Abancay

Location: Rediscover Machu Picchu > Peru & the Andes > Abancay

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Abancay and Nearby Attractions

Abancay is the most important city of the Apurímac Region and also the capital of the Abancay Province.

The town has about 57.000 inhabitants, but despite its small size, it is home to 3 universities.

The city is visited by most tourists who head to Choquequirao and Sayhuite (Saywite), two of the most important destinations nearby.

Abancay itself is a nice little city with lots of palms.

The height froms sea level is 2.378 m (7,802 ft).
 

Historically, it is considered that it was a pre-Incan town. It was populated by the Chancas before the arrival of the Incas.

Abancay is referred to as "Town of the Kings" or "Villa de los Reyes"...

Apurímac Valley

A very beautiful valley northeast of the city, runs near Choquequirao.

Hikers and even mountain bikers adore to travel across it. There are trails and travel agencies in the country and abroad also offer trip packages in this area.

For photographers too, it is like paradise!

Getting to Abancay

It is best to approach Abancay from Cuzco's direction by road. Cuzco is the biggest city in this area of Peru and therefore has the best connections with the nearby cities, towns, villages.

Anyway, road travel is the only way to get to the city of Abancay directly.

There is a nearby airport, belonging to the town of Andahuaylas. This airport is closer than Cuzco's airport.

If you fly to Andahuaylas and from there take the bus, the journey to Abancay will take 5 to 6 hours on an unpaved road.
 

If you choose to fly to Cuzco, then from there it can take 3 to 5 hours drive time to Abancay.