There had been found human being remains in Ayacucho from about 20,000 years ago. Remains found at Piquimachay cave, the oldest ones ever found in South America from the Stone Age, started the investigations and researches of this place.

Spaniards founded Ayacucho in 1539. They gave it the name of "San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga". In 1542 the city obtained the name of "San Juan de la Victoria" changing then into a new name "Huamanga". But Since 1824 the liberator Simón Bolívar called it "Ayacucho" in honor to the battle that gave the independence to our country from the monarchy of Spain.

Ayacucho is very well known for its artisans that have inherited from their ancestors all they know. This city counts with many churches and temples. During the Holy Week the city is crowded with many Christians from all the country.

Ayacucho is also known because there is a tradition in the city that all houses must have a little church on the roof of the house.

During the Colony from Spain, this city was one of the most important ones, because of its location between Lima and Cusco, the textile industry that was developed there, and for being the city that supplied food to the mine of Santa Bárbara de Huancavelica. As remains you can appreciate the big old houses, colonial palaces, important squares, in which the Spaniard and Mestizo styles are mixed as one.

Ayacucho counts with a comfortable hotel and restaurant infrastructure that will provide you will all the needs your visit requires. It is recommended not less than a two-day visit.

Ayacucho (Quechua language that means "The death ones corner")

Ayacucho Photo Gallery