The Historical Sanctuary of the Pampa de Ayacucho, also known as Pampa de la Quinua, where the Battle of Ayacucho took place on December 9, 1824 - a milestone of our national independence - was the scene of the recent symbolic swearing-in of the president of the Republic, Pedro Castillo, on July 29. This place, in addition to its historical value, is a protected natural area that houses a valuable ecosystem of flora and fauna typical of the Ayacucho region.
41 years ago, through Supreme Decree No. 119-80-AA, this place acquired the name of Historic Sanctuary, in order to protect its 300-hectare surface and conserve the flora and fauna found in the territorial area. and natural and historical heritage, as well as the cultural and artisan manifestations of the surrounding populations.
It is located in the province of Huamanga, 37 kilometers from the city of Ayacucho, and has an area of 300 hectares. The sanctuary extends over an elevated plain with a certain slope, close to the Condorcunca hill. It has a privileged geographical location since it is a natural viewpoint from where you can see the captivating beauty of the Ayacucho countryside.
Almost 200 years ago the independence of Peru and America was sealed in this pampa. Currently, the Pampa de la Quinua is one of the main attractions of the department of Ayacucho and a must-see destination for all Peruvians.
The Pampa de la Quinoa is part of a larger area of ​​the Historic Sanctuary of the Pampa de Ayacucho. The entire sanctuary covers an area of ​​300 hectares, and aims to preserve the historical and natural heritage of the area.
In this pampa, located at the foot of the Condorcunca hill, the last battle for the independence of Peru and America took place, the Battle of Ayacucho, on December 9, 1824. In it, the patriotic and royalist forces fought in a hard confrontation which ended with the victory of the first.
Even today, almost two hundred years later, a re-enactment of the battle takes place on December 9 each year, with the participation of volunteer actors.
The most important structure in the pampa is the Obelisk, which rises 44 meters above the historic plain. This imposing marble monument was erected in 1968 by the Spanish artist Aurelio Bernardino Arias, and represents the struggle of almost fifty years for the independence of Peru and America – from the uprising of Túpac Amaru II to the Battle of Ayacucho itself. The winners of Ayacucho are represented in it, in statues three meters high: Sucre, Gamarra, La Mar, Córdova, Lara and Miller.
Near the pampa is the town that gives it its name. The town of Quinua is halfway between Ayacucho and Huanta, the two largest cities in the department. In addition to its historical importance -there is the house where the Capitulation of Ayacucho was signed-, it is a small and traditional town that preserves much of its colonial legacy, such as cobbled streets and tiled houses. Quinua is also famous for its ceramic handicrafts, created in traditional-style workshops.
The Pampa de la Quinua is 15 kilometers northeast of the city of Ayacucho. Despite the proximity, the journey by road can take from 45 minutes to an hour, since it is not in a straight line but rather surrounds the geography of the area.
The road reaches the town of Quinua, from where other transport can be paid to access the pampas.
The pampa can be accessed on foot or by transport. In case you go on foot, remember to take your precautions against the effort at height. Remember that the pampa is at a height of 3,400 meters above sea level.
The entry of plastic or technopor materials into the pampa is not allowed. Store your own waste until you can dispose of it.
Inside the sanctuary is the Pampa de la Quinua, scene of the memorable Battle of Ayacucho, which on December 9, 1824 confronted the United Liberation Army, led by Marshal Antonio José de Sucre, and the Royalist Army commanded by the Viceroy José de la Serna.
The victory of the patriotic forces forced the defeated viceroy to sign the historic Capitulation of Ayacucho, which ordered the withdrawal of royalist troops from Peruvian territory and thus put an end to the emancipatory deed.
To commemorate the patriotic victory in the famous pampa and in gratitude for the decisive participation of the Ayacucho people in the victory, the liberator Simón Bolívar changed the name of the city founded by the Spaniards as San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga for the city of Ayacucho.
Almost 150 years after this momentous event, an obelisk made of marble was built in the Pampa de la Quinua, in honor of the winners of the Battle of Ayacucho. Erected with a height of 44 meters, the three-meter-high sculptures of Marshals Antonio José de Sucre, Agustín Gamarra, José de la Mar, José María Córdoba, Jacinto Lara and Guillermo Miller stand out. This large effigy was declared a National Historic Monument in 1973.
Before the pandemic, it used to be commemorated every December 9, with a great staging, the famous Battle of Ayacucho.
In the Pampa de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary it is possible to see birds such as the puna partridge, the mountain partridge, the huallata or Andean goose, the guarahuau and the lique lique.
Among the native plants, the presence of puna sage, common sage, lupine, wild clover, pinco pinco, plantain, as well as other species such as ichu, typical of the Peruvian highlands, stands out.
In the vicinity of the Pampa de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary there are archaeological remains of the Wari culture, which developed between the years 500 and 1000 of our era.
Likewise, there is the district of Quinua, land of extraordinary artisans who are authors of the famous Ayacucho altarpieces and traditional ceramics, which are Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
Its cobblestone streets and tile-roofed houses adorned with picturesque ceramic churches keep its colonial heritage alive.
In the district there is a site museum whose facilities include a permanent exhibition room where weapons, uniforms, models and other objects related to the Battle of Ayacucho are displayed; as well as the environment where the historic Capitulation of Ayacucho was signed, after the triumph of the United Liberation Army.
The Pampa de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary contributes to improving and expanding the City of Ayacucho-Wari-Quinua-Pampa de Ayacucho archaeological complex tourist circuit, which is one of the most notable and captivating in southern Peru.
Some of the activities that can be done in the Pampa de la Quinua are the purchase of handicrafts (relatively cheap), horseback riding and the tasting of delicious typical foods.
The extensive plain of the Pampa de Ayacucho is the place of growth of numerous species, such as clover, plantain, pinco pinco, ichu, peccoy and strawberry chili. For its part, the fauna is mainly represented by birds such as the guarahuau, the puna partridge, the huallata, the lique lique, among others.
The Obelisk of the Pampa de la Quinua is a monument built by the Spanish sculptor Aurelio Bernardino. Built in 1974, in honor of the winners of the Battle of Ayacucho. Currently, this obelisk represents a seal of cultural identity for the entire Peruvian people. A 44-meter-high monument, whose size represents the 44 years that passed from the revolution of Tupac Amaru, in 1780, to the emancipatory battle of Ayacucho.
This monument has a triangular base plastered with marble and steep lateral planes with representations of the various natural regions of the country and of the forerunners and heroes of the nation. On the front you can see an engraving that says "The nation to the winners of Ayacucho." The upper plane stands out for having the engraved image of the liberator Simón Bolívar inside a medallion and statues that represent the generals of this iconic battle.
You can also see a 12-meter high relief that represents the battle of Ayacucho, and on its sides two angels blowing their trumpets. Also, you can see the names of the units that participated in this battle.
In the surroundings of the Historic Sanctuary of Pampa de la Quinua you can see some pre-Inca ruins belonging to the Wari culture. This culture developed between the years 500 to 1,000 AD. C. and came to occupy a large territory of our country. Covering the departments of Cajamarca and Lambayeque to the north, and Cusco and Arequipa to the south.
This Historic Sanctuary is located 37 kilometers northwest of the Capital of Ayacucho. A trip that lasts approximately 50 minutes.
The Pampa de la Quinua is located in the district of Quinua, in the province of Huamanga. Approximately 37 kilometers north of the city of Ayacucho.
With this map generated by Google Maps, you have as a reference the route by car starting from the Plaza Mayor of Huamanga. Highways 3S, Ayacucho San Francisco and highway 38B are taken into account.
The journey could take about 1 hour and if you pay attention to the application, it will notify you if there are delays or if the road is free. Compliance with the estimated time depends on this, but without a doubt, it is the fastest way.
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