From 100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu - #39

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor

39. The conquistadors played a huge role in Peru, of course.  Led by Francisco Pizaro, they claimed the land for Spain in the 1500s.

The Pizaro brothers Francisco, Gonzalo, Juan and Hernando all played a major part in the capture of Peru and its early colonial days.  Gonzalo, Juan and Hernando would rule Cusco as a dictatorship fueled by greed, corruption and brutality torturing and executing those who refused the Spanish rule.  While Francisco went on to explore the west and northern coast of Peru and found Lima where he was murdered by supporters of co-conquistador Diego de Almagro.

Plaza de Toros de Acho

 

The Plaza de Toros de Acho is the old bullfighting ring in the Americas and the 2nd oldest in the wold after La Maestranza in Spain.  Built of adobe and wood and located in Lima it is the largest of the 56 official bullrings in Peru.  Constructed in 1766, today the ring is used during the bullfighting fair to honor Senor de los Milagros - Sundays October through November.