Little is known about its origins. But the chroniclers relate that its first inhabitants were tribes from different places, which had their origin in the Quechua culture. In the region of andahuaylas, the legendary Chancas had their seat. They were a group of tribes that, due to their bellicosity, made history as one of ancient Perú´s most war experienced and rebel peoples. The chroniclers tell us that the Chancas had been preparing themselves for years to conquer the Imperial City of Cusco and that if it hadn´t been for the Inca Pachacutec´s great personality and strategy, the Inca Empire would have succumbed.

When the conquerers established the Colony´s first political organization, almost all of the actual department´s extension, was under the jurisdiction of the Huamanga authorities. However, there are no records of the foundation of towns and villages. During the struggle for Emancipation and Independence, Apurimac contributed to the cause with its best men and women. One of them was Mateo Pumacahua who led a movement that extended itself all the way to Andahuaylas. Micaela Bastidas deserves a special mention, as she, along with her husband José Gabriel Condorcanqui (Túpac Amaru II), faced the Spanish oppressor´s torture and gave her life for Peru´s freedom, at the beginning of the Republic.