Historically, Apurimac was home to the Chancas, a culture of fierce and fearsome warriors who were the greatest rivals of the Incas. The region was the site of epic battles for territorial control before finally being annexed into the Inca Empire. Later, its inaccessible mountains served as the last refuge of resistance for the Incas of Vilcabamba against the Spanish conquistadors, guarding citadels that are still partly swallowed by nature today.

While Machu Picchu took the glory in 1911, the astonishing ruins of Choquequirao (located on the border between Cusco and Apurimac) had already been visited by European explorers since the 18th century, such as Juan Arias Díaz and French explorer Eugene de Sartiges. Even Hiram Bingham visited it before finding Machu Picchu. However, due to its extreme access (requiring a demanding multi-day hike), Choquequirao has remained reserved only for true adventurers, preserving an atmosphere of authentic exploration.

The geography of Apurimac is extreme and overwhelming. It is dominated by the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in all the Americas (even deeper than the Grand Canyon). The landscapes range from snow-capped Andean peaks exceeding 5,000 meters to hot, deep river valleys. Its steep slopes demand challenging hikes that descend thousands of meters only to zigzag back up into the clouds.

• Dry Season (May to October): This is the only recommended season for adventure expeditions in Apurimac, such as the demanding Choquequirao trek. The trails are stable, the heat at the bottom of the canyon is manageable, and there is no risk of landslides.

• Rainy Season (November to April): Not recommended for trekking. Torrential rains cause the Apurimac River to swell dangerously, and the steep trails become slippery and prone to mudslides.