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Peru: Colca Valley to welcome over 250,000 visitors in 2016

En el 2015 se incrementó el número de turistas que visitó el valle del Colca, en Arequipa: Cortesía: Camila Chávez Mazzei

En el 2015 se incrementó el número de turistas que visitó el valle del Colca, en Arequipa: Cortesía: Camila Chávez Mazzei

10:50 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Dec. 30.

Colca Valley, Arequipa region’s most visited tourist attraction, is set to welcome more than 250,000 visitors in 2016, thus topping last year’s 205,000 tourists.

This is a significant figure, considering the area has been under the onslaught of nature over the past months. 

The Valley has been hit by droughts, delayed rains, an earthquake and the eruption of Sabancaya volcano, all of which took a toll on tourist influx, Arequipa's Caylloma province Mayor Romulo Tinta pointed out.


Last August 14, the region was hit by a quake that left not only human and material damages, but also affected tourist flow for several days. Such situation raised major concerns, since a considerable part of the population make their livelihood from tourism. 

Yet, despite natural disasters recorded in the area, Colca Valley has seen significant tourist growth over the last few years, as seen in 2016’s positive stats.  


According to State-run Colca Valley Autonomous Authority (Autocolca), the area received 8,343 tourists in the first days of December, adding up to 249,376 visitors so far this year.

"There are only a few days left before the end of 2016, and we are confident we will exceed 250,000 visitors. Thus, we’ve launched the Mystical Party – Colca 2017 to welcome the new year with a major local and foreign tourist inflow," the Mayor said.

Located four hours from Arequipa city, Colca Valley lures tourists with its striking natural beauty, as well as colonial religious architecture, archaeological complexes, traditions and cuisine. 

(END) RMC/MAO/DHT/MVB

Published: 12/30/2016