Peru's Independence Holidays: Cusco and its attractions to welcome 120,000+ tourists

Photo: ANDINA/Percy Hurtado Santillán

Photo: ANDINA/Percy Hurtado Santillán

10:22 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jul. 24.

Cusco is one of July's trendiest destinations. During the long Independence Day weekend, the Imperial City is expected to welcome over 120,000 tourists —both domestic and international— according to estimates from Cusco's Regional Management of Foreign Trade, Tourism and Handicrafts (Gercetur).

This great Andean city will receive visitors by land and air from Lima, Arequipa, northern Peru, and abroad —including North Americans, Europeans, South Americans, and Asians— all eager to explore Cusco’s archaeology, landscapes, culture, and history.


Gercetur's Chief Rosendo Baca told Andina News Agency that the southeastern region will receive an average of 340 visitors per day in July.

However, a massive influx is expected over the weekend and early next week.

The majority of tourists will head to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, while others will visit the South and Sacred Valleys of the Incas, travel to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake, and tour the historic center.


"They will visit Sacsayhuaman and archaeological sites such as Tambomachay, Pucapucara, and Q’enqo. Likewise, they will walk through the Hawkaypata (Main Square), which is one of the favorite destinations," the official highlighted.

According to estimates, 60% of the tourists visiting Cusco will be foreigners, while the remaining 40% will be domestic travelers —a figure that could rise due to the long holiday weekend.


For all of them, Gercetur Cusco is committed to ensuring safety with the support of the Tourism Police, the Public Ministry, the Tourist Protection Network, municipal security forces, and other institutions.

Baca added that the institution will promote new tourist circuits, which are already being developed in the provinces of La Convencion (Amazonian area), Quispicanchi, Canchis, Acomayo, and Canas (highland provinces), which feature remarkable archaeological sites and breathtaking natural landscapes.

In these areas, visitors can enjoy local cuisine, handicrafts, and above all, living culture through experiential tourism and cultural expressions such as dance and music, which are sure to delight them.

(END) PHS/MAO/MVB

Published: 7/24/2025