Ayacucho, one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities in the Peruvian highlands, is famed for its 33 colonial churches. Ayacucho tours offer a highland authenticity and enduring cultural identity not easily found in more touristy Andean destinations. Colonial-era buildings, plazas and churches are separated by narrow cobblestone streets. Melancholy melodies of “huayno” folk songs sung in Quechua and the inviting aroma of fresh-baked “chapla” flat bread fill the air.
To book your Ayacucho tours now or consult with us, fill out the “Contact Us” form and a Fertur Peru Travel coordinator will contact you within one working day with detailed information about your fully customizable trip.
Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee a great vacation.
Prices available upon request
Prices available upon request
Ayacucho is located at just over 9,000 feet above sea level (altitude in meter 2,731) in Peru’s central Andes, 204 miles (329km) from Peru’s coastal capital, Lima. There are regular flights and daily bus departures from Lima to Ayacucho. By air, the trip takes just over an hour. By bus the journey is between 8 and 12 hours.
Surrounding the main plaza are a beautiful Cathedral, the national University of Huamanga, and a fascinating Museum of Popular Art that is well worth visiting, as well as several historic colonial mansions.
The main square is built around a statue of General Mariscal Sucre, who in 1824 led a combined force of soldiers from all over the America´s in the epoch Battle of Ayacucho on the nearby Pampa of Quinua. Sucre’s army defeated the last remnants of Spain’s military, marking one of the most important military events in Peruvian history.
The road from Ayacucho to the artisan town of Quinua is appoximately a 40-minute drive. Along the way is the pre-Inca ruins of Wari. Scientists believe this was the capital of the Wari Empire, and in its heyday, was home to 50,000 inhabitants, reaching its apogee in 900 C.E. (Common Era). The ruins include retaining walls, tombs and canals, as well as a small museum of artifacts.
Quinua is a charming town of red-tiled roof houses, each topped with a small ceramic church to ward off evil spirits. The town is world-renowned for its distinctive ceramics.
Along the main road into town is an open air artisan market and food stalls where deep fried pork ribs and guinea pig, known as “cuy,” are served with potatoes and giant kernel corn. Stone steps leads to the main cobblestone plaza, surrounded by whitewashed buildings and the town church. Here, too, is the small museum where the “Capitulation of Ayacucho” was signed, sealing South American Liberty from the Spanish.
Just across the road from the town is the “Pampa de Quinua,” a grassy plain with a huge white obelisk rising from its center to commemorate the historically decisive 1824 battle that pitted the combined forces of South American nations against the Spanish Royalist army.
Further on from Quinua is the village of Huanta, with its cathedral, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. Along the way is also Piquimachay, a prehistoric cave dwelling believed to have been home to some of the earliest human settlers on the continent.
Ayacucho is home to one of Latin America’s best known Easter Holy Week “Semana Santa” festivals. The usually tranquil Andean city, with a population of around 180,000 people, is transformed as tens of thousands of visitors flock to witness and take part in the 10-day celebration of fireworks displays, bull chases, and beautiful religious processions.
Ayacucho particularly famous for its rich artisan tradition, producing some of Peru’s most popular and iconic crafts. In workshops throughout the city, you will find high quality artwork, including textiles, particularly finely woven rugs, figurines and churches fashioned from clay and luminescent hand-carved ashlar stone, and finally worked wooden boxes containing intricate three-dimensional religious and cultural scenes, known as Retablos.
Ayacucho boasts an impressive array of colonial churches, each with its own unique charm and historical significance. The city is home to 33 churches, renowned for their ornate altars and intricate architecture. Notable among them are:
The churches of Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, Compañía de Jesús, San Francisco de Asís, Santa Clara and Santa Teresa are all within walking distance of the plaza. Colonial mansions for the most part now serve as municipal offices and administration centers for the state university, but they are generally open to tourists.
Ayacucho’s colonial mansions, or “casonas,” reflect the opulence and architectural grandeur of the colonial era. Key highlights include:
Ayacucho’s surroundings offer a wealth of excursions, each providing a unique glimpse into the region’s diverse history and natural beauty.
This traditional quarter is a haven for artisans, where families have honed their crafts for generations. s Ayacucho’s district famous for its artisans who specialize in woven tapestries and ceramics. Visitors can explore workshops specializing in:
14 miles (22 km) from Ayacucho, are the remnants of a pre-Inca capital city that historians believe was home to 50,000 inhabitants. The ruins include retaining walls, tombs and canals, as well as a small museum of artifacts. One of the largest urban centers of ancient Peru, the Wari complex flourished between the 6th and 11th centuries A.D. This site offers:
Preserving its traditional Andean spirit, Quinua is known for its pottery and historical significance. This artisan town of red-tiled roof houses, each topped with a small ceramic church to ward off evil spirits, also has an open air artisan market and food stalls where deep fried pork ribs and guinea pig, known as “cuy,” are served with potatoes and giant kernel corn. Stone steps leads to the main cobblestone plaza, surrounded by whitewashed buildings and the town church.
Highlights include:
The site of the pivotal Battle of Ayacucho (1824), this sanctuary features:
Located 74 miles (120 km) south of Ayacucho was considered the geographic administrative center of the Inca Empire. It lies at the crossing of the Inca trail that connected Cusco and the coast and the Inca highway that spanned the spine of the Andes.
A parish church now sits atop the magnificent base of a Sun Temple. Nearby is an “usnu” or five-tiered pyramid, topped by a huge double throne carved from stone.
Once a prominent Inca administrative center, Vilcashuamán includes:
A vast plain teeming with wildlife, this reserve is known for:
Ayacucho hosts several vibrant festivals and events throughout the year, each offering a unique cultural experience.
A week-long celebration featuring:
A deeply religious event where:
A colorful celebration with:
Held in the district of Andamarca, this festival includes:
Held in the Pampa Galeras Barbara D’Achille National Reserve, this ceremony involves:
Ayacucho is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether exploring its colonial churches and mansions or embarking on excursions to nearby historical and natural sites, visitors will find a wealth of experiences to enrich their journey. Join us in uncovering the magic of Ayacucho and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of its past and present.
Contact telephone numbers
Offices
