Apurímac’s National Sanctuary of Ampay offers an exhilarating excursion to explore its diverse ecosystems. For just $60 per person, visitors can enjoy the region’s breathtaking beauty, from the serene Angasccocha lagoon to the lush Intimpas forest. With a small group and a bilingual guide, this full-day adventure promises personalized attention and an unforgettable nature experience. But what hidden gems await those who venture beyond the itinerary?

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Good To Know

Full-day adventure to Ampay National Sanctuary offering a personalized experience for small groups, with highlights including biodiversity, lagoons, and forests.
Tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch, priced from $60.00 per person.
Itinerary covers exploring recognized biodiversity and protected areas, with key sights such as Angasccocha lagoon and Intimpas forest.
Tour not recommended for certain groups, but suitable for able-bodied adventurers seeking to explore the sanctuary’s natural wonders.
Tour subject to weather conditions, with active WhatsApp number required for last-minute updates and prohibited items such as smoking, alcohol, and drugs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The excursion to the Ampay National Sanctuary offers a full-day adventure, priced from $60.00 per person.

A full-day adventure to the Ampay National Sanctuary, priced from $60.00 per person.

The small group is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and reservations can be made without an upfront payment.

The 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and a lunch box.

Visitors will explore the sanctuary’s recognized biodiversity and protected areas, including the turquoise Angasccocha lagoon and the ancient trees of the Intimpas forest.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pick-up from your Abancay hotel around 6:00 am.

You’ll visit the ticket office to pay the entrance fee (S./ 30.00) and then begin exploring the recognized biodiversity and protected areas of the Ampay National Sanctuary.

Key highlights include:

Visiting the turquoise-colored Angasccocha lagoon, the second largest in the sanctuary
Touring through the Intimpas forest, home to ancient trees
Seeing the serene Uspaccocha lagoon
Immersing yourself in the sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna

Returning to Abancay around 3:00 p.m.

Inclusions

This excursion includes a bilingual guide (Spanish, English) who will accompany you throughout the tour. The guide will provide insightful commentary and ensure a seamless experience. Plus, the tour includes hotel pick-up service, round-trip transportation, and a lunch box. Entrance fees to the Sanctuary are also covered.

| Inclusions |

|——————————|

| Bilingual guide (Spanish, English) |

| Hotel pick-up service |

| Round-trip transportation |

| Lunch box |

| Entrance fees to the Sanctuary |

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

Although not suitable for certain individuals, this excursion to the Ampay National Sanctuary welcomes a range of participants.

The tour isn’t recommended for:

Pregnant women
Wheelchair users
Visually impaired individuals
Those with pre-existing medical conditions

However, for able-bodied adventurers, the tour offers an opportunity to explore the sanctuary’s recognized biodiversity and protected areas.

For able-bodied adventurers, the tour offers an opportunity to explore the sanctuary’s recognized biodiversity and protected areas.

Participants should bring essential items such as a passport/ID, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, food/drinks, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Cash is also recommended for any additional expenses.

This active, nature-based experience is subject to weather conditions, so flexibility is key.

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Important Information

First and foremost, the tour is subject to weather conditions, so participants should be prepared for potential changes. An active WhatsApp number is required for last-minute updates. Prohibited items include smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Last-minute reservations may vary based on availability.

| Important Information |

| — | — | — | — | — |

| Tour may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather | Provide an active WhatsApp number to receive updates | No smoking, alcohol, or drugs allowed on the tour | Reservations made close to the tour date may have limited availability | Tour subject to availability at the time of booking

Exploring the Recognized Biodiversity

The Ampay National Sanctuary boasts a recognized biodiversity, offering visitors a chance to explore its protected areas.

Ampay National Sanctuary boasts a recognized biodiversity, offering visitors a chance to explore its protected areas.

Key highlights include:

Observing ancient trees in the Intimpas forest, some over 1,000 years old
Marveling at the turquoise waters of the Angasccocha lagoon, the second largest in the sanctuary
Spotting a variety of unique flora and fauna, from native orchids to the elusive Andean bear
Hiking through diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to cloud forests
Learning about the sanctuary’s role in preserving the region’s ecological balance and indigenous culture.

Discovering Angasccocha Lagoon

Nestled within the Ampay National Sanctuary, the Angasccocha lagoon captivates visitors with its mesmerizing turquoise hue.

This serene body of water, the second-largest in the sanctuary, is a stunning natural wonder. As part of the excursion, guests have the opportunity to witness the lagoon’s tranquil beauty up close.

The vibrant turquoise color is a result of the unique mineral composition of the water, creating a breathtaking visual experience.

Visitors can stroll along the lakeside, taking in the breathtaking scenery and the rich biodiversity that surrounds the Angasccocha lagoon.

Taking in the Intimpas Forest

As visitors stroll through the Intimpas forest, they’ll be captivated by the ancient trees that tower overhead.

This protected area is home to:

Massive, centuries-old trees with thick, gnarled trunks
A diverse array of plant and animal species, including rare orchids and birds
Meandering trails that wind through the lush, verdant landscape
A serene atmosphere that invites hikers to slow down and enjoy nature
Opportunities to spot wildlife, such as the Andean bear, if fortunate

Exploring the Intimpas forest is a truly immersive experience, offering a glimpse into the heart of Ampay’s remarkable biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hike?

The hike is considered moderate in difficulty. It’s not suitable for those with pre-existing medical conditions, wheelchair users, or the visually impaired, but it doesn’t require advanced hiking skills for able-bodied participants.

Can We Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can likely be extended to visit additional sites, but this would need to be arranged in advance with the tour operator. Additional fees may apply for any extensions or customizations beyond the standard itinerary.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

There are no age restrictions for the tour participants. The tour is suitable for all ages, though pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired, and those with pre-existing medical conditions may have difficulty with the activity level.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

The tour participants should bring comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, sun protection like sunglasses and hat, a camera, and cash for any additional expenses. No special equipment is required, but participants should be prepared for the outdoor nature of the excursion.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Fit Our Preferences?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide. Some flexibility may be possible, though the core program is fixed to ensure a quality experience for all participants.

The Sum Up

The Apurímac excursion to the National Sanctuary of Ampay offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the region’s natural wonders. From the breathtaking Angasccocha lagoon to the lush Intimpas forest, this full-day adventure provides an immersive exploration of diverse ecosystems. With personalized guidance, convenient inclusions, and a small group setting, it’s an unforgettable nature-filled journey that showcases the remarkable biodiversity of this protected sanctuary.

You can check availability for your dates here: