Sóndor archaeological complex © Ernesto Benavides / PROMPERÚ
Apurímac A practical guide for visitors
Pampachiri stone forest © Miguel Mejía / PROMPERÚ
The mysterious rock formations of Pampachiri originated three million years ago and are an ideal landscape to connect with nature.
Apurímac Location
Southern mountains of Peru
Capital
Abancay (2378 meters)
Elevation Min.: 920 meters (Pasaje) Max.: 5438 meters (Huaña)
Climate Temperature
Max.: 23,8 ºC
Min.:
11,7 ºC
Dec - Mar
June - Sept
Mar - June
Sept - Dec
Arriving By land Lima-Nasca-Puquio-Abancay:
912 km / 18 hr.
Lima-Ayacucho-Chincheros-Andahuaylas-Abancay: Cusco-Abancay:
198 km / 4 hr.
By air Lima-Andahuaylas:
1 hr.
956 km / 19 hr.
Calendar Feb-Mar
Carnival in Abancay and Apurímac / Tikapallana carnival
Mar
National Meeting of the Originary Carnival Pukllay
28 Apr
Apurímac region anniversary
19 June
Sóndor Raymi “La epopeya Chanka” (Andahuaylas)
28-30 July
Yawar Festival
31 Jul-3 Aug
Señor de Ánimas Festival (Aymaraes)
8 Sept
Patronal Feast of the Virgin of Cocharcas (Chincheros)
14 Sept
Señor de Exaltación Patron Saints Day Festival (Grau)
3 Nov
Abancay Anniversary
What to eat? The guinea pig takes center stage in regional cuisine. Dishes include cuy relleno (with entrails, herbs, and roasted and ground peanuts) and pepián de cuy (stewed meat with peanuts and spices). Other emblematic plates include huatia (stone-cooked potatoes with rocoto pepper and aromatic herbs) and homemade noodles served with chicken stew and kapchi de chuño (cheese, rocoto pepper and freeze-dried potato). These meals can be accompanied by ponche (punch) served with grated cocoa and a cup of cañazo (a cane liquor). Quinoa bread © Flor Ruiz / PROMPERÚ
What to buy? Apurímac’s craftsmen are skilled carvers of wood, both for domestic and decorative use. The huranhuay furniture is outstanding. They also make ceramics, and are masters of the backstrap and peg looms for making warm garments, such as clothing in alpaca, objects carved in cornoplasty and dolls made with typical costumes of the region.
Distances
By private travel from the city of Abancay to the cities of: DESTINATION
DISTANCE
TIME
Chalhuanca (Aymaraes Province)
120 km
2 hr.
Andahuaylas (Andahuaylas Province)
143 km
3 hr.
Chuquibambilla (Grau Province)
121 km
4 hr.
Antabamba (Antabamba Province)
144 km
5 hr.
Chincheros (Chincheros Province)
209 km
5 hr.
Tambobamba (Cotabambas Province)
331 km
7 hr.
City of Abancay © Alonso Molina / PROMPERÚ
2 days (the minimum recommended stay)
Tours ½ day
Abancay city tour (main square, temple, museum and Taraccasa Recreational Park lookout).
1 day
Abancay surroundings (Saywite archeological complex and Apurímac River canyon).
1 day
Cconoc hot springs.
1 day
Ampay National Sanctuary.
1 day
Andahuaylas city tour (San Pedro de Andahuaylas church, José María Arguedas Museum and the main square).
1 day
Andahuaylas surroundings (Pacucha Lagoon and Sóndor archeological complex).
1 day
Páncula Pampa de Pabellones de Pampachiri.
Apurímac
Departmental capital
CHINCHEROS Huaccana
Provincial capital
Ongoy
District capital Asphalted road Non-asphalted road
r s Rive Pampa
International border
Ocobamba
CHINCHEROS Ranracancha
Pacuc
Cocharcas Uranmarca
Talavera de la Reyna Santa María de Chicmo
Airport Main rivers
Anda
Uripa
San Antonio de Cachi
Pacucha San
ANDA
Huancaray Turpo
Lake or lagoon Chiara
ANDAHUAYLAS
Chaccrampa
C Huayana Umamarca
Natural Protected Area
To
Pomacocha
Capay
AYACUCHO
Pampachiri
Sañayca
Pachachaca river © Miguel Mejía / PROMPERÚ
CHA
Anchacata Lagoon
CUSCO Apurímac River
La
mb
arapa
Huanipaca
ram
aL
ag
Kaquiabamba
cha Lagoon
oo
n
Pacobamba
Cachora Ampay snowy peak
Tamburco
Huancarama
Jerónimo
Curahuasi
Ampay National Sanctuary
ABANCAY
AHUAYLAS Kishuara
Cotabambas
ABANCAY Antaccocha Lagoon
Chacoche
Orjococha Lagoon
GRAU
COTABAMBAS
Vilc
Colcabamba
Curasco
Curpahuasi
oraya
CHUQUIBAMBILLA
ya
TAMBOBAMBA
Huayllati
am
Chapimarca
ab
Tintay
Palpacachi er
San Juan de Chacña
Lucre
Coyllurqui
Lambrama
Circa
Riv
Pichirhua
ba
Suytuccocha Lagoon
Huayllo Pichihua Pocohuanca
Santa Rosa
Tapairihua
Soraya Yanaca
Challhuahuacho
Mallmanya snowy peak
Turpay
Pisti snowy peak
Caraybamba
Quesperaque snowy peak
Mamara
Virundo
Oropesa Oro
ALHUANCA
Mara
Ayrihuanca San Antonio
Pataypampa Ayahuay Pachaconas
Progreso
Vilcabamba
pe
Sabaino Huaquirca
Parcacirca snowy peak
sa
Inticanch snowy peak Huascahuaccasa snowy peak
Haquira
Riv
er
ANTABAMBA
Cotaruse Mollebamba
ANTABAMBA
iver
ba R
bam
Anta
AYMARAES
Huayunca snowy peak Tranca snowy peak
Huacullo Lagoon
AREQUIPA
Escala gráfica (km)
0
20
40
60
What to see? Abancay Province The Cathedral
Main Square. The construction of the city’s oldest church was dedicated to its patron, the Virgen del Rosario. Documents show 1645 to be the year in which the first stone of this simple temple with a single bell tower was laid.
The Taraccasa Recreational Park Lookout
9 km to the north of the city of Abancay (20 min. by bus or 10 min. by car). An enormous cross on the top of a hill watches over the city. It provides a wonderful view of the city of Abancay and the neighboring district of Tamburco, especially during spring. Among its a ractions are pools, and a zoo that is home to typical species of the area, including spectacled bears, foxes, vicuñas, condors and owls.
The Former Yaca Plantation House
37 km to the south of the city of Abancay in the district of Circa (45 min. by car). Surrounded by cane fields, this colonial plantation was dedicated to the production of rum. An entry arch, a small square, and a chapel welcome tourists. In addition to appreciating the architecture, visitors can practice rafting in the Pachachaca River, as well as kayaking and fishing.
The Ampay National Sanctuary
5 km to the north of the city of Abancay, as far as the Visitor´s Center (15 min. by car), then 1.5 km to Angascocha Lagoon (1 hr. 30 min. on foot). Ticket entry. The sanctuary’s elevation ranges from 2850 to 5200 meters. It is the habitat of the intimpa, a conifer tree at risk of extinction. There are also orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. Wildlife species found in the area include the fox, the deer, the spectacled bear, the vizcacha, the partridge, and the owl.
Ampay National Sanctuary © Miguel Mejía / PROMPERÚ
Saywite stone © Miguel Mejía / PROMPERÚ
The Cconoc Hot Springs
73 km to the northeast of the city of Abancay, towards the locality of Curahuasi, (1 hr. 30 min. by bus) and then 21 km to the hot springs (45 min. by bus). Ticket entry. These hot spring sources, with therapeutic properties against arthritis, muscular aches, and rheumatism, are located on the banks of the Apurímac River. The visitor can enjoy a relaxing time amongst nature, surrounded by carob trees and reed beds.
The Apurímac River Canyon
73 km to the north of the city of Abancay (2 hr. 30 min. by bus). Along its descent from 5000 meters, the flow of the Apurímac River forms one of the deepest canyons on the continent. The Quebrada Honda (Deep Gorge), on the road between Abancay and Cusco, is an excellent spot to enjoy the countryside. Adventure enthusiasts can practice rafting in its Category II and IV rapids.
The Saywite archeological Complex
47 km to the northeast of the city of Abancay (45 min. by car). Ticket entry. The complex consists of monoliths; nine springs; a rectangular platform that was used for rituals related to worship of the sun and astronomy, and Intihuatana, a carved stone. The most outstanding feature is the Saywite monolith. At 2.5 meters in height, it displays carved motifs of the area’s flora and fauna.
The San Cristóbal Natural Lookout
5 km to the northeast of the city of Curahuasi (8 min. by car). From this observation point, there is a panoramic view of the Apurímac River’s meandering trajectory, the Cunyac bridge that connects the region with Cusco, the Salcantay chain of mountains, the Choquequirao archeological complex, and the Curahuasi valley. Fields of fruit crops and anise complete the image.
Andahuaylas Province The City Andahuaylas
121 km to the west of the city of Abancay (3 hr. by car). In spite of the passage of time, the city’s colonial architecture remains intact. A fountain carved from a single stone is a feature of its main square. The San Pedro Cathedral is opposite. The Chumbao River flows beneath a colonial bridge that bears the same name.
The Campanayocc Sanctuary
5 km to the south of the city of Andahuaylas (30 min. by car). The modern church here a racts not only the faithful, but also those who wish to enjoy the idyllic scenery of Andahuaylas and the Chumbao valley.
The Sóndor Archeological Complex
21 km to the northeast of the city of Andahuaylas (30 min. by car). Ticket entry. This archeological center consists of pyramid-like constructions surrounded by walls and platforms. The Chankas (1100-1400) were the first inhabitants, but it was later occupied by the Incas (1400-1532).
Pacucha Lagoon
17 km to the northeast of the city of Andahuaylas (20 min. by car). This lagoon, well known for its deep blue color, lies at 3091 meters. The yellowish sand and the reeds in its surroundings are home to different species of duck.
Bosque de Piedras de Pampachiri
130 km to the south of the city of Andahuaylas towards the Pampachiri stone forest (4 hr. by car). The wind and the passage of time have sculpted the volcanic rocks that rise up in these grasslands. Some have a pyramid-like shape, while other have silhoue es like mushrooms. They rise to a height of 8 meters. Their porous surfaces contain minerals, such as quartz, obsidian and basalt.
The Curamba Archeological Complex
15 km to the east of the district of Kishuara (15 min. by car). The ushno (altar) stands above various quadrangular and rectangular buildings that served as living quarters and storage areas. It is a truncated pyramid consisting of three platforms and had a sacred function. Every June 22, it is the scene of the Tinkuy Curamba, a representation of the visit of the Inca Pachacútec.
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Paragliding in Andahuaylas © Musuk Nolte / PROMPERÚ
Pacucha Lagoon © Miguel Mejía / PROMPERÚ
Waywaka Lookout
2 km to the south of the city of Andahuaylas (20 min. on foot). From here the entire city of Andahuaylas and the Chumbao Valley, where a large cross protects the city, can be seen. It was also considered an important huaca.
Chincheros Province The Cocharcas Colonial Temple
110 km to the northwest of the city of Andahuaylas (3 hr. by bus). This temple of two towers and a dome was built between 1598 and 1625 in white sillar stone. Its carved stone walls make it a fine example of colonial architecture. Its interior houses a carved altar covered in gold leaf, as well as works from the Cusco School and by Spanish masters.
Antabamba Province The San Salvador de Antabamba Temple
Antabamba main square. This austere church of lime and stone masonry has simple doors. Its main altar dates from the 17th century and is baroque in style, with wooden carvings coated in gold leaf.
The Nuestra Señora de Asunción de Huaquirca Church
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Huaquirca main square This church has a facade of limestone and mud and is baroque-mestizo in style. Built in the 17th century, it is decorated with rustic murals and a carved wooden pulpit.
Aymaraes Province City of Chalhuanca
120 km to the southwest of the city of Abancay (2 hr. by car). This tranquil city at an altitude of 2800 m retains beautiful churches with wooden altars covered in gold leaf that bear testimony to its colonial splendor.
Abancay City Center
The Temple of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes de Pampamarca
23.5 km to the south of the city of Chalhuanca (45 min. by car). This church was built in the 17th and 18th centuries and has a 20 m stone tower holding the María Angola Menor, a mythical bell.
City limit
The Pincahuacho Hot Springs
Urban area
6 km to the northwest of the city of Chalhuanca (15 min. by car). Ticket entry. Crystal-clear mineral waters gush from the soil and reach a temperature of 73 °C. They are considered therapeutic for illness such as rheumatism and bronchitis.
Cotabambas Province
Main river
1
The Cathedral
2
Taraccasa Park Lookout
The Ccacca Prison
200 m to the south of the main square of Haquira (5 min. on foot). This rocky crag of 15 meters in height served as a prison in colonial times and its name means “stone prison”. The tribunal in which people were judged is located in the central part. If found guilty, they were taken to the caves, which functioned as cells for men and women.
Medical a ention Police City Hall Post Office
Pachachaca Bridge © Alonso Molina / PROMPERÚ
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A publication by the Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board - PROMPERU Calle Uno Oeste N° 50, piso 14, urb. Córpac, San Isidro, Lima - Perú Telephone: (51-1) 616-7300 www.promperu.gob.pe © PROMPERÚ. All rights reserved. Hecho el Depósito Legal en la Biblioteca Nacional del Perú N° 2018-19476 Imprenta: Cadillo Editorial Imprenta S.R.L. (Av. Las Torres No. 397, Urb. Los Sauces, Ate Vitarte-Lima) Lima, diciembre de 2018
The information in this brochure was updated in November 2018. In developing it, PROMPERU has used official information sources, and the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (DIRCETUR).
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