3 key Forecasts for tourism in Cusco for 2026.

2025 was a year of stabilization for the touristic industry in Cusco, after a few years of struggles due to different factors. It also was a year of new trends starting to be stablished, and usual trends to remain strong.

This year a higher demand for experiential touristic activities was experienced. A demand for tourism diversification and a faster growth of adventure tourism. All of this while challenges appeared, featuring:

• Over-tourism: with traditional activities extremely on demand.
• Infrastructure & Service quality: the amount in the offer has exponentially grown, meaning the competition is mostly in the price point and less focused on the quality.
• Environmental & Cultural impact: some sites are receiving large numbers of visitors which is creating an accelerated deterioration. Meanwhile, the communities are forced to apply “folklorization” to their culture in order to keep it “available” during the whole season.

Based on our experience and various observatories of the industry in Peru (including andina.pe and MINCETUR) we present our prediction of 3 Key Forescasts for Tourism in Cusco for 2026. A list that will help you plan for your upcoming Peru Vacation.

Demand for more experiential, sustainable activities.

Tourists nowadays are more interested in more immersive activities with local companies, that can put together an authentic experience with real local impact.

Low environmental impact, by visiting the less crowded or of the beaten path options. Newer trails or routes into the wild are getting more popular.

Non staged cultural experiences, such as local stays or sharing daily activities with local families are more popular now.

Tourism diversification.

Visits like Machu Pichu are not going to get less popular, but tourists want to try and discover more of Peru.

Adventure activities like hikes or treks are getting more popular. Since newer areas are now available, like Palcoyo or alternative rainbow mountains, e-bike rides instead of hikes, among others.

Faster adventure tourism growth.

UNWTO forecasts globally adventure tourism will grow between 10% an 15% in 2026. Cusco is not an exception for this trend, with a broader range of activities now in the market like, rockclimbing, ziplining, e-bikes and others.

These trends are becoming stronger and are going to be key for 2026, based on the higher demand for organic, authentic and fresh experiences, the growth of a younger & more active segment of travelers and the growth of the infrastructure focused on adventure and nature focused activities.

69 Explorer is getting prepared to address the new trends in the demand. We are already offering more adventure trips, working with local suppliers and providing authentic experiences with our characteristic quality. If you are looking to combine newer experiences and the classic musts in your Peru Vacation, we are your best option.

Top trips for 2026 with 69Explorer:

• Inca Trail Treks.
• Alternative Inca Trail Treks.
• Sacred Valley on E-bike.