Department of Ayacucho. Get to know the south of Peru!

The Ayacucho region is located in the south-central part of the country, bordering the provinces of Junín (north), Apurímac (east), Arequipa (south) and Ica (west).

Provinces and capital of the Ayacucho region

Its capital is the “city of Ayacucho”, it has 119 districts and 11 provinces. Population growth has been imminent, with a birth rate of 36 per thousand, it has reached approximately 670,000 inhabitants in the last year and it is ranked number nine among the largest provinces in Peru with only 100.4 kilometers squares.

December 9 in Ayacucho – Department Festivities

➡️ One of the most important holidays due to its highlights and meaning is the celebration of December 9. Every December 9th the Battle of Ayacucho is celebrated. This battle took place in the Pampa de Quinua located in Ayacuco.

The battle was between the patriots and the so-called royalist army of America. After the victory of the patriot side, the independence of Peru was achieved. As a result of this battle, the wars of independence practically came to an end, or at least that is how the vast majority of Peruvian historians classify it.

➡️ Another of the most important festivals in the Region of Ayacucho is the Ayacucho Carnival, also called Huamanguino Carnival, which is celebrated in the month of February, and lasts 3 days. This great ceremony is the first to be considered cultural heritage since 2003.

It is a long celebration where different typical dances of the region are presented, as well as very interesting foods and souvenirs.

Tourist destinations of the department

There are many destinations that you can visit in this impressive department, below we will see some that you should know.

The great Puya de Raimondi or titanka, which is a plant with an approximate height of 10 to 14 meters, is of the bromeliad type and takes between 80 to 100 years to reach its maximum height. In this conservation park you can find approximately 180,000 titankas. The Puya Raymondi is an important species for the Andean ecosystem, since it provides food and shelter for various species of animals.

As you will see, Ayacucho has its own attractions, its capital is a quiet city, it has several universities, schools and secondary schools, it has good internet access, its own airport, good hotels, branches of the main national and international banks, public hospitals and clinics.

If you have ever wondered if Peru is a safe destination and if Ayacucho in particular is also safe I have to say that Ayacucho is considered a “safe destination”. You will not have any problems when visiting it. Go ahead and take a walk around here, we are waiting for you.

Ayacucho Region Map

Let’s see a couple of maps related to the region of Ayacucho. The first of the maps shows all the provinces of the department, the second indicates the location of the Ayacucho area with respect to the rest of the country, Peru.

Main economy in the region

This region is considered one of the least developed in Peru, however, according to statistics it has a very high growth potential, thanks to the economic activities carried out within the territory.

🪙 The largest source of economy in this province is mining, reaching a performance of approximately +35.9% in silver production in 2017, with Switzerland (+63%), the United States (+63%) as main recipients %) and Arab Emirates (+9%). On the other hand, another very frequented and common activity is agriculture, even reaching the number one position in the production of prickly pears.

Climatology

💧 The Ayacucho region has a temperate climate with high humidity, this means that there is moderate rain all year round, cold winters, warm summers and occasional droughts.

The approximate annual temperature of Ayacucho is approximately 23.8 degrees during the day, and in the early morning/night, it drops to 9.7 degrees.

If you are planning a trip or know someone who is going to embark on an adventure to this province, it is best to recommend that you bring clothes that are warm enough to spend the night.

Characteristic flora

The ecosystem of this area varies depending on the different provinces, and is marked especially on the limits by the Andes mountain range.

🌱 Regarding the flora of the place, it must be noted that it is very scarce since its territory has the characteristic of being desert. However, there are the so-called Punas, which are desert extensions where we can generally find grasses, which is a family of herbaceous (grass-shaped) such as the famous Ichu, which is considered desert grass.

The ichu

Ichu is a perennial herb that forms dense thickets of long, thin leaves. Each plant can reach up to 1 meter in height and form large tracts of grasslands in the Andean altitudes.

This plant is vital to the ecosystem of the Andes, as it serves as an important food source for livestock, such as alpacas and llamas, that graze in these high altitude areas. In addition, the Ichu helps prevent soil erosion and maintain the balance of the ecosystem by providing shelter and food for various species of wild animals. Its ability to resist low temperatures and its tolerance to drought make it a species well adapted to the rigors of high altitudes.

Regarding this plant, it should be noted that it has also been important in Andean culture for centuries. Ichu grasslands have traditionally been used as pasture for cattle, and have also been used for the construction of roofs and rustic dwellings.

The characteristic fauna of the Department

🐦 On the other hand, in terms of fauna, the region of Ayacucho has a large repertoire, just as in the flora in the Punas we can find large herds of vicuñas which are domesticated for the production of textiles. Likewise, in the high areas of the summits you will be able to observe the great Condor, in the lower rocky areas we will be able to find parihuanas or flamingos, which, as we know, were the inspiration for the characteristic color of the Peruvian flag.

Vicuñas

Vicuñas are herbivorous animals and feed mainly on grasses and vegetation of the Andean highlands. They are shy and cautious animals, which helps them survive in their natural habitat, which is often inhospitable and hostile.

Due to their cautious and shy characteristics, they are difficult to see close, as they tend to flee, but we can enjoy them from a certain distance in which they can feel confident. It is not difficult to find them in one of the natural parks of Ayacucho.

In the past, vicuñas were hunted indiscriminately for their valuable fur, leading to their decline and endangering their survival. However, vicuñas are currently protected by conservation laws and it is illegal to hunt them.

Big Cóndor

The condor or Great condor is one of the most impressive and emblematic birds of Ayacucho, Peru and even the rest of South America. It is known as the “great condor” due to its wingspan and size, and it is a species that has been important in Andean culture and in the mythology of several South American countries.

Condors are known for their majestic flight and their ability to take advantage of rising air currents to glide for long distances without barely flapping their wings. They are social birds and can form large groups around feeding sites. During your visit to Ayacucho in particular or to Peru in general, it may be the case that you find some groups of condors flying in the distance of the skies, especially when you are visiting certain natural places.

Parihuanas

Parihuanas are also known as Andean flamingos or James’s flamingos, however if you listen to a native they will probably call them parihuanas. You can find them in areas of fresh and salt water lagoons located in the heights, generally at an altitude of between 3,500 and 4,500 meters above sea level. These ecosystems are ideal for feeding and resting for these birds, as they provide abundant food and protection from predators.

The further you get away from Ayacucho and closer to the jungle mountain range, the more variety of fauna you will be able to find, an example is the jaguar, a feline predator expert in hunting that lives in low jungle areas.

Typical gastronomy of the area

Ayacucho, like other departments of Peru, is not far behind when it comes to gastronomy. There is a wide variety of exquisite and unusual dishes with very important cultural significance.

Among the main dishes we have the Puca Picante, it is a dish based on beetroot and panca chili, potato, guinea pig and pork. The accompaniment can be based on rice and creole sarsa.

Another very typical dish of this department is the famous Caldo De Cabeza, with a fairly simple preparation, just boil the lamb head for approximately 2 and a half hours and season it to taste. It can be served with rice or yuccas.

Finally, we have the great Cuy Chactado, one of the most consumed dishes in Peru, it is typical in this province. This guinea pig garnish can be served with yellow or white potatoes, Creole sarsa and among others of your choice.