Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Each succeeding day sees solemn yet colorful processions and religious rites, which
reach a fever pitch of Catholic tradition. They culminate on the Saturday before Easter
Sunday with a huge all-night party including dawn fireworks to celebrate the resurrection
of Christ. If you want to party too, stay on your guard, as proceedings are notoriously
wild. Crime in the city escalates dramatically during festivities: robbery and rape are not
unheard of.
In addition to the religious services, Ayacucho's Semana Santa celebrations include art
shows, folk-dancing competitions, local music concerts, street events, sporting events (es-
pecially equestrian ones), agricultural fairs and the loving preparation of traditional meals.
Sleeping
Ayacucho isn't short of accommodations these days, but in addition to the myriad small
hotels and
hospedajes
(small, family-owned inns) with generally limited facilities, there is
an ever-growing number of plusher (yet still reasonably priced) options with creature
comforts such as round-the-clock hot water. During Semana Santa prices rise markedly −
by 25% to even 75%.
Hotel Sevilla $$
( 31-4388;
www.hotelsevillaperu.com
; Jirón Libertad 635; s/d incl breakfast S60/95;
)
The Sevilla is new on the scene and one of the nicest, brightest, best-value hotels in
Ayacucho. Cozy rooms get desks, minifridges and microwaves. Accommodations are set
back across a courtyard from the street. Crucially, the owners know how to take care of
their guests. A restaurant is currently under construction.
HOTEL
Via Via $$
( 31-2834;
www.viaviacafe.com
; Portal Constitución 4; s/d/ste S90/120/130; )
The
most imaginative sleeping option is new-kid-on-the-block Via Via, with an enviable plaza
location and cool, vibrantly decorated rooms themed around different continents. Travel-
ers will feel like they've landed in a veritable oasis: there is a sun-roof and hammock
room and it's all centered on a plant-filled courtyard. English and Dutch are spoken.
HOTEL
Hostal Tres Máscaras $
GUESTHOUSE
