Cusco to Abancay Bus

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Cusco or Cuzco (both graphical symbols are acceptable according to the RAE, Real Academy of the Spanish language) is the main destination that you can get to know on your trips through Peru. Learn more about it in this section.The legend tells that Cusco was founded by 2 ancestral patriarchs, who, due to the design of the deity Sun, emerged from the Titicaca lake with the mission of putting in order the Andean men’s life. They would be the beginning of the vast Incan Empire, which as time goes by would reach its maximum glory consolidating as a powerful State. In 1911 the American explorer Hiram Bingham would refind the incan citadel to the world’s eyes with the discovery of Machu Picchu. From that day the growth of Cusco has been exponential, turning to be one of the most visited worldwide tourist destinations and favourite place for national and foreign tourists to “discover” the beauty of the Machu Picchu citadel on its travel to Cusco.

Cusco, known as the Historic Capital of Peru, is one of the most visited cities in South America. It is the gateway to Machu Picchu and offers a rich mix of Inca and colonial heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant traditions.

Climate in Cusco

Cusco has a temperate climate with two distinct seasons: Dry season (May - October): Sunny days and cool nights, with temperatures between 5°C and 20°C. Rainy season (November - April): Frequent rains, but lush green landscapes.

The territory of Abancay was inhabited long before the Inca expansion. It was founded as a Spanish colonial city in 1574 by Ruiz de Estrada, under the name Amancay (or Villa de Santiago de los Reyes). The origin of its name comes from the adaptation of the word Amankay, a flower native to the region. During the colonial era, it was an important commercial exchange center due to its location between the highlands and the coast. The city was also the scene of the uprising led by Micaela Bastidas and her husband Túpac Amaru II in 1781, who sought to free Peru from Spanish rule, though they were unsuccessful; nevertheless, they would go down in history as predecessors of the American Independence movement. For a long time, Abancay was part of the Department of Cusco until the creation of the Department of Apurímac in 1873. During the Republican era, it achieved the status of a city. Due to the influx of foreign families and people from different parts of Peru, the city developed an urban, social, and cultural diversity, making it a modern metropolis in continuous growth. Today, Abancay is one of the most populated cities in the Apurímac region.

Climate in Abancay

Abancay has a temperate highland climate with well-defined dry and rainy seasons, typical of the southern Peruvian Andes. The annual average temperature ranges from about 15 °C to 19 °C, with daily highs around 22 – 24 °C and lows that can drop to approximately 8 – 12 °C, depending on the time of year and local altitude.

Hotels in Abancay

◈ Siball Hotel

Address: Av. Arenas 161, Abancay 03001, Peru.
Services: Free Wi-Fi, restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception, free parking, terrace, elevator, tourist assistance, rooms with cable TV, private bathroom, and desk.
Approximate price per night: ~S/ 110 – S/ 120

◈ El Peregrino Apart Hotel Abancay

Address: Jr. Andrés Avelino Cáceres 390, Abancay 03001, Peru.
Services: Apartment-style rooms with Wi-Fi, reception, more spacious than conventional hotel rooms — ideal for families or longer stays.
Approximate price per night: Between S/ 150 – S/ 180

◈ Hotel Turistas de Abancay

Address: Av. Díaz Bárcenas 500, Abancay 03001, Peru.
Services: Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast included, cable TV, private bathroom with hot water, reception, room service, in-room safes, wood-floor rooms, and currency exchange.
Approximate price per night: ~S/ 230 – S/ 250 depending on room type

Typical dishes of Abancay

◈ Pachamanca: Ancient preparation in which meats (lamb, pork, chicken or guinea pig), tubers, and vegetables are cooked underground with hot stones, giving a smoky and traditional Andean flavor.

◈ Tallarines de casa: Homemade noodles often served with stewed chicken or pepian de cuy — an emblematic local dish.

◈ Chicharrones de chancho: Fried pork in its own fat until crispy on the outside and juicy inside, served with mote, potatoes, or corn and chili.

◈ Cuy chactado and pepián de cuy: Guinea pig preparations — cuy chactado fried and seasoned, and pepián de cuy in a thick sauce with Andean spices and peanuts.

◈ Cuy relleno: Guinea pig stuffed with aromatic herbs and spices, served with golden potatoes and toasted corn.

◈ Kapchi de chuño (Qapchi): Dish made with chuño (dehydrated potato), cheese, egg, and huacatay, often served with homemade noodles.

Restaurants in Abancay

➤ TONALLI RESTAURANTE

Address: Av. Huayna Cápac, Abancay 03001, Peru.
Services: Well-rated restaurant with a variety of dishes, family-friendly atmosphere and attentive service (great for lunch or dinner).

➤ Orégano Carnes y Parrillas

Address: Jr. Las Retamas, Urbanización Villa Gloria, Abancay.
Services: Grilled meats and parrilla dishes; hearty plates with average price ~S/ 40–S/ 60 per person.

➤ MATÍAS Carnes y Parrillas

Address: Av. Arenas, Abancay 03001, Peru.
Services: Informal grill restaurant known for grilled meats and local favorites.

➤ Los Balcones de Pachachaca

Address: Puente Pachachaca, Abancay 03001, Peru.
Services: Family-oriented restaurant with regional dishes and scenic views near the river.

➤ Miraflores Restaurant Abancay

Address: Calle 14 de Setiembre, Abancay.
Services: Well-rated for friendly service and local flavors.

➤ TIKA’S LOUNGE BAR

Address: Central Abancay, Peru.
Services: Restaurant-bar with excellent reviews, ideal for relaxed dinners and social gatherings.

Places to visit in Abancay

🌳 Santuario Nacional de Ampay

 Protected natural area with forests, Andean wildlife, beautiful lagoons, and great hiking and ecotourism opportunities.

🏛️ Plaza de Armas of Abancay

The city’s main square — a perfect starting point to explore the center and enjoy local life.

🪨 Monolito Saywite

Large carved rock featuring animal and plant motifs, an archaeological testimony of ancient cultures.

🌉 Puente Pachachaca

Colonial stone bridge over the Pachachaca River, declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

🌄 Mirador Taraccasa (Mirador Capitán Rumi)

Scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley and the Apurímac River Canyon — one of the deepest in the world.

🛖 Museo Arqueológico y Antropológico de Apurímac (Casa Hacienda Illanya)

Archaeological and cultural museum in a restored hacienda with significant local artifacts.

🗿 Usnu Muqu

Archaeological Inca site near Tamburco featuring ceremonial platforms.

How to get to Abancay

One of the common ways to reach Abancay from Cusco is by bus, covering a distance of about 192 km (about 119 miles) which takes around 5 hours by bus.

How to get around in Abancay

🚍 Public transport (combis and microbuses)

Small shared vehicles that connect different parts of the city — the most affordable option.

🚕 Taxis

Widely used for point-to-point travel with greater comfort and speed.

🛵 Mototaxis

Found in peripheral or narrow streets where larger vehicles don’t go.

🚶‍♂️ Walking

The city center is compact and many attractions and restaurants are easily walkable.

Things you can buy in Abancay

🧵 Andean textiles and weavings 

🎨 Ceramic crafts 

💍 Artisan jewelry 

🍬 Traditional sweets 

🎁 Decorative souvenirs