13:00 | Puno (Puno region), Jan. 20.
The southern city of Puno expects to welcome more than 120,000 tourists during the days of celebration of the traditional 2026 Virgin of Candelaria Festival, surpassing the 86,000 visitors recorded last year,
Puno's Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) Chief Maribel Choque stated.
According to official figures, 85% of tourists were Peruvians in 2025, while 15% arrived from countries such as the United States, Germany, and France, as well as from other regions around the world.
Choque explained that, to ensure a safe experience, Dircetur, the Prosecutor's Office, and the Peruvian National Police are already carrying out surprise inspections at restaurants and hotels to ensure establishments comply with hygiene and service standards, thereby preventing potential inconveniences for visitors.
Regarding security, the Dircetur Puno head explained that 35 tourism police agents will be deployed in Puno between January 31 and February 10 to monitor the most crowded areas, prevent incidents, and provide immediate assistance to tourists.
Regarding accommodation capacity, the official said Puno has 320 establishments, including guesthouses, hostels, and three-, four-, and five-star hotels, ensuring sufficient availability for over 120,000 expected visitors.
Additionally, coordination has been carried out with business owners to prevent overcrowding and ensure high-quality service.
The official also noted that the organization of Candelaria 2026 is the result of joint efforts involving Dircetur, the Provincial Municipality of Puno, the Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture, as well as other public and private institutions.
"All these measures aim to position Puno as a safe and attractive destination for tourism," she said.
Choque recalled that the Virgin of Candelaria Festival is one of Peru's most important celebrations.
She added that its success depends on coordination among authorities and citizens' active participation.
Therefore, the official called on Puno residents to welcome tourists warmly, noting that visitor satisfaction directly contributes to the region’s economic development.
She added that inspection operations will focus not only on security, but also on ensuring that service prices are fair and that there are no abuses against visitors.
"We want tourists to leave with a positive impression of Puno and want to return," she added.
The official emphasized that tourism is one of Puno's main income sources, and that events such as the Virgin of Candelaria Festival create jobs and boost the local economy.
Therefore, Choque stressed the importance of working together to deliver a memorable celebration.
In this regard, Puno's Dircetur chief urged Puno residents to work with the authorities and report any irregularities they may observe during the festivities.
"The Virgin of Candelaria Festival belongs to everyone, and together we must protect it," she concluded.
(END) AAM/MAO/MVB
Published: 1/20/2026