Peru / Ayacucho
City of churches: Ayacucho (central Peru)
On December 9, 1824, the Battle of Ayacucho brought South America's wars of independence to a close. Beyond that historical significance, Huamanga (Ayacucho's original name) is the capital of Peruvian handicrafts and a religious center with more than 30 churches, drawing worshippers from across the country, especially at Easter.
