The region of Ayacucho is located in the south-central Andes of the country. Its capital is the city of Ayacucho. The region was one of the hardest hit by terrorism during the 1980s during the war waged by Shining Path. This region is bordered by Ica , Cusco, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, junin. Its elevation ( lowest town 1800m. Otoca ) ( highest town 3645m. Chalcos ) Its population 650,817 ( last census 2005 ). This year 2007 is around 652,00.
Ayacucho region is divided into 11 provinces, which are composed of 109 districts. The provinces and their capitals are as follows:
1.- Cangallo ( Cangallo ).
2.- Huamanga ( Ayacucho ).
3.- Huanca Sancos ( Sancos )
4.- Huanta ( Huanca )
5.- La Mar ( San Miguel )
6.- Lucanas ( Puquio )
7.- Parinacochas ( Coracora )
8.- Paucar del Sara Sara ( Pausa )
9.- Sucre ( Querobamba )
10.- Victor Fajardo ( Huancapí )
11.- Vilcas Huamán ( Vilcas Huamán )
ATTRACTIONS
All ancestral colonial mansions and 38 churches and monasteries in Ayacucho make it a very attractive city. The Cathedral and churches of Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, La Merced, Compañía de Jesús, San Francisco de Asís, Santa Clara and Santa Teresa stand out. Their architecture date from 1540 is remarkable; some were built in Baroque style. Besides their rose colored stone, they also have beautiful altars in fine carved wood and gold leaves.
Other attractive sites in Ayacucho are the casonas or colonial mansions that exist until today. Apart from the Town Hall and Prefecture, worthwhile visiting are the casonas of Castilla y Zamora, Chacón, Velarde Alvarez, Olano, Jaúregui and Vivanco, several of which were built more than 450 years ago. The patios and interiors still keep the sumptuous and solid arcades of fine carved stone.
Santa Ana Quarter. Famous for the beautiful work of its weavers and potters.
San Juan y Tenería Quarters. Known for their leather handicrafts. Pikimachay.Located at 24 km (15 ml) from Ayacucho city, site where the first men dwelled 20,000 years ago, the oldest settlers in this part of continent.
Wari. Pre-Inca citadel at 22 km (13 ml). It was the capital of the Wari empire and, according to historians, sheltered a population of 5,000 people. Walls, graves, canals, etcetera, can be still observed.
Vilcas Huamán. At 120 km (75 ml) south of Ayacucho. It was an Inca administrative center. Outstanding buildings are the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, the Ushno or ceremonial pyramid, the plazas, among others.
Intiwatana. Near Vilcas Huamán. An archeological complex with a palace, a tower, the Inca bath (with a 17-corner stone) and an artificial lagoon.
Tinankayoq. Natural forest in the road to Vilcas Huamán, where the highest plant in the world is found, the Raimondi puya or Tintanka. Some of these Raimondi puyas reach up to 12 mt (40 ft).
Pampa Galeras.National reserve in the province of Lucanas where the vicuñas are kept in their natural habitat.
San Francisco.Town at the Jungle edge, distinguished by its tropical climate and abundant fauna and flora.
Quinua. Is a town famous by the exceptional ability of its potters, who manufacture different pieces, called "Quinua ceramics" showing local customs. It is located at 37 km. (23 ml) from the capital. It was the site of the famous Battle of Ayacucho, where the independence of the country and expulsion of the Spanish troops was confirmed.
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