Over 3 million tourists visited Cusco in 2016

Archaeological and landscape sites in Cusco lured 3,053,279 domestic and foreign travelers in 2016, Cusco’s Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) informed.

Of the total, 1,084,363 came from Lima and other regions, while 1,968,916 visitors were from overseas, mainly from North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Dircetur’s head Napoleon Llanos told Andina news agency this meant a 7.4% rise compared to other years, and that the region is expected to welcome 3,238,412 tourists in 2017.

Machu Picchu remains the most visited site in Cusco, and the second most promoted tour was the journey through Cusco historical center, archaeological parks Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Pucapucara and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including visits to Pisaq, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.

Nevertheless, according to Llanos, a handful of visitors opted for natural attractions this year, with stops in the Rainbow Mountain —also known as Vinicunca— and other tourist sites like the Condor Canyon in Chonta, where Andean condors can be seen at close range as they fly past the canyon walls.

On the other hand, the city’s hotel and restaurant industry is capable to provide services to more than this year’s expected number of tourists.

Furthermore, Chinchero Airport’s construction —scheduled to begin on January 31— will improve travel services and increase foreign arrivals in this region and southern Peru.