Ancash region is celebrating. The Huascaran National Park on Thursday received Peru's highest tourism distinction.
The distinction was granted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), which formalized the designation through Deputy-Ministerial Resolution No. 002-2026-MINCETUR-VMT after a rigorous technical evaluation process.
Thus, Huascaran not only consolidates its status as one of Peru's most outstanding tourism assets, but will also help position the country as a leading destination for nature, adventure, and conservation tourism, benefiting the sustainable development of communities across Ancash region.
The Huascaran National Park is one of the protected natural areas to have received the 100 Top Green Destination distinction, which recognizes efforts to ensure that tourism development is sustainable.
Another recognition was the "Deja Huellas, No Residuos" (Leave Footprints, Not Waste) campaign, which had a significant effect on the development of tourism activity and efforts to ensure its sustainability.
What makes Huascaran special?
Established by Supreme Decree No. 0622-75-AG, the Huascaran National Park preserves the world's largest and highest tropical mountain range, which constitutes Cordillera Blanca's core.
This protected natural area is home to more than 600 glaciers, 300 glacial lakes, and 27 peaks rising above 6,000 meters above sea level, including Mount Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru.
Huascaran preserves extraordinary biodiversity, composed of 120 bird species—including the Andean condor and the torrent duck—as well as 10 mammal species, among them the emblematic Andean bear, the taruca, and the Andean cat.
Its outstanding ecological value on a global scale led this protected natural area to be designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977 and inscribed as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1985.
Recognized protected natural areas
Among the tourist attractions that have received the Hierarchy 4 distinction awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) are several protected natural areas.
Sernanp recalled that the Historic Sanctuary of the Bosque de Pomac received this recognition in 2024. It was also certified as a destination of national importance and high relevance to the international tourism market.
A similar recognition was awarded to the Historic Sanctuary of Pampa de Ayacucho, which in 2025 obtained the Level 3 Hierarchy, highlighting its importance as a key tourist attraction in Ayacucho region.
(END) NDP/MAO/MVB