Ayacucho is arguably Peru’s most fascinating Andean town after Cuzco. It was founded by the Spanish in 1539 and most of its architecture is Colonial. It is much less visited than Cuzco and therefore less commercialized. Points of interest include the Ruins of the Wari empire, a pre-Inca civilization, and the site where the Battle of Ayacucho, the battle of independence, was fought. Ayacucho is a must during Holy Week, the week before Easter, where Peru’s largest religious festival is held. An extension of Ayacucho will take you to the ruins of Vilcashuaman, considered to be the geographical center of the Inca empire, and the Ruins of Intihuana, with its thermal baths.

1. Classic Ayacucho
2. Ayacucho with Vilcashuaman