The province of Ayacucho is crossed by two mountain ranges that split it into three geographical units: highland plains in the south, abrupt highlands in the center and a tropical jungle to the northeast. It has a rough topography and its climate is varied. Its population is descendant of the powerful Wari culture, which inhabited much of this area between the VI and XII centuries and later left us the Wari citadel, a urban and ceremonial center. You can also visit the archaeological complex of Vilcashuamán, an important Inca religious and administrative center. Its capital is the city of Ayacucho (although the locals still call it by its former name: Huamanga) which is located at about 2.761 meters above sea level. It is characterized by a temperate, dry and healthy climate with an average temperature of 17.5°C. The rain season is between the months of November and March.
Tourist Attractions
City of Ayacucho’s Main Square
The buildings surrounding the square date mostly from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and are characterized by stone arches on the first level, pillars with balustrades on the second and roof tiles of red clay. On the perimeter are old mansions, made of exposed white stone and the headquarters of the Municipality, the Prefecture, the Superior Court of Justice and the National University of Huamanga.
The Cathedral
Dedicated to the “Virgen de las Nieves” (Virgin of the Snow), the cathedral was built in the seventeenth century and its mestizo style combines Renaissance and Baroque elements. The sleek façade contrasts with the richness of the interior and its ten altarpieces coated in gold leaf. The altarpiece of Our Lady of Socos, the one of the Lord of Burgos and the one of the Crying Child are quite famous; stories about them appear in “Las Tradiciones Peruanas” (“Peruvian Traditions”) by Ricardo Palma.
Wari Archaeological complex
Located 2750 meters above sea level, this complex is one of the largest urban centers of ancient Peru, belonging to the Wari culture, which flourished between the VI and XI centuries AD. It occupies an area of approximately 2200ha, although the main buildings are located in the heart of the centre. The complex is divided into "neighborhoods" or areas consisting of mud and stone buildings covered with a thin plaster, painted mostly in red and white. It also has a system of underground water and drain. The site has a site museum with objects found in the area.
Plains of Ayacucho (Plains of Quinoa) Historic Sanctuary
It is located 1 km away from the village of Quinua and 37 Kilometers northeast of Ayacucho. Located at 3300 meters above sea level, it is considered a Historic National Sanctuary, as it is where, on the 9th of December, 1824 the Battle of Ayacucho was fought. This battle defined the Independence of Latin America from Spanish domination. It has a 44 meter high obelisk commemorating the struggle for independence (1780-1824). Due to its privileged geographical location, it is a natural viewpoint from which beautiful landscapes of the area can be observed. Access is by paved road from Ayacucho to Quinua, one hour away.
Vilcashuaman Inca Ruins
These ruins lie south of the city of Ayacucho, 42 kilometers after that, you pass the highest point in Toccto (4.200 meters above sea level) and then Condorcocha is reached. Following the tour, the small forest of Puya Raymondi is reached. Three hours away, the Pomacocha Lagoon is found, and surrounding it, are the Inca Ruins of Intihuatana, which was the Inca’s rest area. The most important areas are: The Inca Baths, the home of the sun, the Acllawasi (the Inca’s Palace), the stone of sacrifice, etc. Then, after 30 minutes, Vilcashuaman is reached. Vilcashuaman was an administrative center during the Inca times. The buildings are made of carved stone, the most important being: The ceremonial pyramid (Ushno), the temple of the sun and the moon, the monument to Pachacutec, The Spell Stone, Pumacalle, etc. In Vilcashuaman there are restaurants available for Tourists.
The Pikimachay Cave
It is located north of Ayacucho, 2850 meters above sea level, 22 kilometers north of the city of Ayacucho (approximately 45 minutes by car). In this place, lithic tools of the Andean Paleolithic have been founds, as well as
animal bone remains dating back to 20,000 BC. The prehistoric remains are now situated in the city of Huanta.
In the cave, hunters’ stone tools were found, as well as exterminated animal fossils. These remnants are 20.000 years old, which makes them the oldest remnants of "America." Pikimachay, located 24 kilometers away, is where the first humans lived, 20 thousand years ago. These are considered the oldest in this part of the continent.
