{"id":12203,"date":"2019-06-04T09:35:12","date_gmt":"2019-06-04T16:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/?p=12203"},"modified":"2019-08-08T07:35:33","modified_gmt":"2019-08-08T14:35:33","slug":"ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/","title":{"rendered":"Ayacucho: Horrific History and Modern Tourism in Peru\u2019s Central Highlands"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"the
The Central Plaza of Ayacucho.<\/span> Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Deep turquoise waters, ancient Andean cultures, breath-taking landscapes, and majestic 400 year old cathedrals make the region and city of Ayacucho one of Peru\u2019s most interesting, yet least visited, tourist attractions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, this unique region is known more as the birthplace of the terrorist organization Sendero Luminoso <\/em>or Shining Path, who ruthlessly dominated the area in the 1980s and 90s, than for its astonishing history, culture and scenery.<\/p>\n

With that said, today Ayacucho proves to be the perfect destination for tourists in search of a more local experience in the central highlands than might be found in larger sites like Cusco<\/a> or Arequipa.<\/p>\n

\"view
A view of the valley and city from the Pampa de Ayacucho.<\/span> Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brief History of the Shining Path<\/h2>\n

Winding up and up from the Pacific coast into the central highlands of Peru, one realizes how Ayacucho, a historically isolated and often forgotten region of Peru, became home to a tragic internal conflict which would eventually claim an estimated 69,000 lives between the years 1980 and 2000 (according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission established by the Peruvian government).<\/p>\n

\"PeruIn 1969, El Partido Comunista del Peru<\/em> \u2013 Sendero Luminoso<\/em> (Peruvian Communist Party \u2013 Shining Path) was founded by its leader Abimael Guzm\u00e1n<\/strong>, a philosophy teacher at San Crist\u00f3bal of Huamanga University in Ayacucho. Guzm\u00e1n, who became enamored by Maoist ideology, began introducing communism to his students and recruiting them for guerrilla warfare and cultural revolution.<\/p>\n

The party, confined primarily to academic circles during the 1970s, began its attacks in 1980 by burning ballot boxes in a village near Ayacucho, attempting to stifle the country\u2019s first attempt at democratic elections since 1964. Sadly, this attack was only the beginning of their reign of terror and a long, tragic period of violence in Peru.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the government turned a blind eye for over a year, the party began brutal, coordinated attacks and assassinations on political leaders, labor unions, and other peasant organizations.<\/strong> They gathered support from primarily poor, rural areas where many only spoke Quechua, an indigenous language.<\/p>\n

\"painting
This portion of a painting found in the Museo de la Memoria represents the two sides of the internal conflict; the terrorist organization and the military.<\/span> Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"painting
This painting in the Museo de la Memoria shows the pain and long nights of waiting experienced by the many mothers whose husbands or children disappeared.<\/span> Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When in 1981 the Peruvian government finally declared a state of emergency, it would only complicate the situation for the people of Peru. The decree consequently gave the military unequivocal power to detain anyone under suspicion of terrorism, leading to an overall escalation of violence.<\/p>\n

As the conflict grew stronger, local people found themselves trapped between a rock and a hard place, between the Peruvian military and the Shining Path, both sides guilty of intimidation, massacre, kidnapping, rape, and torture.<\/strong>\u00a0A primary tactic of both groups was the kidnapping of men and boys. For the Shining Path, kidnapping served as a form of recruitment and social control. For the military, the tactic was used as \u201cpunishment\u201d for political leaders or anyone else suspected of sympathizing with the Shining Path.<\/p>\n

Not unlike most internal conflicts, civilians suffered the worst of the violence.<\/strong> Studies estimate that over 90% of deaths and disappearances were suffered by innocent townspeople who sided neither with the military nor the Shining Path. Out of all the victims, 4 out of every 10 were from the region of Ayacucho, 3 of every 4 were Quechua-speakers, and over half were farmers or shepherds.<\/p>\n

In 1992, the Shining Path slowly began to collapse with greater pressure from the military and the capture of Abimael Guzm\u00e1n, but it would be almost 10 more years before the party truly disintegrated into smaller, less influential groups.<\/p>\n

Today, the people of Peru and especially Ayacucho remember these years with deep sadness and pain.<\/strong> They remember the anxiety of a time when no one could sleep peacefully, a time when fear ruled. They remember the government and international community turning a blind eye to their suffering. They remember fleeing to other regions and cities, leaving behind family, lands, and animals. Yet most importantly, they will always remember the thousands of people who were victims of violence, kidnapping, and murder.<\/p>\n

Speaking with locals, I found that they want others to be educated about the evils that occurred, yet they no longer want their home to be defined by these experiences.\u00a0 Locals want their city and region to be remembered for what it offers, for the various pre-Incan cultures who ruled there, for their unique contributions to art and music, for the battle site where Peru won its independence, and for its kind and humble people.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ayacucho
Photos by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ayacucho Today<\/h2>\n

At 9,058 ft. (2,761 m.) above sea level, the Andean city of Ayacucho lies between rolling hills and farmlands. If you decide to brave the long, windy, 10 hour bus ride from Lima, you\u2019ll experience firsthand the natural beauty and geographical isolation of the region.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like many Peruvian cities, Ayacucho, a town of over 180,000 people, is quickly growing and houses continue to pop up on the surrounding hillsides. The tourist lookout, Mirador de Acuchimay, <\/em>which was originally constructed at the edge of the city, now stands smack in the middle. As one local pointed out, you now have to turn 360\u00b0 there to see the city in its entirety.<\/p>\n

\"Ayacucho
Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"inside
Inside the main cathedral.<\/span> Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inside the City<\/h2>\n

As you begin to explore the city, the central plaza (plaza de armas<\/em>) is unavoidable. The colonial architecture, well-maintained gardens, and central statue resemble those of Cusco. But as one local proudly commented, \u201cWe should begin saying Cusco resembles Ayacucho, not the opposite,\u201d believing Ayacucho was Peru\u2019s true historical and cultural origin.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Entering the main cathedral dating back to 1672 is worth your time, and for a fee of 10 soles ($3) you can receive a tour of the museum and crypt and climb the bell tower for a wonderful view of the city and plaza. The museum is home to church artifacts as well as a Peruvian painting of the Lord\u2019s Supper with traditional foods like guinea pig on the table. If you\u2019re still interested afterwards in visiting more colonial churches, don\u2019t worry. Sometimes known as the <\/strong>city of churches<\/em>, Ayacucho has over 30 other cathedrals and chapels.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"photos
These photos in the Museo de la Memoria are of people whose family members were taken or disappeared. They continue their search for answers.<\/span> Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After exploring the plaza and city center, we took the short walk to \u201cEl Museo de la Memoria.\u201d <\/em>This small museum is dedicated to remembering the victims of violence during the 1980s and 90s and honoring the courage of those who fought for truth and justice.<\/strong> The chilling exhibit was created by ANFASEP, the organization which resisted violence and worked to locate and free missing or detained persons. Inside is a timeline of events, art dedicated to those who were lost, personal testimonies, and artifacts. The stories of everyday people who disappeared, their photos, and the absence they left behind are especially impactful.<\/p>\n

From El Museo de la Memoria, <\/em>it\u2019s only a brief stroll to the Hipolito Unanue Museum where you\u2019ll find artifacts such as art, weapons, and tools from various ancient cultures dating back hundreds or even thousands of years.<\/p>\n

\"retablos
Photos by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ayacucho would not be complete without an appreciation of its unique art, especially ceramics and detailed wooden boxes called <\/strong>retablos.<\/strong><\/em> Art galleries are located throughout the city containing pieces depicting scenes from the Andean countryside, Catholic religion, or the period of violence. If you\u2019re looking for a souvenir, make your way to the artisan market (Mercado de Artesan\u00edas) <\/em>and find local artists selling their own work.<\/p>\n

While in the city, be sure to try typical foods like <\/strong>mote <\/strong><\/em>(corn and tripe soup), <\/strong>cuy <\/strong><\/em>(guinea pig), alpaca steak, and most notably <\/strong>puca picante, <\/strong><\/em>a strikingly red, spicy dish made from a beets and peanut sauce.<\/strong> If you\u2019re in the main plaza, grab a handmade ice cream called muyuchi <\/em>or head to a Belgian-owned restaurant called ViaVia Caf\u00e9 which serves a variety of dishes including quinoa and alpaca.<\/p>\n

\"Aguas
Turquesas de Millpu (Turquoise Waters).<\/span> Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day Trip Adventures<\/h2>\n

These light blue, naturally-forming pools outside Ayacucho have become a popular tourist destination ever since they were opened by locals a few years ago. Although a long drive (3.5 hours), the day trip is an opportunity to see the high altitude countryside dotted with wheat fields and wild agave and cactus.<\/p>\n

Upon arrival, a short hike takes you up into the hills, and the view from 11,600 ft. above sea level is stunning.\u00a0 From above, a small stream becomes a waterfall and cuts through high rock walls where it settles into blue-colored pools.<\/strong> In the sunlight, an optical illusion makes the water appear turquoise due the presence of certain minerals. It\u2019s a rare and beautiful site, and tours from the city (in Spanish) only cost around 80 PEN ($25).<\/p>\n

\"the
Photos by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"ruins
This trip features ruins from the Wari culture (aprox. 450\u20131200 c.e.), the famous ceramic studios of Quinoa, Obelisk of Ayacucho and the site of Peru\u2019s final battle for independence in 1824.<\/span> Photos by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While still under excavation, the Wari site provides a fascinating look into the customs and beliefs of one of Peru\u2019s most powerful and widespread pre-Incan empires.<\/strong> Within the complex, you\u2019ll discover ruins of a sacrificial altar, royal houses, burial and religious sites, and water systems.<\/p>\n

The Inca were masters at adopting the best in art, science, and culture from each culture they conquered. It was no different with the Wari. Rock walls from late Wari culture are almost identical to Incan construction you\u2019d see in Cusco, and their water systems are clear forerunners to those of their conquerors.<\/strong> As our guide shared with Ayacuchan pride, \u201cHere we\u2019ll see who actually learned from whom.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"local
A local artisan from Quinoa showing us her work.<\/span> Photo by Alex Brouwer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In Quinoa, the heart of Ayacucho\u2019s ceramic arts, you\u2019ll see local artists at work and later peruse shops with a variety of handmade products.<\/strong> Just three minutes down the road is La<\/em> Pampa de Ayaucho <\/em>(The Plains of Ayacucho), where Peru won its final and decisive battle against the Spanish. An obelisk has been constructed in honor of the soldiers, and the high plain provides a spectacular view of the valley and city below. We found the trip to be worth our time and money, only costing 40 PEN ($12) for transportation and a guide.<\/p>\n

Ayacuchan Pride<\/h2>\n

Throughout our visit, I enjoyed many conversations with locals and tour guides. As they shared their experiences, I felt both the sadness of their experiences as well as their hope and pride in their city and region.<\/p>\n

On our last morning I took a walk into the plaza and was met by a familiar site here in Peru \u2014 a local parade. As always, the national anthem began the ceremony. \u00a0But then I noted a significance difference. In place of the typical whispers and mumbles, I heard a roaring anthem. The lyrics seemed to rise from a place deep within each police officer, soldier, student, parent, and teacher. \u00a0Perhaps it was a coincidence or maybe, just maybe, their voices represented a not-forgotten struggle against terror and a new-found freedom and peace.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Regardless, the words rang strong and true:<\/p>\n

\u201cSomos libres, s\u00e9amoslo siempre\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>(We are free, may we always be so\u2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cEn su cima los Andes sostengan la bandera o pend\u00f3n bicolor\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

(On its summit may the Andes sustain the two-color flag\u2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026a su sombra vivamos tranquilos\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

(\u2026under its shadow may we live in peace)<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

****Disclaimer: \u201cThe content of this website is mine alone and does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the Peruvian Government.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Deep turquoise waters, ancient Andean cultures, breath-taking landscapes, and majestic 400 year old cathedrals make the region and city of Ayacucho one of Peru\u2019s most interesting, yet least visited tourist attractions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":12192,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[2524,2526,1438,2527,242,720,2531,2525,2528,2529,2530],"class_list":["post-12203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-world-travel","tag-ayacucho","tag-central-highlands","tag-churches","tag-el-museo-de-la-memoria","tag-history","tag-peru","tag-quinoa","tag-shining-path","tag-turquesas-de-millpu","tag-turquoise-waters","tag-wari"],"yoast_head":"\nAyacucho: Painful History Meets Modern Tourism in Peru - Traveling Boy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ayacucho with its astonishing history, culture, and scenery is a perfect getaway for tourists in search of a more local experience in Peru.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ayacucho: Painful History Meets Modern Tourism in Peru - Traveling Boy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ayacucho with its astonishing history, culture, and scenery is a perfect getaway for tourists in search of a more local experience in Peru.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Traveling Archive\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-06-04T16:35:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2019-08-08T14:35:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Ayacucho-Central-Plaza-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"850\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"567\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Alex Brouwer\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Alex Brouwer\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Alex Brouwer\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/#\/schema\/person\/71d877c7bb8809df3c55d8c2c9251aa6\"},\"headline\":\"Ayacucho: Horrific History and Modern Tourism in Peru\u2019s Central Highlands\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-06-04T16:35:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2019-08-08T14:35:33+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/\"},\"wordCount\":2103,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Ayacucho-Central-Plaza-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Ayacucho\",\"Central Highlands\",\"churches\",\"El Museo de la Memoria\",\"history\",\"Peru\",\"Quinoa\",\"Shining Path\",\"Turquesas de Millpu\",\"Turquoise Waters\",\"Wari\"],\"articleSection\":[\"World Travel\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/ayacucho-painful-history-meets-modern-tourism-peru-central-highlands\/\",\"name\":\"Ayacucho: Painful History Meets Modern Tourism in Peru - 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