Laguna de Pacucha, the architectural forms of Curamba and recurring cultural events offer different ways to experience Andahuaylas Province. Its landscape, archaeological history and vibrant traditions give you concrete starting points for planning a trip around your interests.

Laguna de Pacucha: Landscape and Activities

Laguna de Pacucha is located in Pacucha District. It covers 728 hectares and is approximately 30 meters deep. These measurements give you an idea of the extent of the body of water before you explore the area from the shore or along the loop route. Visitors can rent bicycles and ride the loop around the lagoon—a way to experience the landscape while on the move.

Archaeology and Religious Traditions

In the district and province of Andahuaylas, the Museo Chanka de Andahuaylas offers guided tours about the history and culture of the region’s ancient peoples. At Curamba, a different path leads into the past: the archaeological site in Kishuara District is also known as Cerro Inca. Its named structures include a main plaza, an Ushno—a sanctuary shaped like a two-tiered truncated pyramid—and a Kallanka.

Curamba is also the setting each year on June 22 for Tinkuy Curamba. The event reenacts the visit of the Inca Pachacútec. In this way, the site connects its archaeological structures with a recurring cultural performance. At the Santuario de Campanayocc, meanwhile, a pilgrimage honoring Señor de Huanca takes place every year on September 14. The sanctuary and its surroundings also offer spaces for meditation and relaxation, as well as for enjoying the landscape.

Pukllay: Dances, Music and Different Settings

The Encuentro del Carnaval Originario del Perú – Pukllay – Andahuaylas showcases a variety of dances and music associated with the traditional customs of Apurímac’s rural communities. Another tradition, explicitly located in Pomacocha, is Carnaval o Pukllay in the territory of the rural community of Pomacocha, Pomacocha District, Andahuaylas Province. It preserves agricultural, livestock-raising, musical and ritual practices and is considered a representative expression of Apurímac’s intangible cultural heritage. On June 10, 2026, it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation by Vice-Ministerial Resolution No. 167-2026-VMPCIC/MC. The tradition continues; specific activities and dates vary.

More Perspectives in the Wider Apurímac Destination

In the wider Apurímac destination is the Bosque de Piedras de Pampachiri, also called Pankula Pampa de Pabellones. It covers about 60 hectares; its rock formations are attributed to eruptions of the Qarwarasu and Sotaya volcanoes more than four million years ago. To reach the Bosque de Piedras de Pampachiri via the specified access corridor, take a 108-kilometer journey of about three hours by minibus from the Andahuaylas bus station to the Plaza de Armas in Pampachiri. Travel times may vary.

In Bosques de Pampachiri – Sector Pabellones, the Pampachiri community offers visitors typical Andean breakfasts and lunches, as well as horseback rides. Check locally to confirm current availability. At Laguna de Pacucha in the wider Apurímac destination, visitors can also rent ATVs and take a ride in a pedal boat or rowboat. As rental availability may change, check in advance.

The Ruta de bosques y lagunas in Santuario Nacional de Ampay is also among the nature experiences in the wider Apurímac destination. The route passes two lagoons at elevations of about 3,200 and 3,800 meters, as well as through Intimpa and dwarf forests. There you can rest, take photographs and watch birds. In Cañón del Apurímac, several viewpoints—Cóndor Huachana, San Cristóbal, Capitán Rumi, Taramocco and Capulíoc—offer opportunities to observe condors.

Discover more destinations: Andahuaylas, Chincheros, Aymaraes.

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