Abancay is a city in the southern highlands of Peru, the capital of the Apurímac region. It sits among mountains and valleys, and its setting is the first thing most visitors notice: the streets rise and fall with the land, and the surrounding ridges frame the town throughout the day.
What the visit offers
Abancay is best approached as a base for exploring the wider province, which is known for its archaeological sites and for traditional Andean culture. Those two strands give a visit its character. Travellers interested in pre-Hispanic history will find the area's ruins worth seeking out, while those drawn to living culture can look for the customs, crafts and daily rhythms of highland life.
Practical notes
- Setting: a highland city surrounded by mountains and valleys, in southern Peru.
- Region: Apurímac, part of South America's Andean interior.
- Who it suits: visitors who enjoy archaeology, landscape and traditional culture rather than a large urban circuit.
- Planning: the province shares the city's name, so ask locally which sites lie within reach of the town.
A visit to Abancay suits travellers who want to slow down in the Andes, combine time in town with excursions into the countryside, and learn about the region's archaeology and traditions at their own pace.