Ayacucho is in the Southern Sierra region of Peru. Ayacucho is embedded in a broad sunny valley with mild climate. It is home of the Morocucho people, a group of the Quechua. The population is about 100,000, altitude 2,700 m.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Ayacucho was mostly under control of the Sendero Luminoso, an extreme leftist terrorist group. After the successful anti-terror fights under president Fujimori, the influence of the Sendero Luminoso decreased almost completely. The Tourist Office is found in the Plaza de Armas.
Willy Del Posa Posa runs a tourist agency near the Plaza de Armas. He proved honest and helpful on a few occasions. If you want to go for a walk, get the bus 13 (S/0.70) in the big red arc (Jr 28 de Julio) until Santa Helena or a bit further. Then get down to the river Watatas and come back to Ayacucho walking along the water (2 hr). At the concrete bridge, or wait for a collectivo or walk until the center (a bit far). For a warmer but a bit dirtier river, get the collectivo to Muyurina (S/2.5) in the Paradero de Quinoa-Huanta. Come back to Ayacucho along the water one the right side (don't cross) cause of the dogs. Always avoid the houses.
The Cafe of the University (UNSH(?)) is in the atrium of a lovely colonial building besides the Cathedral at the Plaza de Armas. Magia Negra (Black Magic) - a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. Serves Pizza, is a bit upscale and comfortable for Americans and a foose ball table Don't miss the best hamburgers ever, served by the street vendors near the plaza at night. Perfect drunken food. You should get the 'triple'. You can get it with a cheap thin hamburger, egg, hotdogs, potato sticks, olive mayonnaise. It is recommended to get it "sin lechuga" (without lettuce) as lettuce is supposed to particularly harbor micro-organisms.
Centro Turístico Cultural San Cristobal, a block and a bit from the Plaza de Armas, 28 de Julio 178. The best place for caffeinated beverages (i.e. it actually has cappuccinos, and Americanos). There are a few little cafes here. As the name of the centre suggests, the area is intended for tourists and is a bit pricier than other areas. Try chicha de manis (peanut-sesame), agua de nipero or manzana (apple) for S/0.5, in the market (right of the big red arc, Jr 28 de Julio)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Ayacucho typically sees ~24°C daytime highs and 6 rainy days.
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