Written by:
peru.travel
Monday, March 29, 2021
Good news! One of the most important tourist attractions in Arequipa has reached category 4 awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR). It is the Colca Valley, a destination that achieved this highest distinction thanks to being a place of great national and international importance.
According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), this recognition is granted to tourist sites that have exceptional features that motivate visitors (foreign or domestic) to travel, either for the destination or for the attractions surrounding it. Equivalent to unique resource in the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of MINCETUR, Claudia Cornejo, at the meeting she held with regional officials of the sector during her stay in Arequipa. The official ceremony for the officialization of hierarchy 4 in the Colca Valley is scheduled for April.
Valuable recognition
For the regional manager of MINCETUR, Carlos Andrade Pareja, the importance of this distinction lies in how vital it will be for the revival of tourism in the region and especially in the province of Caylloma, where this destination is located.
The efforts to obtain this recognition began in 2013. It was the Autonomous Authority of Colca and Annexes (Autocolca) that was in charge of creating a program for the promotion and construction of tourism infrastructure such as interpretation centers, communication routes, security and visitor welfare, among other actions.
About the Colca Valley
Located northeast of Arequipa, this destination stands out for being surrounded by incomparable landscapes, accompanied by the great condor, full of traditions, customs and wonderful people.
Besides being able to observe llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas in their natural habitat, the Colca Valley offers tourists various activities such as adventure sports, the experience of experiential tourism in native communities, its relaxing hot springs and the contemplation of nature in all its splendor. Likewise, you can enjoy the delicious chupe de camarones (shrimp soup), the ever-present Rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) accompanied by Pastel de papas (baked potato pie), the unbeatable Adobo Arequipeño or the sweet Queso Helado (frozen cheese).
Important information
- In Peru, the Machu Picchu archaeological complex, the Nazca Lines and the Amazon River also have category 4 status.
- UNESCO recognized the Colca Canyon and Andagua Volcanoes Valley Geopark as Peru's first geopark, and it joined the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
- The knowledge, know-how and practices associated with the embroidery practiced in the Colca Valley are part of Peru's national cultural heritage.
Source: Andina
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