Andahuaylas is a small regional capital. It’s nickname is the “pradera de los celajes,” which can be translated as “fields of clouds” or “field of cloudscapes.” The city is at 2,926 m (9,600ft) which isn’t as high as Cusco but still up in the clouds.

The town has a lovely little Plaza de Armas with a historic church. It also has a great market that attracts people from many nearby villages. It’s a great place to see the products at a traditional Andean market.

Sondor Archaeological Site

Drive north east of town to see Laguna de Pacucha and the Sondor Archaeological Site, built by the Chanka people. On June 18-19 every year there is a festival here called Sondor Raymi where you can see people reenact a battle between the Chanka and the Inca.

Transport

Andahuaylas has a small airport half an hour south of town, though there are few flights. It’s a 5 hour drive from Ayacucho and a 7 and a half hour drive from Cusco. If you’re traveling between Ayacucho and Cusco, this is a great place to stop for the night.