The terrain in Apurimac is steep, formed by narrow, deep valleys with impressive abysses, cold plateaus, and high-mountain peaks. The Apurimac River Canyon that separates the Department of Cusco from the Department of Apurimac is the most extraordinary sight.
Abancay, capital of Apurimac, is a beautiful Colonial city protected by the mighty snow covered Mount Ampay (5,235 masl), located in the sanctuary of the same name. The sanctuary contains, besides other snow capped mountains, mountain forests, beautiful lakes, and species of flora and fauna like the intimpa pine tree, the Andean fox, and the Andean deer.
The inhabitants of this department make a living primarily through agriculture, and they are descendents of diverse ethnic groups who were known for their warrior spirit. The area was also the scene of bloody confrontations between the rival neighboring tribes of the Chancas and the Incas.
From Abancay, there are numerous excursions available to the tourist: for example, the Saywite archeological site and the impressive Apurimac River valley and canyon, a paradise for those who love to white water raft or hike.
Another important city in Apurimac is the typical Andean city of Andahuaylas with its Main Square and narrow streets.
Abancay
Abancay, "the Valley of the White Lilies" in the Quechua language, needs no further arguments to entice the traveler. Founded in 1574, this colorful city, capital of the department of Apurímac, is famous for its superb local cuisine. The city is overshadowed by a towering peak, Mount Ampay (5,235 meters), a magical mountain which ensures the region enjoys one of the mildest climates in the Peruvian highlands. The mountain is located within the Ampay National Sanctuary, a protected area that is home to natural forests lakes and snowclad peaks.
Tourist Attractions:
Ampay National Sanctuary 5 km / 3 miles north of Abancay (10 minutes by car) is the ecological station where the 1.5-km hike (1 mile) to LakeAngascocha begins. This protected area covers 3635 hectares and is located at altitudes ranging from 2880 to 3800 masl (9446 to 12.464 fasl). The sanctuary mainly protects the intimpa (Podocarpus glomeratus don), an endangered conifer tree, as well as other plant species like orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. The local wildlife includes foxes, deer, spectacled bears, vizcachas, pumas, bobcats, skunks, partridges, and owls.
Cconoc Hot Springs 90 km/ 56 miles east of Abancay (2 hours by bus) is Curahuasi and another 7 km / 4 miles (45 minutes by bus) will take you to the hot springs. These are found next to the ApurimacRiver and are surrounded by carob trees, giant reeds, and cacti. People say that these hot springs cure arthritis, muscle aches, rheumatism, and other disorders. The odorless waters have a pleasant salty taste..
Apurimac River Canyon 73 km / 45 miles northeast of Abancay (2 hours and 30 minutes by bus) This constitutes the border between the Departments of Cusco and Apurimac. The canyon is one of the deepest on the American continent and possibly in the world. The deep gorge, along the Abancay-Cusco route, is one of the places from which you can best admire its beauty. The ApurimacRiver violently flows down from the height of 5000 masl (16.400 fasl) towards a gigantic gorge, which is one of the most impressive spectacles in nature. The river is ideal for whitewater rafting for its category II and IV rapids.
Saywite Archaeological Complex 47 km / 29 miles northeast of Abancay (1 hour by car) This 60-hectare archeological complex located at 2400 masl (7872 fasl) houses the Saywite Stone, or main monolith, of 2.5 meters in height (8 feet) featuring carvings that represent the geography and environment of the area. Inside the complex, you can see a succession of nine springs as well as a series of minor monoliths associated with another group of springs, an altar or ushnu formed by a 18 x 34 meter (59 x 112 feet) rectangular platform that was related to the worship of the sun and to astronomical observation, and the Intihuatana, a stone block carved with various patterns.
City of Andahuaylas
138 km / 86 miles from Abancay (6 hours by car) Its main church is the Cathedral of San Pedro, and the Colonioal architectural style prevails in the city. In the Main Square, there is a fountain built from just one piece of stone.
El ChumbaoColonialBridge Located in Andahuaylas, crossing the ChumbaoRiver It is one of the access points to the HuancabambaAirport and to the area of Pampachiri, Puquio, Nasca, and Lima. The architectural style is mainly Colonial, and the buildings are made of freestone. There is also an entirely carved stone path in the city.
Sanctuary of Campanayocc 5 km / 3 miles from Andahuaylas (30 minutes by car) The construction of this modern chapel was completed in 1995. It gathers a great number of believers and faithful, especially on its main celebration day, 14th September. It is a natural lookout to admire the city of Andahuaylas and the impressive landscapes of the ChumbaoRiver valley.
Sondor Archeological Complex 21 km / 13 miles northeast of Andahuaylas (30 minutes by car), you find LakePacucha and from there you need to walk 2 km more (1 miles) (30 minutes) to reach the archeological site. The complex covers some 10 hectares and is located above 3200 masl (10.496 fasl). The constructions originally belonged to the Chanca culture (600 A.D. – 900 A.D.) but were later occupied by the Incas. They are pyramid-shaped and surrounded by walls and terraces that end in platforms with wide-open spaces. Judging by the location and the form of the central pyramid and by the strategic view towards LakePacucha, religious activities could have taken place in Sondor.
LakePacucha 17 km / 11 miles northeast of Andahuaylas (45 minutes by bus) This lake, located at 3200 masl (10.496 fasl), is characterized by its intense blue water and by the yellow colored sand banks and totora reeds, home to different species of ducks, that surround it.
Pancula / Pampa de Pabellones 130 km / 81 miles from Andahuaylas (4 hours by car) and 1 hour on a packed dirt road from the District of Pampachiri Located at 3600 masl (11.808 fasl) this impressive stone forest is famous for its amazing natural formations, pyramid shapes and other spectacular motifs. In some cases, they look like fascinating charming hillocks. It covers an approximate area of 60 hectares of tourist attraction for adventure and meditation.
Chincheros: Cocharcas
Sanctuary of Cocharcas 110 km / 68 miles northeast of Andahuaylas (3 hours by bus) It is a Baroque style church of finely carved freestone built between 1598 and 1623. It has two towers, a dome, and a rough concrete cupola covered by glass Arabic tiles where important canvasses from the CuscoSchool and some Spanish masters are kept. The main altar features finely carved and gilded ornaments.
Aymaraes: Chalhuanca
Chalhuanca 121 km / 75 miles from Abancay (2 hours and 30 minutes by car) It is located at 2800 masl. Beautiful churches featuring fine woodcarvings covered in gold leaf built during the Colony are preserved there.
Colonial Church of Pampamarca This religious construction was dedicated to the Virgin of Our Lady of the Mercies and was built between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. It features a wide two level atrium fenced by adobe arcades and a 20-meter stone tower (66 feet). The “Maria Angola Minor” bell is to be found in the church.
Pincahuacho Hot Springs 7 km / 4 miles from Chalhuanca (30 minutes) Its medicinal waters possess healing properties for rheumatism and lungs affections. It has sulfurous characteristics, and its temperature is 45°C (113°F).
Antabamba
Antabamba 234 km / 145 miles from Abancay (6 hours by car) This important archeological complex has many burial caverns. On this site, archeologists have found trepanned skulls of such perfection that they astonish the medical specialists of today. There are also mud sculptures, weapons, domestic tools, and hunting instruments to be seen.
HuaquircaChurch This is a seventeenth century limestone and mud construction with a mixed Baroque style front that contains rustic murals and a carved wood pulpit. The main altar and the retablo (altarpieces) are also mixed Baroque style.
Location Southern highlands of Peru Area: 20.891 km2 / 8066 miles2
Access Routes By land: Lima – Nasca – Puquio – Abancay: 912 km (566 miles) / 14 hours by bus Lima – Ayacucho – Andahuaylas – Abancay: 956 km (594 miles) / 22 hours by bus
By air: There are no direct regular flights but you can get there taking the Lima – Cusco flight (1 hour) and then traveling 198 km (123 miles) on the Cusco – Abancay highway (4 hours and 30 minutes by car)
Distances rom the city of Abancay to the following cities Andahuaylas (Province of Andahuaylas) 138 km (86 miles) / 6 hours Antabamba (Province of Antabamba) 234 km (145 miles) / 6 hours Chalhuanca (Province of Aymaraes) 121 km (75 miles) / 2 hours and 30 minutes Tambobamba (Province of Cotabambas) 248 km (154 miles) / 11 hours Chincheros (Province of Chincheros) 226 km (140 miles) / 9 hours Chuquibambilla (Province of Grau) 105 km (65 miles) / 5 hours
Directory
Airport Andahuaylas: HuancabambaAirport Kilometer marker 15 of the Andahuaylas – Huancabamba Highway. Telephone: (083) 57-1533
Overland Transport Abancay Bus station: Avenida Juan Pablo Castro with Avenida Pachacutec
Andahuaylas: There is no bus station; however, most bus companies are found in: First block of Avenida Lazaro Carrillo Second block of Avenida Jose Maria Argueda First block of Avenida Martinelli First block of Avenida Andahuaylas
Health Centers Abancay: Guillermo Diaz de la Vega Regional Hospital Avenida Daniel A. Carrion. Telephone: (083) 32-2247. Attention: 24 hours.
The terrain in Apurimac is steep, formed by narrow, deep valleys with impressive abysses, cold plateaus, and high-mountain peaks. The Apurimac River Canyon that separates the Department of Cusco from the Department of Apurimac is the most extraordinary sight.