Apu Travel Guide

Apurímac (commonly abbreviated and referred to colloquially as "Apu" in some contexts, though the official region name is Apurímac) is one of Peru's 25 regions, located in the south-central Andes. It sits at elevations generally ranging from around 1,000 m in its lower river valleys to well over 4,000 m on its high puna grasslands. The regional capital is Abancay.

The region takes its name from the Quechua words meaning roughly "great speaker" or "great lord," a reference to the Apurímac River, one of the headwater tributaries of the Amazon. This river has carved some of the deepest canyons in the world, and the landscape alternates between rugged gorges, terraced hillsides, and broad altiplano.

Apurímac is one of Peru's less-visited regions by international tourists, which makes it appealing for travelers seeking authenticity and uncrowded trails. It shares borders with Cusco to the east, Ayacucho to the northwest, and Arequipa to the south, and it serves as a corridor between several major Andean destinations.

The region has a predominantly rural, indigenous population. Agriculture — including potato cultivation, maize, and quinoa — remains central to daily life, and traditional textiles, festivals, and Quechua language use are strong throughout the area.

Altitude

Abancay, the regional capital, sits at approximately 2,377 m (7,800 ft). Many surrounding areas and passes exceed 4,000 m. Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real concern, especially for travelers arriving quickly from sea level. Allow at least one to two days to acclimatize before undertaking strenuous activity. Coca tea, widely available locally, is a traditional remedy; consult your doctor about prescription options before departure.

Visas

Visa rules for Peru vary by nationality and change periodically. For accurate, up-to-date requirements, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and check the official website of Peru's Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones (verify the current URL directly through a search, as government URLs are subject to change).

Health

• Drink only bottled or purified water throughout the region.
• Ensure routine vaccinations are current; yellow fever vaccination may be relevant if you plan to descend into lower jungle areas. Consult a travel medicine clinic before departure.
• Medical facilities in Abancay are limited by international standards. Serious conditions may require evacuation to Cusco or Lima. Comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

What to pack

• Layered clothing is essential; temperatures swing widely between day and night even in dry season.
• Sturdy waterproof hiking boots if you plan to trek.
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) — UV radiation is intense at altitude.
• Small bills in Soles; ATM access outside Abancay is unreliable.

By Air

Apurímac does not have a commercial airport with regular scheduled service at the time of writing. The most practical air entry point is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (CUZ), followed by overland travel to Abancay. Verify current airline schedules and routes independently, as services change.

By Road from Cusco

Abancay is roughly 195 km west of Cusco by road, typically a 4–6 hour journey depending on road conditions and stops. The route crosses high passes and can be affected by landslides during the rainy season (November–April). Buses depart from Cusco's Terminal Terrestre; several operators run this route. Confirm departure times and book tickets locally or through reputable agents — schedules change and are best verified on the ground.

By Road from Lima

From Lima, the journey is long — roughly 580–600 km and can take 12 hours or more by bus, depending on the route taken. This is typically an overnight journey. Bus terminal and operator information should be confirmed locally before travel.

Road Conditions

Many roads in Apurímac are unpaved outside of main routes. During the rainy season, mountain roads can become impassable due to landslides. Always check current conditions before setting out on secondary routes.

Local transport within Apurímac relies primarily on combis (minibuses) and colectivos (shared taxis) connecting Abancay with smaller towns and villages. These are inexpensive and frequent on major routes but can be crowded and may not run to a fixed timetable.

For more remote areas — canyon viewpoints, archaeological sites, and rural communities — hiring a local driver or joining a guided tour arranged through Abancay is often the most practical option. Negotiate fares clearly before departure.

Renting a private vehicle is possible in Cusco, but driving in this region requires experience with Andean mountain roads, which are often narrow, unpaved, and steep. Four-wheel drive is advisable on secondary routes, particularly after rain.

Taxis within Abancay are available and inexpensive by international standards. Agree on a fare before getting in, as meters are not standard.

Salkantay and Apurímac Canyon

The Apurímac River canyon is among the deepest in the world and offers dramatic scenery. The canyon and surrounding areas are accessible via trekking routes and viewpoints reachable from Abancay. The Salkantay Trek, while often associated with Cusco, passes through highland areas bordering Apurímac and draws serious trekkers.

Saywite Archaeological Site

Saywite (also spelled Sayhuite) is an Inca archaeological site located on the road between Abancay and Cusco. Its centerpiece is a large carved stone covered in detailed relief carvings depicting Andean geography, animals, and structures — a remarkable example of Inca stonework. Admission and opening hours: verify locally or at Cusco tourism offices before visiting.

Santuario Nacional del Ampay

This protected area near Abancay encompasses glacial lakes, cloudforest, and the Ampay glacier. It is managed by SERNANP (Peru's national protected areas authority) and is accessible for day hikes. Entry requirements and fees should be confirmed at the park entrance or via the SERNANP website.

Abancay City

The regional capital has a central plaza, local market, and a handful of museums and cultural centers that provide context on the region's history and traditions. It functions primarily as a practical base rather than a major attraction in itself.

Festivals and Markets

• The region celebrates Andean festivals tied to the agricultural calendar. Dates and specifics vary by community — verify locally.
• Local markets in and around Abancay are good places to observe daily life and find regional produce, textiles, and crafts.

Apurímac's food culture is rooted in Andean staples. Potato, in dozens of native varieties, features heavily, alongside maize, quinoa, and broad beans (habas). Dishes are generally hearty and suited to the altitude and climate.

Chicharrón (fried pork), cuy (guinea pig, a traditional Andean protein), and stews such as adobo and pepián appear regularly on local menus. In Abancay, the market area and streets around the central plaza have the highest concentration of small restaurants (called picanterías or cevicherías depending on their specialty).

The local chicha — a fermented maize drink with deep cultural roots in Andean society — is produced and consumed throughout rural communities. A red or white plastic bag or cup hung outside a door traditionally signals that chicha is available inside.

Stick to bottled water for drinking and be cautious with raw vegetables and fruit that may have been washed in tap water. In smaller towns, food options are limited and typically close early in the evening.

Money

The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the only practical currency. ATMs exist in Abancay but are scarce outside the city. Carry sufficient cash before venturing into rural areas. Credit cards are accepted in very few establishments in the region.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage from major Peruvian carriers (Claro, Movistar, Bitel) exists in Abancay and along main roads, but rural areas frequently have no signal. Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and cafés in Abancay; speeds and reliability vary. Download offline maps before leaving the city.

Emergency contacts

Peru has a national emergency number — confirm the current number with your accommodation upon arrival, as published numbers should be verified locally. The tourist police (Policía de Turismo) operate in Cusco and can assist with regional issues; confirm whether a local office exists in Abancay on arrival.

Electricity

Peru uses 220V / 60Hz. Plug types A and C are most common. Bring a universal adapter.

Pharmacies

Abancay has pharmacies (farmacias) near the central market area. Supplies of specific medications cannot be guaranteed — bring adequate personal supplies of any prescription or specialized medication.

Apurímac is generally considered safe for travelers who exercise standard precautions. Petty theft — pickpocketing, bag snatching — is the most common risk in market areas and on buses. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Road safety is a genuine concern. Mountain roads can be poorly maintained, and driving standards vary. Night travel on secondary roads is inadvisable. During the rainy season, landslide risk increases significantly on mountain roads; check conditions before any journey.

The region's remoteness means that if something goes wrong — a medical emergency, an accident on a trail — response times and available resources will be far more limited than in major Peruvian cities. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is not optional in this context; it is a practical necessity.

Consult your government's travel advisory for Peru before departing. Advisories are periodically updated and may reflect conditions in specific sub-regions.

Apurímac is a living center of Quechua culture. The majority of rural residents are descendants of pre-Columbian Andean peoples, and Quechua remains a first language in many communities. Learning a few basic words in Quechua — or at minimum Spanish — is respectful and practically useful.

Andean cosmovision, the system of beliefs relating humans to the natural and spiritual world, remains influential. The mountains themselves (apus) are considered sacred living entities. This belief system coexists with Catholicism, producing a syncretic religious culture visible in festivals and community rituals.

Photography: Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially at markets, ceremonies, or in rural communities. Some people prefer not to be photographed; others may ask for a small payment. Respect either response.

Dress modestly when visiting churches or community ceremonies. Andean communities tend to be conservative in dress and manner, and dressing respectfully signals awareness of local norms.