Abancay is a city that preserves the colonial-era charm through the architecture of its buildings. Surrounded by a majestic valley, it offers dreamlike views from its highest points. Known as the “Valley of Eternal Spring,” it is located at 2,377 meters (7,799 feet) above sea level in southeastern Peru.
The city was officially founded on November 3, 1574, and was originally part of the Cusco department. However, on April 28, 1873, Abancay became part of the newly created Apurímac region. A significant milestone in its development was the construction in 1940 of the highway that connects Nazca with Cusco, running through Abancay and fueling its economic growth to this day.
The arrival of foreign families in large numbers starting in the 1930s gave Abancay some of its most distinctive characteristics. Today, the city’s traditional dishes reflect its rich cultural fusion and include homemade noodles with stewed hen, kapchi de chuño (an Andean potato dish), fried trout, cuy chactado (crispy guinea pig), pork chicharrón, stuffed rocoto peppers, and guinea pig pepián.
Modern-day Abancay is a diverse city made up of people from across the region, the country, and even abroad. This multicultural makeup has contributed to its modern character, despite its location in one of Peru’s most rugged geographic areas. In recent years, the city has experienced a surge in private investment, with the construction of modern homes, reinforced concrete buildings, and an increasing number of five-story condominiums housing spacious apartments. Additionally, there has been a noticeable expansion in recreational facilities and restaurants, as well as significant public investment in new educational complexes and asphalted roads across large parts of the city.
Abancay welcomes visitors with open arms, inviting them to experience its breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, ancestral history, and delicious cuisine—more than enough reasons to visit and, without a doubt, want to return.
With kupos.pe, you’ll find all the transportation options you need to reach and move around Abancay comfortably and easily.
Micaela Bastidas Square
Located in the center of Abancay, near the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), this square is named in honor of the heroine Micaela Bastidas, who, alongside her husband Túpac Amaru II, fought against Spanish rule in one of the earliest calls for independence in Peru and the Americas.
At the heart of the square stands a full-body monument of Bastidas, approximately four meters tall, made of steel, concrete, and pearl gray marble, weighing around three tons.
Archaeological and Anthropological Museum
Housed in the former Illanya Hacienda, a colonial estate built in the early 17th century and located seven kilometers from downtown Abancay. Its first owner was Doña Isabel Junco y Estrada, and later it served as the Santa Catalina de Abancay Convent.
The museum showcases archaeological artifacts, stone tools, and human remains found in the region. It also hosts art exhibits featuring works by regional artists.
Saywite Archaeological Complex
This archaeological site is located in the Curahuasi district, within the former Saywite estate, once owned by the Valer family. It lies at kilometer 45 on the Abancay–Cusco highway, at more than 2,400 meters above sea level.
Researchers believe Saywite was a ceremonial center dedicated to the worship of water and nature.
The complex is divided into six clearly defined areas, one of which features an “ushno”, an elevated platform used for astronomical observation. Nearby lies the famous Saywite Monolith, a four-meter-wide, 2.5-meter-tall stone carved in high relief. This stone features a detailed miniature model with terraces, irrigation channels, temples, and sculpted images of pumas, lizards, amphibians, crustaceans, monkeys, and humans.
Ampay National Sanctuary
A protected natural area created on July 23, 1987, located in the Tamburco district of Abancay province. The sanctuary was established to preserve the endangered Intimpa tree (translated as “sun tree” in Spanish), a unique species found only in this region. Today, only 600 hectares of Intimpa forest remain, now safeguarded after suffering decades of deforestation.
Within the sanctuary is the Angascocha Lagoon, which can be reached after a 45-minute hike from the entrance. The serene lake is a vital watering and feeding place for birds, as well as other native wildlife such as vizcachas, foxes, pumas, tarukas, and white-tailed deer.
Cconoc Hot Springs
One of Abancay’s most popular tourist attractions, especially for wellness and medicinal tourism. The hot springs are known for their healing properties, often used to treat various physical ailments and promote relaxation.
| Route | Company | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima to Abancay | Oltursa | S/130 | Book |
| Lima to Abancay | SuperCiva | S/130 | Book |
| Cusco to Abancay | SuperCiva | S/90 | Book |
| Lima to Abancay | Turismo Palomino | S/130 | Book |
| Cusco to Abancay | Oltursa | S/90 | Book |
| Lima to Abancay | EconoCiva | S/130 | Book |
| Cusco to Abancay | EconoCiva | S/90 | Book |
| Ica to Abancay | SuperCiva | S/130 | Book |
| Nazca to Abancay | SuperCiva | S/185 | Book |
| Ica to Abancay | EconoCiva | S/130 | Book |
| Nazca to Abancay | Oltursa | S/185 | Book |
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