Aymaraes: Cultural Heritage, Landscapes and Routes

Cultural heritage, colonial architecture and highland nature offer different points of interest for a trip to Aymaraes. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Aymaraes, you can first consider whether cultural sites, forest landscapes or the route to the thermal baths will be the deciding factor.

Carnival and history in Pampamarca

The Carnaval de Pampamarca was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2020; the declaration was reaffirmed in 2025. The designation recognizes the carnival as a local expression of the Andean carnival that preserves original features of its organization and a distinctive musical form of expression. Thus, the focus is not only on the festival itself, but also on its organization and music.

The historic village of Pampamarca was the first village founded by Spaniards in Aymaraes Province and was established in 1578. The Templo Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes de Pampamarca is a colonial church in the Pampamarca community. It was built of adobe and stone between 1781 and 1814; its altarpiece is in the Mestizo Baroque style. Its construction period, materials and altarpiece offer concrete points of reference for exploring the town’s historic architecture.

Highland forests and their distinctive features

The Bosque de Piedras de Pilluni in the community of San Miguel de Mestizas provides a habitat for vicuñas, vizcachas, highland birds, as well as llamas and alpacas. The wildlife is therefore also part of this landscape’s distinctive character.

The Bosque de Queuñas de Lankanki is located in Cotaruse, in the Suni and Puna natural regions. It covers approximately 51 hectares and lies at elevations between 3,600 and 4,200 meters. Paths and trails lead into the forest. The area and elevation figures give a concrete impression of the landscape, while the paths provide a guide for exploring the forest.

The route to the Baños Termales de Pincahuacho

The seven-kilometer route runs from the bus stop to Pincahuacho and onward to the Baños Termales de Pincahuacho. It is traveled by taxi on an unpaved road and takes about 25 minutes. Allow some extra time for the trip and check travel time and road conditions before your visit, as both may vary.

Further additions in the wider destination of Apurímac

The wider destination of Apurímac also offers other landscape attractions. The Bosque de Piedras de Pampachiri, also known as Pankula Pampa de Pabellones, covers approximately 60 hectares. Its rock formations are attributed to eruptions of the Qarwarasu and Sotaya volcanoes more than four million years ago.

At Laguna de Pacucha in Apurímac, sandy shores lined with reeds provide a habitat for various wild birds; pejerrey and farmed trout are also found there. The presence of these species may vary seasonally. Visitors can rent bicycles and quad bikes at the lagoon, as well as ride pedal boats or rowboats. Since rental availability may change, it is advisable to check in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sañayca District, Andahuaylas Province, Chincheros.

Back to the wider travel overview: Apurímac.