A Little Bit of History
Ayachuco was initially called Huamanga, or in Quechua Wamanga, until Simón Bolivar declared that the name be changed to commemorate the Battle of Ayacucho, which was the end of Spanish Colonization in South America. The name originates from two Quechua words, aya meaning "death" or "soul" and k'uchu meaning "corner".
Ayacucho is at 9,081' (2761m) and is known one of the most traditionally Catholic cities in Perú. In fact, there are 33 Catholic churches, one for each year of Jesus's life. Holy Week and Christmas time are supposed to be spectacular. In addition, many of the folks we talked to claimed that it is the origin of many Peruvian and Andean arts, foods, textiles, etc.
Cultural Points of Interest
Plaza de Armas of Ayacucho
@megreidy
Walking through the Plaza is a must. Also, try the ice cream made by the women that line the plaza. The ice cream they make is specific to the region and has been made that way for over 200 years!
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Ayacucho Cathedral
@megreidy
Visit on a feast day of the Roman Catholic Church, and you will not be dissappointed by the rich traditions. Christmas, Easter, and Señor de los Milagros (October) are the largest. However, you will need to plan ahead with accomodation and expect many Peruvians to be visiting as well.
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Pampa De La Quinua
@megreidy
Also called "Pampa de Ayacucho" this is the battle ground where the last of the battles for independece from Spain took place. The monument is collosal and striking. This is also a great place to watch the sunset or rise depending on the time of year and park hours.
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Museo de la Memoria
@megreidy
This museum tells the story of the time of Terrorism (1980 - 2000) from the perspective of the victims of this time of unrest in Perú. It was the first of such muesums in Perú, but it is also very heavy and not for younger audiences.
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Natural Points of Interest
Aguas Turquesas Millpu
@megreidy
This is my absolute favorite place that we visited on our roadtrip through Ayacucho. The hike to the pools is short with mostly stairs, and the pools are amazing. You can not bathe or fish in the pools.
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Volcan de Pachapupum
@megreidy
Have you ever wanted to stand on the top of drip sandcastle? This is the place to do it! Volcán Pachapumpum, also called el Ombligo (the belly button), is surrounded by hot springs that you can get into. The whole area feels like it is from another planet.
Admittidly, I would not go back because it was a long drive with little to see, but it was a cool visit to do once.
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Where To Stay
Ayacucho
Quinua
Mamachina Resto-Bar-Hospedaje
@megreidy
The folks at Mamachina are AMAZING. Super friendly, very welcoming, and full of tips. If you visit Pampa de Quinua, this would be a great place to stop for a bite to eat, a drink, or stay the night.
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The folks at Mamachina are AMAZING. Super friendly, very welcoming, and full of tips. If you visit Pampa de Quinua, this would be a great place to stop for a bite to eat, a drink, or stay the night.
For additional information and logistics, set up a consultation call with me today!
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