Cordillera Blanca Fuels Tourism Growth in Áncash, Peru

The Ancash region expects to welcome more visitors in 2026. The increase is projected to be 5.18%. This is because the Cordillera Blanca is now better known worldwide as an ideal destination for adventure tourism. In addition, there will be more commercial flights and new infrastructure projects to boost tourism.

The regional director of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Pedro Vargas Lozada, said that expectations are high. This is because Ancash was recognized in 2025 as the world’s best adventure destination. As a result, the region has garnered more international attention. “We expect more Peruvian and foreign tourists. Additionally, we want a more organized, safe, and responsible season,” he stated.

In 2025, Áncash received nearly 1.3 million tourists. Of that total, 95% were Peruvian and 5% were foreign. Now, the goal is to exceed those numbers. The aim is also for tourism to continue growing steadily.

Among its most visited sites is Huascarán National Park. Furthermore, this attraction was rated level four by Mincetur. Other highlights include Laguna 69, Laguna Llanganuco, the snow-capped Pastoruri, and Chavín de Huántar.

Vargas also explained that starting in July, there will be two daily flights to the region. This will make it easier to travel and boost tourism. Furthermore, major projects are underway, such as paving the roads to Llanganuco and Laguna 69, along with improvements to basic services and tourism infrastructure.

The region is also working to better regulate the tourism sector. To this end, it is promoting a local business registry in cities such as Huaraz and Chimbote. The goal of this measure is to identify formal businesses and reduce informality.