Cusco Tourism Industry Earns Top Honor for Fourth Consecutive Year

The Cusco tourism industry celebrated a major achievement as the city was named the Best City in Central and South America. This recognition comes from the World’s Best Awards 2026 organized by the American publication Travel + Leisure. PROMPERÚ announced that this marks the fourth consecutive year the historic capital has claimed the top regional spot. Thousands of international travelers participated in the annual survey. They evaluated destinations based on specific categories. These criteria included cultural attractions, local gastronomy, hospitality, shopping, and overall travel value. Consequently, the high scores positioned the destination at the very front of the regional ranking.

The publication emphasized that the destination offers experiences far beyond serving as the entry point to the Andes. For instance, the survey highlights the appeal of traditional local markets and modern craft cocktail bars. Travelers enjoy the unique contrast between historical architecture and contemporary urban lifestyles. According to the published results, the destination succeeds in combining ancient heritage with modern hospitality standards. This balance attracts a diverse demographic of global visitors every year. The final data shows that the city remains a preferred destination for experiential travel in the Americas.

Diverse Experiences Drive Regional Leadership

The local destination offers a vast array of activities beyond the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. For example, visitors can explore diverse trekking paths and historical archaeological sites throughout the region. Notable destinations include the natural landscapes of Palccoyo, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. Additionally, the regional food scene supports this growth by blending native ingredients with modern culinary techniques. These diverse features allow the Cusco tourism industry to remain competitive in the global market. The variety of options encourages longer guest stays and higher economic spending across local communities.

The World’s Best Awards are highly respected within the international travel sector. Each year, readers cast votes for their favorite hotels, airlines, islands, and cities worldwide. The full results of this edition are currently available on the official website. Furthermore, the findings will appear in the upcoming printed edition. This continuous international media coverage helps to strengthen national promotional campaigns. It also validates public and private efforts to maintain high service standards. Therefore, the award reinforces the country’s strategic position as a primary destination for sustainable nature and cultural travel.