Peru: Tourism activity in Cusco surpasses pre-pandemic levels in first two months of 2026

09:18 | Cusco (Cusco region), Apr. 30.

Cusco's regional authorities estimate that tourism levels recorded in the first months of the year have already recovered to pre-pandemic figures registered before COVID-19.

Cusco Region Governor Werner Salcedo told Andina News Agency that the rebound is driven by the area's historical attractions and its status as a safe jurisdiction.

"We remain the country's tourism engine and want to continue in that role," the regional authority said.

Between January and February this year, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport handled 629,803 passengers.

This figure represents a 14.1% increase compared to the same period in 2019, when 552,041 passengers were recorded.

In January–February 2020 — immediately before pandemic lockdown measures — the total amounted to 634,908, only 5,105 more than the figure registered so far in 2026.

"We have surpassed pre-pandemic figures," Salcedo emphasized.

"We have the trust of visitors, regardless of what happens in the capital or in some regions of the country in the face of rising crime," he added.

Cusco tourist tickets

Regarding tourist tickets sold in the city of Cusco, 141,452 were issued in January and February 2026.

This total contrasts with the same period in 2019, when 126,003 tickets were sold, marking a 12.3% increase, according to data from the regional government.

This year's figure is also higher than January–February 2020, when 126,153 tickets were sold.

Similarly, Cusco's governor called for speeding up procedures related to the implementation of the Choquequirao cable car system, noting that progress on the project has been too slow.

He noted that the project would benefit around 1.5 million residents in Cusco and nearby areas.

The governor explained that, after overcoming earlier social approval issues among local communities, "we now have a serious problem with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF)" over financing.

In that regard, "we are making efforts and presenting economic models to the MEF, which must approve them," Salcedo said.

He urged the ministry to take into account "what tourism can represent as a source of income, and to understand that each visitor spends between US$500 and US$1,500 per day."