Abancay Travel Guide
City City in Apurímac Department with historical sites
Abancay sits above the Apurímac canyon, a launching point for Choquequirao treks; visitors seek highland markets, Quechua communities, hot springs and steep trails that drop to deep river canyons.
Why Visit Abancay? #
Perched in the Apurímac highlands, this regional capital is a gateway to Andean landscapes and traditional Quechua life. Hikers and nature lovers come for the Ampay National Sanctuary and its cloud forest trails, while local markets and seasonal festivals showcase weaving, music and traditional garments. Food-focused travelers will find Pachamanca cooking and hearty Andean fare that reflect mountain ingredients and communal culinary customs.
Who's Abancay For?
Abancay is a gateway for highland treks and canyon routes in Apurímac, with access to mountainous trails, river valleys and tough day hikes. It’s well placed for experienced trekkers heading toward remote archaeological sites.
Surrounded by Andean scenery and the Ampay National Sanctuary, Abancay offers mountain walks, cloud forests and birdwatching. The landscape is dramatic and less developed than Peru’s main tourist circuits.
As a regional transit hub, Abancay attracts budget travelers en route to trekking routes and rural communities. Basic hostels, local buses and inexpensive meals make overland travel straightforward.
Local markets and roadside eateries serve hearty Andean fare - quinoa dishes, roasted meats and fresh local fruit. Food is simple, filling and very affordable for travelers refueling before treks.
Top Things to Do in Abancay
All Attractions ›
- Santuario Nacional de Ampay - High-altitude reserve around Nevado Ampay with marked trails and endemic wildlife.
- Plaza de Armas de Abancay - Central plaza framed by municipal buildings, cafes, and everyday local life.
- Catedral de Abancay - Prominent cathedral on the main square; focal point for religious festivals.
- Mirador de la ciudad (viewpoint) - Easy viewpoint above town offering panoramic valley views during late afternoon light.
- Mercado Central de Abancay - Chaotic market selling regional produce, cheeses, traditional snacks, and woven textiles.
- Museo Municipal de Abancay - Small municipal museum with local archaeology, colonial objects, and regional history.
- Curahuasi coffee farms - Nearby Curahuasi offers family-run coffee farms where visitors sample beans and processes.
- Local artisanal stalls along Av. Mariscal Cáceres - Compact stretch of stalls where residents buy woven goods and regional crafts.
- Curahuasi - Town known for specialty coffee, short drives from Abancay and finca tours.
- Saywite archaeological site - Pre-Inca carved monoliths and terraces near Andahuaylas; interesting roadside archaeological stop.
- Andahuaylas - Regional city with a lively central plaza, handicraft markets, and surrounding viewpoints.
- Santuario Nacional de Ampay (extended trails) - Longer hikes into Nevado Ampay's highland ecosystems for full-day exploration without overnight.
Where to Go in Abancay #
Centro
Abancay’s downtown is compact and busy in daylight: markets, municipal offices and local eateries cluster around the plaza. It’s the practical base for exploring surrounding ruins and countryside. Expect simple services and authentic, no-frills dining.
Top Spots
- Plaza de Armas - Central square where locals meet and markets pop up.
- Main market streets - Lively daytime markets selling produce and goods.
- Local eateries - Basic restaurants serving regional dishes.
Carmen Alto
Perched above parts of the city, this neighbourhood offers good short walks and viewpoints over Abancay. It’s where people from town come for a local bite and to watch the sunset. Comfortable for short stays and easy exploration.
Top Spots
- Carmen Alto viewpoints - Overlooks giving views back over the city and surrounding valleys.
- Local food stalls - Street vendors and small restaurants popular with residents.
- Community markets - Neighborhood markets with local produce.
Riverside & Outskirts
On the edges of town you’ll find the quieter riverside lanes and routes that lead into the highland valleys. This is practical territory for arranging treks or heading on to nearby archaeological sites. Expect simple facilities and friendly local businesses.
Top Spots
- Riverside paths - Walkable stretches along the local waterways.
- Access to surrounding valleys - Launch point for day trips into Apurímac’s scenery.
- Local bakeries - Small shops catering to commuters and day-trippers.
Plan Your Visit to Abancay #
Best Time to Visit Abancay #
Visit Abancay during the dry season (May-September) for clear skies, comfortable daytime temperatures, and the best conditions for hiking Ampay National Sanctuary and exploring nearby valleys. The rainy season (November-March) brings lush scenery but frequent afternoon storms that make trails slippery and travel less reliable.
Best Time to Visit Abancay #
Abancay's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 11°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1309 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (228 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (245 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (218 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Abancay
Abancay is served mainly by road; there are no regular commercial flights directly into the city, so most visitors arrive via Cusco or Lima and continue by bus or private transfer. The nearest major airport with frequent services is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (CUZ).
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ): The main practical air gateway for Abancay is Cusco’s airport. From CUZ you can catch an interprovincial bus from Cusco’s terminal (or a taxi from the airport to the terminal for about S/10-20, 15-25 min) and expect the bus trip to Abancay to take roughly 3-4 hours with fares typically around S/20-40.
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM): Lima is the national international hub; most long-distance buses to the south depart from Lima’s main terminals. Overnight buses Lima→Abancay take roughly 11-13 hours and fares commonly range S/50-90 depending on company and class. Alternatively, fly Lima→Cusco then continue by bus as above.
Train: There is no regular passenger rail service to Abancay; PeruRail and other tourist lines operate around Cusco and the southern highlands but do not serve Abancay.
Bus: Buses are the primary way to reach and move between cities. Interprovincial companies run routes from Cusco and Lima to Abancay, arriving at the city’s terminal (Terminal Terrestre de Abancay). Local minibuses/combis link nearby towns and cost small fares (often under S/5); intercity buses take the times and prices noted above (Cusco→Abancay ~3-4 hrs, S/20-40; Lima→Abancay ~11-13 hrs, S/50-90).
How to Get Around Abancay
Abancay is easiest to navigate by road: interprovincial buses connect it to Cusco and Lima, while local combis, taxis and mototaxis handle short trips. For comfort and reliability use reputable bus companies or prebook private transfers; inside town, walking and short taxi rides work best.
- Interprovincial buses (S/20-90) - Long‑distance buses are the most reliable and common way to get to Abancay from other Peruvian cities. Companies run daytime and overnight services with varying comfort levels; pick a reputable operator for safety and a guaranteed seat. Buses arrive at and depart from the city's main terminal, which has ticket offices for several carriers.
- Local buses & combis (colectivos) (S/0.50-5) - Within Abancay and to nearby towns, minibus and combi services are frequent and cheap. Routes are informal - ask locals or at the terminal for the correct combi - and fares are low, typically under S/5 for regional hops. These can be crowded and have irregular timetables, but they're the cheapest option for short distances.
- Taxis (S/3-20 (local); higher for long transfers) - Taxis are widely available and are useful for short trips around town or to reach hillside viewpoints and bus terminals. Use fixed‑price agreements or confirm the meter/price before starting; typical downtown short rides cost a few soles. For longer regional transfers, negotiate a fare in advance or arrange a private transfer through your hotel.
- Motorbike taxis (mototaxis) (S/1-6) - In some neighborhoods mototaxis or moto‑remises operate and are handy for navigating narrow streets or steep areas. They are cheaper than cars but offer less protection in bad weather; confirm a price before boarding. Not all parts of the city permit mototaxis, so availability varies by neighborhood.
- Car hire / Private transfer (Prices vary widely; private transfers often S/150+ to Cusco) - Hiring a car or booking a private transfer gives the most flexibility for exploring the Apurímac region and mountain roads. Roads can be narrow and winding - choose an experienced driver for highland routes. Rental availability in Abancay is limited; you may need to pick up a rental in Cusco or Lima and drive down.
- Walking - Abancay's central area is compact and best explored on foot - streets around the plaza, markets and cafes are walkable. Walking is the easiest way to soak up local life, but take care on uneven sidewalks and in steep parts of town.
Where to Stay in Abancay #
- Various small hostales (Abancay listings) - Basic local guesthouses in central area
- Local hostales (book via listings) - Simple rooms suited for short stays
- Selected mid-range hotels (Abancay) - Cleaner rooms and private bathrooms
- Comfortable local hotels (various) - Mid-range comfort near main streets
- Highest-graded local hotels (Abancay listings) - Top local hotels with better facilities
- Select boutique stays (nearby towns) - Consider nearby towns for higher-end choices
- Central guesthouses (near Plaza) - Easy access to markets and transport
- Well-reviewed local hotels - Good for short stays and tours
- Family-friendly hostales (central) - Larger rooms and family beds available
- Local hotels with private rooms - Safe, central locations for families
- Guesthouses with Wi‑Fi (central listings) - Basic internet at some hostales
- Mid-range hotels (central) - Quieter rooms suitable for remote work
Where to Eat in Abancay #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Abancay's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Abancay #
Shopping in Abancay #
Abancay is a regional Andean centre where the best shopping is straightforward and local: the central mercado, stalls around the Plaza de Armas, and small workshops selling traditional textiles and embroidery. Expect handwoven wool goods, local ceramics and agricultural products; bargaining is common at markets but keep offers reasonable and polite. For anything modern, the city’s small malls and supermarkets cover basics.
Best Bets
- Mercado Central de Abancay - Bustling market for fresh produce, meat and everyday necessities.
- Plaza de Armas stalls - Artisan stalls around the main square selling textiles and souvenirs.
- Local artisan shops - Small workshops offering handwoven textiles and embroidered goods.
- City supermarkets and small malls - Practical spots for electronics, clothing basics and household items.
- Traditional food stalls - Try regional snacks and preserves sold by local vendors.
- Souvenir and craft stalls - Good for small ceramics, woollen hats and culturally themed gifts.
