo (1548), and Temple of Mercy (1541).

The colonial houses zaguanes wield extensive, elaborate stone doorways and walls Zoomorfos with reasons, mainly from cougars and snakes. The houses include:
Vivanco Casona (seventeenth century); Casona Ruiz de Ochoa (seventeenth century); Casona Boza and Solis (1740); Casona de Castilla and Zamora (1677), site of the Universidad Nacional San Cristobal de
Huamanga.

Lodging

In the city there are hotels and hostels until 3 stars.

Tourist Services

Services restaurant several categories with typical food, nationally and internationally.
Transport and guided tours offered by travel agencies.

Minimum

We recommend 1 to 2 days for the main attractions of the city, and from 2 to 3 days
Visit the nearby attractions.

Recommendations

Acclimation necessary. Avoid effort for the first few hours, it is advisable to consume easy digestion of food and drink coca tea to prevent altitude sickness.

Season / Weather

Sunny and dry between April and October; presence during the remaining months of rain.

Nearby attractions

Santa Ana: located 10 minutes from downtown. It is the neighborhood traditionally inhabited by families of weavers and potters.

Wari: Archeological located 22 km northeast of Ayacucho. It is an area of 2 000 he understands that remains of the ancient capital of the Wari Empire.

Quinoa: located 37 km northeast of Ayacucho. People potters heirs
The Waris.

Historic Shrine Pampas of Ayacucho: located 38 km northeast of Ayacucho. A place
Outside the scene of the Battle of Ayacucho (1824) where he rose an obelisk
Memorial. In the area it is possible to make horseback riding.

Vilcashuaman: archaeological site at 120 km southeast of Ayacucho and 3470 meters.
 
Feasts

Easter (March / April, movable): the Catholic faith of the people is manifested in ayacuchano
Very original way during Holy Week, which takes place from the Palm Sunday
Until Sunday Resurrection. In the streets upholstered with carpets and flower petals
Following the sequence of the Passion of Christ, every day is done countless processions.
International Fair of the Tuna and Cochineal (4ta. week of January).
Ayacuchano Carnival (February).
La Fiesta del Agua Yaku Raymi (August).

Gastronomy

Patachi: wheat soup, peas, cabbage, beans, bacon, fresh meat, meat and dried mint.
Qapchi: potato salad and fresh cheese.
Puka spicy: chicharrón in peanut sauce.
Bouillon mondongo with corn shelling: beef, bacon from pig, and mondongo
Mint.

Handicrafts

Artisans ayacuchanos are well known for their famous altarpieces, in which
Represent customary and religious scenes. In textiles employ techniques ancestral
As the use of natural dyes in their colorful fabrics of carpets and blankets. It is also
His remarkable imagery, made of stone huamanga (alabaster transparent) and of silverware
Watermark.