apurimac peru

APURIMAC

The Apurimac region is in central Peru. It is bordered on the east by the Cusco Region, on the west by the Ayacucho Region, and on the south by the Arequipa and Ayacucho Regions. The region’s name originates from the Quechua language and means “ God speaks ”. its elevation ( lowest town 2,378m. Abancay ) ( highest town 3,952m. Pataycampa ). Its population 437.128 ( last census 2005 ) this year 2007 is around 439,000.

Apurimac region is divided into seven provinces which are composed of 79 districts. The provinces with their capitals are as follows:

1.- Abancay ( Abancay ).
2.- Andahuaylas ( Andahuaylas )
3.- Antabamba ( Antabamba )
4.- Aymaraes ( Aymaraes )
5.- Chincheros ( Chincheros )
6.- Cotabambas ( Tambobamba )
7.- Grau ( Chuquibambilla ).

Besides Abancay, the capital, another tourist attraction in the region is Andahuaylas, a rather cold city, located at 2,980 meters above sea level ( 9,800 feet ) and this region is the most modern city. Its main church is the Cathedral de San Pedro, built in Colonial style architecture.

The yawar fiesta in Quechua words which means ( the party of blood ) people celebrates this in the provinces of Cotabambas every year in July. This national celebration begins with a type of bullfight that has become a ritual. The fight is between a bull and a condor, representing the Spanish and Andean people. Once the condor kills the bull in the end of the ritual, dancers parade in the streets all night long and there are firework displays.

ATTRACTIONS

Andahuaylas. This city, rather cold, is located at 2,980 m.a.s.l. (9,800 ft). It is the most modern in the department. The main church is the Cathedral de San Pedro, built in Colonial style architecture. A one-piece stone fountain stands out in the Plaza de Armas or main square.
Talavera de la Reyna. At 4 km (2.5 ml) from the city of Andahuaylas. The main square or Plaza de Armas is remarkable, built in stone with an impressive tower with a clock. Nearby, the thermal baths of Hualalache may be visited.

Chalhuanca, the capital of the province of Aymaraes, located at 2,800 m.a.s.l. (2,100 ft.), preserves beautiful churches built during Colonial times, containing fine wood carvings and gold leaf.

Antabamba.Trephinations so accurately performed that astonish medicine have been found there. Also, mud sculptures, weapons, domestic utensils, and hunting implements.

Laguna de Pacucha.Considered one of the largest and most beautiful lagoons of the country is located at 3,000 m.a.s.l. (9,800 ft.) in the route between Andahuaylas and Abancay. It is an ideal place to rest and enjoy nature. Also, fish and duck hunting are allowed.
Chincheros. A district in the province of Andahuaylas full of beauty and color.