Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary, Historical sanctuary near Quinua, Peru.
Pampas de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary covers a wide highland plain southeast of Ayacucho city, close to the village of Quinua. The landscape consists of open grassland surrounded by gentle hills, with a tall white marble obelisk standing as a central point.
On December 9, 1824, the independence army under General Sucre fought the Spanish royalists in the last major battle on South American soil. The patriot victory ended Spanish colonial rule over Peru and opened the way to freedom for the Andean nations.
The name Ayacucho means 'corner of the dead' in Quechua, recalling those who fell in this decisive battle. Local communities gather here every December 9 to mark the day of liberation with military parades, traditional music and public ceremonies.
The site sits at about 3400 meters (11,150 feet) altitude, so moving slowly and bringing plenty of water is advisable. The drive from Ayacucho takes about an hour on well-maintained roads, and paths around the monument are flat and easy to walk.
Beneath the grassland lie remains of Wari settlements, a civilization that lived here between the 6th and 10th centuries. Some pottery fragments and foundation walls are still visible, linking the pre-Columbian past with the site of independence.
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