Must-see attractions in Central Highlands

The red-and-cream facade of this 17th-century church is thought to show traces of Moorish influence.

The city's first church, sporting a maroon-and-white color scheme and dating from 1576.

This is the oldest city church, dating from shortly after Ayacucho's founding in 1540.

Gorgeous church and monastery dating from 1683 with an altar studded in seashells.

Well-restored 17th-century church, with its ceiling partly finished in gold leaf.

Two-towered church dating from 1601 and therefore one of the city's oldest.

One of Ayacucho's oldest churches, dating from the mid-16th century.

The pretty southern entrance to the historical center of Ayacucho.

Beautiful cascade just outside Tingo María to the south.

Attractive two-towered church dating from 1618.

Most of Ayacucho's old mansions are now mainly political offices and can be visited, usually during business hours. These offices of the department of…

The town’s cathedral is modern (1965), and it contains the remains of Tarma’s most famous son, Peruvian president Manuel Odría (1897–1974). He organized…

This remodeled colonial building's courtyard has been transformed into a hip little mall. Here you’ll find bars, restaurants and coffee shops, along with…

Displays fauna epitomizing Peru's three contrasting geographic regions, plus pottery and archaeology exhibits. What is there is well-presented, but it…

Huancayo's cathedral presides over one side of the Plaza de la Constitución. The largest church in the city, it contains a few paintings from the escuela…

Huánuco's main cathedral is sadly not much of a looker, but not ugly enough to detract from the agreeable Plaza de Armas that it faces.

Second-place in Huánuco's church beauty contest doesn't take too much effort; still, congratulations to Iglesia de La Merced.