“Cusco Alto Andino”: The New Tourist Route Featuring 46 Attractions

The Cusco Regional Government (GORE), through the Regional Office of Foreign Trade, Tourism, and Handicrafts (Gercetur), officially launched “Cusco Alto Andino” last weekend, a new regional tourist destination that encompasses the provinces of Acomayo and Canas.

The ceremony took place on the Qoricancha esplanade and brought together officials from the Cusco Regional Government, provincial and district authorities from Acomayo and Canas, as well as representatives from the tourism sector, tour operators, producers, artisans, and numerous local and foreign visitors.

The program began with an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products from Acomayo, Canas, and their districts, where the public could appreciate the craftsmanship, ingenuity, and traditions of each area. Subsequently, various artistic performances and traditional dances were presented by provincial and district delegations, showcasing the cultural richness and traditions that define the identity of this new destination.

Information was also shared about the attractions and experiences offered by each district, introducing the public to the options available for exploring this region and discovering its landscapes, crafts, cuisine, and living culture. The event generated great interest among tour operators and visitors gathered on the Qoricancha esplanade, who were surprised by the diversity of resources and experiences offered by Acomayo and Canas.

“Cusco Alto Andino” encompasses the seven districts of the province of Acomayo (Acomayo, Acos, Sangarará, Rondocan, Pomacanchi, Acopia, and Mosoc Llacta) and the eight districts of the province of Canas (Yanaoca, Pampamarca, Tupac Amaru, Quehue, Langui, Layo, Checca, and Kunturkanki).

Together, these jurisdictions are home to 46 tourist attractions, including Waqrapukara, the Apurímac River Canyon, the Four Lakes Circuit, the Inca Bridge of Q’eswachaka, the Pallay Poncho Mountain of Colors, the Pabellones Volcano, and Langui Layo Lagoon, along with archaeological sites, temples, natural landscapes, and other expressions of living culture. In total, there are 2 provinces, 15 districts, and 46 attractions that together launch a new tourist route.

In this regard, “Cusco Alto Andino” represents an opportunity to boost provincial tourism, revitalize the local economy, support local businesses, and contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. The initiative aims to encourage tourists not only to visit the main attractions but also to forge connections with the communities, their customs, cuisine, crafts, history, and expressions of living culture.

With this launch, Acomayo and Canas are positioning themselves as central hubs in Cusco’s new tourism strategy, integrating their attractions, customs, landscapes, and experiences into an initiative aimed at decentralizing tourist flows and expanding opportunities for local communities and businesses.