Audio Guide of Ampay National Sanctuary

Ampay National Sanctuary is open year-round, 24 hours a day, as it is a protected natural area, but visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety. To get there, take a bus from Abancay to the village of Ampay (about 45 minutes), then walk or hire a local taxi; the main access is via the PE-3S highway. More details are available on the official SERNANP website.

Entry to Ampay National Sanctuary is free for all visitors, although you may incur transportation costs or optional guide fees. No admission ticket is required, but check whether there are parking fees if you are traveling in your own vehicle.

It is recommended to allow at least 4 to 6 hours for a full visit, including the trail to Lake Rontoccocha, the main attraction. If you are a beginner hiker, consider setting aside a full day so you can enjoy it at a relaxed pace and return comfortably.

Ampay National Sanctuary, established in 1987, protects a unique Andean ecosystem with glacial lakes and biodiversity that includes Andean flora and fauna such as vizcachas and condors. Culturally, it is sacred to local Quechua communities, who associate it with ancestral traditions connected to Pachamama, and it also serves as a water reserve for the Apurímac region.

The best time is during the dry season from May to October, when the weather is sunny and the trails are dry; avoid the rainy season (November to April) because of possible landslides. Go early in the morning to enjoy the cool Andean air and avoid crowds, ideally between 7 and 10 AM.

The main access involves steep trails and hikes of 1 to 2 hours, which makes it challenging for people with reduced mobility; there are no paved routes or specific facilities such as ramps. It is advisable to consult local guides for adapted options or short visits to the initial area; contact SERNANP at +51 83 421 000 for more information.

Near the sanctuary, in Abancay, you can visit the Apurímac Regional Museum or the Cruz Viewpoint, both just 30 to 45 minutes away by car. You can also explore the Pacchac waterfalls or the Sondor Archaeological Complex, ideal for a full-day itinerary in the Apurímac region.

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as the terrain is rocky and the altitude exceeds 4,000 meters above sea level; acclimatize a day in advance if you are coming from sea level. Hire a local guide for safer routes and respect environmental rules, such as not leaving trash behind; check the weather in apps before you go.