APURIMAC

Altitude: 1,000–5,000 m (3,280–16,400 ft)
Climate: Varies with altitude — cold in the highlands, warm in the canyons
How to get there: Bus from Cusco to Abancay (5–6 hrs)

Apurímac is for true adventurers — remote, rugged, and blissfully free of crowds. It’s one of Peru’s most authentic regions, where the Apurímac Canyon plunges deeper than the Grand Canyon and nature reigns untouched.

Its crown jewel is Choquequirao, the “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu.” Larger and just as magnificent, it remains nearly empty because there’s no train or road — only a challenging 4-day trek through steep mountains. It’s raw, wild, and breathtaking — a true Indiana Jones experience.

The Apurímac River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in South America, with class IV–V rapids slicing through narrow granite canyons. It’s pure adrenaline and not for beginners.

Tourism infrastructure here is minimal, but that’s part of the magic: untouched landscapes, villages where travelers are still a novelty, and a sense of discovery hard to find elsewhere.

Travel Tip: Apurímac is best for experienced trekkers in good shape. Trails are steep and demanding. Always hire local guides — they know the terrain and help support the community. Expect basic facilities but extraordinary experiences.