The Battle of Ayacucho is a decisive military encounter during the Peruvian War of Independence.

It is the battle that secures the independence of Peru and ensures independence for the rest of South America.

In Peru it is considered the end of the Spanish American wars of independence, although the campaign of the victor Antonio José de Sucre continues through 1825 in Upper Peru and the siege of the fortresses Chiloé and Callao finally ends in 1826.

As of late 1824, Royalists still have control of most of the south of Peru as well as of Real Felipe Fort in the port of Callao.

On December 9, 1824, the Battle of Ayacucho (Battle of La Quinua) takes place at Pampa de Ayacucho (or Quinua), a few kilometers away from Ayacucho, near the town of Quinua between Royalist and Independentist forces.

Independentist forces are led by Simón Bolívar's lieutenant Sucre. Viceroy José de la Serna is wounded, and after the battle second commander-in-chief José de Canterac signs the final capitulation of the Royalist army.

The modern Peruvian Army celebrates the anniversary of this battle