Ayacucho, Peru

Ayacucho, Peru is located in the sierra, 2,761 metres above sea level, is bordered by three rivers: the Mantaro, Pampas and Apurimac. Has a population of 32,000 people. Founded in 1539 as San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga, because Francisco Pizarro was concerned about the distance between Lima, and Cusco. In 1824, there was a battle, "La Quinua", near the town of Quinoa where the patriot army defeated the colonial regime, so Bolivar changed the city's name to Ayacucho. Within the city is Picimachey Cave, which has remains more than 15,000 years old. Ayacucho is also known as the city of 37 churches, such as Santo Domingo, San Agustin and San Francisco. The oldest churches in the city were built in the 15th century, and contain Spanish, Latin and Moorish influences.