Andahuaylas 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Andahuaylas: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Puente Colonial de Chumbao

A single-arched stone bridge built by the Spanish in the 16th century, still carrying foot traffic over the Chumbao River. The cobblestones are worn smooth. Locals cross it with bags of potatoes or fl

🕐 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Stand on the south side and look upstream for the best photo — the bridge frames the Cerro de la Virgen in the background. Best light is between 7 and 8 am.

Hotels near Puente Colonial de Chumbao →
Afternoon
Mirador de Andahuaylas

A short, steep climb up a cobbled lane beside the Iglesia San Pedro leads to a concrete viewpoint with a metal cross. You get a full panorama of the city below, the Chumbao River valley, and surroundi

🕐 Dawn to dusk

Free entry

💡 Climb up just before sunset (around 5:30 pm). The light on the adobe roofs turns orange, and the wind drops. Don't lean too far over the railing — it's not tied down.

Hotels near Mirador de Andahuaylas →
Evening
Where to eat

Cevichería El Gringo · ££

El Sabor de mi Tierra · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Andahuaylas

Morning
Plaza de Armas de Andahuaylas

The main square, ringed by towering eucalyptus trees and the cathedral. Benches fill with elderly men playing dominoes, shoe-shiners, and women selling bags of roasted corn. There's always a bit of li

🕐 24 hours

💡 Come at 6 pm on Sunday for the free brass band concert in the gazebo. Grab a sopa seca from the stall on the north corner beforehand.

Midday
Laguna de Pacucha

A large, calm lake at 3,100 metres, set among rolling hills. Local families come to picnic, swim, or paddle reed boats on weekends. The water is cold but clear.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Go on a Sunday morning when local vendors sell fresh trout empanadas from stalls near the shore. Bring suncream — the altitude burn is real.

Evening
Dining tonight

Catelin

Las Delicias

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Museo Arqueológico de Andahuaylas

A small, dusty municipal museum with three rooms of pre-Inca pottery, stone tools, and mummies from the Chanca culture. Labels are handwritten and in Spanish on

💡 Entry costs about 5 soles (less than £1). Ask the guard to turn on the lights in the back room — they're often off. The mummy bundle there is the most interesting piece.

Final meal

Mishky Mikuna

Alison

Getting Around Andahuaylas

Local Combis (Colectivo) From 1.5 10 min

Hop on a combi marked 'San Jerónimo' from the plaza – tell the driver 'Cristal Palace' and they'll drop you at the corner. Squeezed but fast.

Airport Taxi From 15 soles 15 min

Bargain hard – 15 soles is standard; drivers may ask 30. No Uber here, so grab a taxi from the stand outside arrivals.

Interprovincial Bus (Andahuaylas–Abancay) From 25.0 180 min

Winding dirt road but stunning views. Pay 30 soles for a cushioned seat on Movil Bus – leaves every hour from the terminal. Bring a mask for dust.

City Taxi (Radio Taxi) From 5.0 10 min

Call Radio Taxi Andahuaylas (tel: 083 421234) – cheaper than street flags, about 5 soles for most within town. Always agree the fare upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Andahuaylas?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Puente Colonial de Chumbao and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Andahuaylas?

See our full best time to visit Andahuaylas guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hostal Cruz del Sur, San Juan, Central. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.