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Abancay, "the Valley of the White Lilies" in the Quechua
language, needs no further arguments to entice the traveler.
Founded in 1574, this colorful city, capital of the department
of Apurímac, is famous for its superb local cuisine,
offering mouth-water dishes such as cuy relleno (stuffed guinea
pig), kapchi (a hearty soup of beans, milk and eggs) and huatia
(meat cooked over hot stones). A good time to visit is during
Carnival, held here in April. The city of Abancay in Apurimac
is overshadowed by a towering peak, Mount Ampay (5,235 meters),
a magical mountain which ensures the region enjoys one of
the mildest climates in the Peruvian highlands. The mountain
is located within the Ampay National Sanctuary, a protected
area that is home to natural forests lakes and snowclad peaks.
Abancay is the starting point to explore the attractions of
the region: Curahuasi, which produces Peru's best aniseed
liquor; Saywite, one of the finest examples of Inca sculpture
and the imposing Apurímac Canyon, considered one of
the world's deepest, a wild and beautiful region which is
ideal for trekking and whitewater river rafting.
Those who have visited the area of Abancay in Apurimac understand
why the Chanca tribe and the Incas fought for dominance of
this region filled with lakes, gorges and valleys. The area
witnessed epic battles and legendary feats which today are
still ritually portrayed by the descendants of those civilizations,
most of them now peaceful farmers. Sondor Raimy (the Festival
of the Condor), which symbolizes the most bitter battled fought
between the Chancas and the Incas, is reenacted every June
by the shores of Lake Pacucha, near the city of Andahuaylas,
on the northern edge of the department. The majestic lake
is the setting for a ritual involving thousands of actors
who take part in one of the most impressive rites in Peru,
comparable only to the Inti Raymi festival in Cuzco.
Meanwhile, in the province of Cotabamba during July, visitors
can witness one of the most exotic and traditional festivals
in the area: Yawar Fiesta. This centuries-old rite involves
a bull and a condor to symbolize the bitter struggle between
natives and Spaniards.
Apurímac is a wild and exciting place, a land where
tradition and old memories come together to make your stay
an unforgettable one. |
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