Peru: Cusco named Best City in Central & South America for fourth consecutive year

09:04 | Orlando (U.S.), Jul. 16.

Traditional markets, craft cocktail bars, and hiking trails leading to Andean landscapes are among the attractions that readers of the renowned U.S. magazine Travel + Leisure highlighted in Cusco.

Thanks to these attributes, the imperial city has been named the Best City in Central & South America in the World's Best Awards 2026 for the fourth consecutive year, the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (Promperu) reported.

This recognition is based on Travel + Leisure's annual survey, in which thousands of travelers from around the world rate their experiences in various destinations, evaluating attractions, gastronomy, culture, hospitality, shopping, and tourism offerings.


With an outstanding score, Cusco topped the regional ranking.

"More than just the gateway to the Andes, this high-elevation Peruvian city dazzles with craft-cocktail bars and authentic markets," the magazine stressed in its publication.

It is worth noting that Cusco is one of Peru's most visited tourist destinations. Beyond Machu Picchu, it offers a wide variety of experiences.


These include trekking routes, tours of archaeological sites, as well as visits to natural landscapes such as Palccoyo, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo.

All of this is complemented by a renowned culinary scene that blends native ingredients and Andean traditions with contemporary cuisine.


About the World's Best Awards

Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards are recognized as one of the travel industry's most trusted surveys.

In the annual voting, readers select their favorite experiences across categories such as cities, hotels, airlines, islands, and tour operators.

The results were published on the magazine's website and will also appear in its August print edition.


(END) NDP/TMC/MVB

Published: 7/16/2026