The most famous art form in Ayacucho is the retablo, a small box set on it’s side with doors that open to a diorama. The scenes usually portray everyday life in Ayacucho or religious scenes, though there are also political retablos and cultural ones like the Danza de las Tijeras, above.

Retablos to see

There is a giant retablo (above) in the town hall courtyard off the main square and lots of retablo workshops that welcome visitors and tours, even if you don’t intend to buy anything. Two of the best are the house of Joaquín Lopez Antay, which is both a museum and workshop, and the workshop of Arturo Ramos.

Weaving, carving & more

Other significant art forms in Ayacucho include weaving and stone carving. Ayacucho has a signature weaving style that makes designs seem 3D and a signature style of embroidery based on flowers. Ayacucho’s alabaster is famous throughout Peru and some of the country’s best sculptors live there. For weaving workshops, check out Pomataylla and for sculptors go to the Julio Gálvez workshop, which are conveniently located across the street from each other on Plazoleta Santa Ana.