More than 190,000 tourists have visited the Colca Valley so far in 2026

From January through August, approximately 190,620 people, including both Peruvian and international tourists, visited the Colca Valley in the Arequipa region, a figure similar to that recorded during the same period in 2025.

In August, visitor numbers to the area reached 38,000, a figure equivalent to that of July, another strong month for the sector, which has now surpassed pre-pandemic records.

Silvia Farfán Molina, manager of the Colca Autonomous Authority (Autocolca), explained that 313,000 visitors arrived in the valley last year, a figure higher than that of 2019, when the area welcomed more than 280,000 people.

For this year, Autocolca estimates it will end up with a result similar to that of the previous period, due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which could lead to a decline in tourist traffic.

“The expectation this year is to exceed the 313,000 tourists who arrived in 2025; however, the effects of the El Niño phenomenon could lead to a reduction in tourist traffic due to the damage it might cause in other areas of the region, which would prevent tourists from reaching Colca,” the official noted.

He also noted that the organization continues to promote tourism in the valley and to implement preventive measures to address the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, should it affect the region.

This destination is located in the province of Caylloma, approximately four hours by road from the city of Arequipa. Visitors are drawn to the area by its natural scenery, as well as its colonial architecture, pre-Inca archaeological sites, traditional dances, and cultural traditions.