Your stay — Arenas
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The Property — Arenas
Arenas is a straightforward three-star hotel on Avenida Ramon Castilla, Abancay's main drag. The lobby feels like a provincial business hotel from the 1990s: polished dark-wood reception, a few leather armchairs, and a breakfast room serving decent coffee and bread. It suits travellers using Abancay as a base for the nearby ruins of Sayhuite or the drive to Cusco who want reliable, no-surprise accommodation with parking and hot water.
Chronicles of Abancay
Abancay was founded as a Spanish colonial settlement in 1574 on the site of an earlier Inca outpost. Its colonial core was rebuilt after the 1925 earthquake, so the central plaza and cathedral date mostly from the 1930s Art Deco and Neocolonial styles. The city remained an isolated agricultural hub until the 1960s when the Carretera Central reached it, linking it to Cusco and the coast. Today it's the capital of Apurímac region and a quiet stop on the Cusco-Andahuaylas route, known for its sugar-cane brandy and the nearby cactus-covered canyon of the Pachachaca River.
Best Time to Visit
Full Abancay guide →Best months
May, June and August: clear skies, minimal rain, daytime highs around 22°C and lows of 6°C, with far fewer tourists than Cusco. The landscape is lush from the preceding wet season but trails are dry.
Peak / festival surge
September for the Virgin of Cocharcas festival (first week) draws processions and regional visitors. Hotel prices at Arenas can double; book six months ahead. July is also busy with national winter school holidays, but Abancay is still quieter than the Sacred Valley.
Budget shoulder season
April and November offer milder weather (some showers but no downpours) and discounts of 20-30% off peak rates. Crowds are minimal, and the vegetation remains green from the rainy season.
Weather & packing
Abancay sits at 2,377 metres in a deep valley, so afternoons can feel hot (28°C) but nights drop to 5°C year-round. Pack a fleece or light puffer jacket for evenings and a waterproof shell for sudden afternoon rain in the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Abancay
- The Carretera Central (PE-3S) between Abancay and Cusco is undergoing widening work near Limatambo from early 2026; expect 30–60 minute waits at construction points.
- The municipal market on Jr. de la Torre has been renovated with new stalls and better lighting; open daily until 5pm for local fruit and empanadas.
- July is peak dry season, so the Pachachaca Canyon hiking trails are passable but bring sun protection and at least two litres of water per person.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Arenas, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third or fourth floor at the back of the hotel, away from Arenas street. These floors sit above the lobby and bar noise, and being rear-facing cuts road rumble from the Arequipa–Abancay highway traffic and local buses.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor — directly above the reception and bar, with pass-through noise from the street-facing entrance and kitchen clatter. Also avoid any room at the front (facing Arenas) on floors 1–2, because the street door isn't well soundproofed and early morning moto-taxis rev up.
Best views
Street-facing rooms (Arenas 192) have a view of the narrow street and colonial-style balconies opposite — modest but lively. Back-facing rooms are quieter but look into interior patios or a side alley. No city panorama from a 3-star in Abancay.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest — furthest from ground activity and above the bar's closing hours (likely midnight). The top floor (4) may have some roof fan noise but less pedestrian traffic.
🔊 Noise notes
Arenas is a main connecting street in central Abancay, so expect traffic noise from 6 am (buses, taxis, motorcycles). The hotel's ground-floor bar operates until about midnight Thu–Sat, with chatter and music. The entrance door is unsealed, so street sound leaks in.
Insider tips
1. The hotel has no lift — ask for a lower floor if you have heavy luggage, but specify 'rear facing' to dodge street noise. 2. Check-in after 2 pm avoids the rush; the receptionist can store bags if you arrive early for the Lima–Abancay bus. 3. Request a room with a window that opens for fresh air — some back rooms are stuffy because the only window faces a covered patio.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Arenas
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and rooms; speeds suitable for browsing and email only, login via room number
One lift covering all floors; no stairs-only sections
No digital newsstand or paper; TV in rooms with local channels
Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 11:00; early bag drop available at reception; late check-out fee of 30 soles until 14:00, subject to availability
Free in luggage room behind reception; no fee
No step-free entrance (two steps at main door); lift fits a standard wheelchair; no accessible bathrooms
No on-site parking; nearest public lot at Parque de Abancay, 8 soles per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: First night charged as deposit at booking; incidental hold of 50 soles at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Catedral de Abancay (388 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Antonio de Ocampo — 196 m · ~2 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 305 m · ~4 min walk
Mifarma — 328 m · ~4 min walk
Terminal Terrestre de Abancay — 876 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices in Abancay; avoid the airport in Lima for poor rates.
Cards accepted at most hotels and mid-range restaurants, but cash is essential for small shops and market stalls.
No mandatory tip; 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, taxis round up, hotel staff not expected.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Basic filter coffee from a local café or bakery: about 2–3 soles.
Set lunch menu (menú) at a simple restaurant: 8–12 soles.
Typical main dish at a local eatery: 10–15 soles.
Market stalls and street carts around the main plaza and market area sell empanadas, tamales, and anticuchos for 2–5 soles.
Mercado de Abancay or small bodegas for basics; no major supermarket chains nearby.
Local market stalls in the central market area offer basic affordable clothing.
Walking is easiest within the area; shared taxis (colectivos) cost 1–2 soles per ride. No airport in Abancay; bus from Lima takes 20+ hours.
Eat at markets for cheap set meals; buy snacks from street vendors to avoid tourist markups; negotiate collectivo fares for longer trips.
Good to know — Abancay
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.41 · PEN
Emergency Contacts
AbancayWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Abancay, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Arenas
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 305 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Mifarma — 328 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Andahuaylas bus stop (Av. Andahuaylas y Av. Abancay) → Abancay bus terminal
💡 These leave when full — early morning (6-7am) is fastest. The ride is winding and unpaved in parts; sit near the front if you get carsick.
Andahuaylas Airport (ANS) → Hotel Amankay, Abancay
💡 Most taxis from the airport are colectivos shared with other passengers — for a private car ask the hotel directly. They'll arrange a driver who waits at arrivals.
Hotel Amankay → Plaza de Armas, Abancay
💡 Mototaxis are the cheapest way for short hops. Agree the fare before boarding — 3 soles is standard for anywhere within central Abancay. After dark stick to proper taxis.
Abancay Bus Terminal (Terminal Terrestre) → Hotel Amankay
💡 Walk out to the main road rather than taking a mototaxi from inside the terminal — a regular taxi costs the same but is safer. Fix the fare before getting in.
About Abancay
Wikipedia ↗
Abancay (from Quechua language: Hamanqay, Amanqay, or Amankay, meaning lily), founded in 1572 as Santiago de los Reyes de Abancay, is a city in southern-central Peru. It is the capital of both the Apurímac Region and the Abancay Province, and serves an important cultural, economic, and political rol...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Arenas?
Request a room on the third or fourth floor at the back of the hotel, away from Arenas street. These floors sit above the lobby and bar noise, and being rear-facing cuts road rumble from the Arequipa–Abancay highway traffic and local buses.
Which rooms should I avoid at Arenas?
Avoid rooms on the first floor — directly above the reception and bar, with pass-through noise from the street-facing entrance and kitchen clatter. Also avoid any room at the front (facing Arenas) on floors 1–2, because the street door isn't well soundproofed and early morning moto-taxis rev up.
Is Arenas noisy?
Arenas is a main connecting street in central Abancay, so expect traffic noise from 6 am (buses, taxis, motorcycles). The hotel's ground-floor bar operates until about midnight Thu–Sat, with chatter and music. The entrance door is unsealed, so street sound leaks in.
Which rooms have the best views at Arenas?
Street-facing rooms (Arenas 192) have a view of the narrow street and colonial-style balconies opposite — modest but lively. Back-facing rooms are quieter but look into interior patios or a side alley. No city panorama from a 3-star in Abancay.
What are insider tips for staying at Arenas?
1. The hotel has no lift — ask for a lower floor if you have heavy luggage, but specify 'rear facing' to dodge street noise. 2. Check-in after 2 pm avoids the rush; the receptionist can store bags if you arrive early for the Lima–Abancay bus. 3. Request a room with a window that opens for fresh air — some back rooms are stuffy because the only window faces a covered patio.
What time is check-in at Arenas?
Check-in at Arenas is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Arenas have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and rooms; speeds suitable for browsing and email only, login via room number
Is there a city or tourist tax at Arenas?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Arenas?
Set lunch menu (menú) at a simple restaurant: 8–12 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Arenas?
Walking is easiest within the area; shared taxis (colectivos) cost 1–2 soles per ride. No airport in Abancay; bus from Lima takes 20+ hours.
When is the best time to visit Abancay?
May, June and August: clear skies, minimal rain, daytime highs around 22°C and lows of 6°C, with far fewer tourists than Cusco. The landscape is lush from the preceding wet season but trails are dry.
Top Attractions in Abancay
💡 Donations are appreciated but not required. The curator often gives an impromptu tour in Spanish – ask nicely if you speak it. Allow 45 minutes.
💡 Come in the late afternoon for the best light on the cathedral facade and to see families out for a stroll.
💡 Go early in the morning before the clouds roll in around 10 am. Bring water and sunblock.
💡 Walk halfway across and look upstream for a clear view of the river gorge. Have coins ready for the small fruit stalls on the far side.
💡 Hire a local guide from the park office for 10 soles – they spot wildlife and prevent you getting lost. The trailhead is a 40-minute uphill walk from town. Bring a jacket; it gets chilly.