Ayacucho, Peru

Ayacucho, Peru
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ayacucho_arco2.jpg
Author: Qwertymith


Ayacucho is a city in the south central part of Peru. It is the provincial capital of Huamanga province within the Ayucucho region of Peru. The city, located at an elevation of 2,761 m (9,058 ft) above sea level, has a population of 151,000 people (2011 estimate). It is a popular tourist destination famous for its 33 churches, each representing a year in the life of Jesus Christ. Ayacucho is also a pilgrimage site, particularly during the Holy Week of Easter.

Although the modern city of Ayacucho was founded by the Spanish under Francisco Pizarro on 25 April, 1540, the region has been inhabited for thousands of years. The archaeological discoveries at Pikimachay, 25 km to the north of Ayacucho provides evidence of human settlement some 15,000 years ago.

Layers of human civilization has occupied the Ayacucho region. From AD 500 to 900, the Huari Culture flourished here. Other cultures to have occupied the region include the Chanka and the Nasca, and finally the Inca. The initial Spanish settlement was regularly assaulted by the Incas under their leader, Manco Inca.

Ayacucho was originally named San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga. In 1544 it was given the title La Muy Noble y Leal Ciudad de Huamanga. When its university was founded in 1677, it was named the Universidad Nacional San Cristóbal de Huamanga. Then in 1825, following his victory in the Battle of Ayacucho, Simón Bolívar changed the name of the city to Ayacucho. The name comes from the Quechua language describing the many casualties of that war.

Ayacucho Cathedral
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ayacucho_Cathedral.jpg
Author: Guillermo Arévalo Aucahuasi


In the 1980's, Ayacucho was the notorious base of the Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso). Their activity receded following the capture of their leader Abimael Guzmán in 1992.

Visiting Ayacucho

The Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport (AYP), the airport for Ayacucho, receives flights only from Lima. It is the fastest way to reach Ayacucho. There are also bus services from Lima, which takes grueling 10 hours through mountain passes, not recommended to people who easily get dizzy.

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