Ayacucho, in addition to being considered the Capital of Holy Week in Peru , is also prided as being the Capital of Peruvian Handicrafts, the Cradle of Free America and the City of Churches. Mild, dry and healthy climate. Sun, nine hours a day and average temperature of 17 degrees, Ayacucho is a place of countless attractions, a merge of natural beauty and historical events which resulted in changes of great significance for Peru as well as for Latin America. It is here that the movement towards liberation triumphed. In Huamanga, tourist attractions are the Plaza de Armas, stone archways surrounding its four sides making it unique in Peru; the Municipality, founded in 1950. The Cathedral of churigueresque style which dates back to the 17th century and the 33 churches throughout the city. Manorial houses such as the Casona Castilla y Zamora, today occupied by the tercentennial University of San Cristobal; the Casona Velarde, built in the 1600's and now the Regional School of Art, etc.

20 kilometers northeast from Huamanga lies the Wari pre-Inca archeological complex. Here, covering an area of 20 hectares, lie streets, squares, reservoirs, canals and architectonic structures of impressing dimensions.

The complex was built by the men of Wari. According to numerous investigators, this culture, which reached its height between the 6th and 12th centuries, revealed the first state organization to develop in the Andes.

A town, a 'must' to be visited, is La Quinua, 37 kms. to the northeast of the city. Here, in its rural countryside, live artisans, who through their magic and skill, create pottery of great beauty.

Very close to the town lies the Pampa de la Quinua, historically of great significance as here, on December 9th, 1824, the independence of America was declared.

A people fervent, persevering and enterprising. Of prolific imagination which permits the creation of beautiful works of art in stone or varicolored 'retablos'. Stunning scenery. A land with history. Ayacucho is a corner of Peru that overwhelms and captivates all who visit it.

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