[1] Because of its dry mountain[clarification needed] and famous year-round warm weather it is known as "The Eternal Springtime Valley".

Abancay was mentioned in the first Cronicas (Pedro Cieza de León) as an encomienda dedicated to the cultivation of sugar cane for the production of aguardiente.

One day, the statue of the Virgin Mary known as Our Lady of the Rosary, Patroness of the village, mysteriously disappeared from the local Church.

The people, fearing robbery and claiming sacrilege, searched day and night until a shepherd found the statue standing above an immense boulder by the valley.

The comparsas contest and Yunsa games, with people dressing in local traditional costumes, fill the streets of the city.

Remains of The Pachachaca State, an important producer of sugar and brandy during colonial and republican times, is now one of the major attractions of the city.

The Saywite Archeological Site, a famous temple and adoration center dating from Inca times, is located a few kilometers from the city.

The Konoc Hot Springs (Cconocc, in Quechua) is a resort located a few kilometers from Saywite and is one of the best places in Peru to enjoy thermal baths from volcanic waters.

Abancay is the gate to the Inca city of Choquequirao, next to the Apurímac River, which is considered as important as Machu Picchu.

There are also two college-level institutions, Escuela Normal La Salle, for careers in education, and SENATI for industry-related training.

Another important book that gives accounts of the history, traditions and customs of the city is "Alma y Rostro de Abancay", by Guillermo Vidalegut, a late local journalist and author.