Fall in love with the touristic beauty of Ayacucho

In the heart of the Peruvian highlands is one of the departments that is home to places full of history, culture, as well as constructions of great architectural beauty and tourist attractions. Yes, we are referring to Ayacucho, a city known for its large number of churches and colonial mansions, as well as for its colorful festivities, especially during Easter Week.

While this city is home to a great many tourist attractions, at Marca Perú we are going to tell you about the ones you absolutely must visit on your next trip to Ayacucho.

Pampa de Ayacucho Historic Sanctuary

Probably one of the most representative places of this region. Covering an area of 740 acres, the Pampa de Ayacucho Historic Sanctuary is located in the province of Huamanga and its main objective is to protect the pampas where the Battle of Ayacucho took place in 1824. In this protected area species such as the puna partridge, the Andean goose, the mountain caracara and the Andean lapwing can be found.

Wari Archaeological Complex

This urban center is also located in Huamanga and is one of the largest of ancient Peru, occupying more than 4,900 acres. The Wari Archaeological Complex proves that the Wari were pioneers in the urbanism of the Andean world—their constructions were very technologically advanced for the time. The complex has an underground water and drainage system and is divided into sectors consisting of buildings in stone and clay.

Pampa Galeras Bárbara D'Achille National Reserve

In the province of Lucanas, this natural area contains the largest population of vicuñas in the country and the world, concentrated in a very small space. It is also home to animals such as the Andean fox, vizcachas, and weasels, in addition to the Andean condor, the Andean flamingo and the Andean tinamou. Other attractions of this national reserve are its rock paintings, the site museum and the Interpretation Center, where species of flora and fauna are exhibited.

Titankayocc

The largest Puya de Raimondi forest in existence, Titankayocc is located in Vilcashuamán. The puya only exists in the Andean region of Peru and can live up to 100 years. Before dying, it produces 33 thousand beautiful white flowers and 40 million seeds. The importance of this area lies in its ability to capture carbon from the atmosphere and thus reduce the impact of climate change; it also contributes to the maintenance of water reserves.

It is also important to mention that Titankayocc is home to several species of birds, in addition to animals such as vicuñas, pumas and the pampas cat.

Basilica Cathedral

Located in the Plaza Mayor of Ayacucho, inside Basilica Cathedral are ten altarpieces bathed in gold leaf among which are the famous altarpieces of Nuestra Señora de Socos (‘Our Lady of Socos’), the Señor de Burgos (‘Lord of Burgos’) and the Niño Llorón (‘Crying Child’), stories that appear in the Peruvian Traditions by Ricardo Palma. On the sides of the main entrance are two alcoves with statues of St. Peter and St. Paul. It is Baroque and Renaissance in style.

Millpu and its natural pools

The community of Circamarca is home to several natural wells with crystal-clear waters that delight all visitors to the community. Millpu's natural pools are surrounded by rock formations and although they are "pools", the temperature of their waters is quite low, and therefore bathers are recommended to wear a wetsuit.

The Pumapaqcha, Batán and Qorimaqma Waterfalls

Beautiful waterfalls that, according to popular tradition, have a high concentration of positive and magnetic energy. For this reason they are the place chosen to perform rituals to Andean gods and spirits. However, if you just want to relax, you can contemplate the beauty of these three waterfalls, which, like the Millpu pools, are located in Victor Fajardo Province.

Santa Ana Temple and Neighborhood

One of the places with the most history and tradition. The temple is more than 500 years old, is Baroque in style, and was built with quarried stone and limestone. The neighborhood of Santa Ana is home to a number of galleries and craft workshops that work with Huamanga stone, woven fabrics and fur, among other materials.

Did you know?

• In 1967 the Pampa Galeras National Reserve was established and in 1993 the name of Bárbara D'Achille was added to it, in memory of the renowned journalist.
• The Puya de Raimondi, which was discovered in 1874 by researcher and writer Antonio Raimondi, holds a Guinness World Record because it can reach 39 ft in height and live for 100 years.

Sources: El Comercio/ Sernanp/ La República