Huascaran National Park
Earns Peru’s Highest Tourism Distinction
Peru’s Parque Nacional Huascarán has officially received the highest distinction granted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR): Tourism Hierarchy 4. This recognition places Huascarán among Peru’s most iconic destinations, alongside Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Nazca Lines, further strengthening its position as a premier natural destination for international travelers.
The park is located in the Ancash region of northern Peru and protects the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. The area boasts more than 600 glaciers, over 300 glacial lakes, and 27 peaks over 6,000 meters high, including Nevado Huascarán, Peru’s tallest mountain. For travel advisors, this distinction highlights the park's appeal to clients seeking high-altitude adventures such as trekking, mountaineering, and photography, as well as immersive nature experiences beyond the traditional Cusco circuit.
Huascarán is particularly well-suited for active travelers and soft-adventure programs. Iconic hikes, such as Laguna 69 and the Santa Cruz Trek, as well as scenic drives through dramatic Andean landscapes, offer excellent options for FITs (free independent travelers) and small groups. The destination also pairs well with cultural extensions in nearby Andean communities, creating opportunities for multi-day itineraries that combine outdoor exploration with authentic local encounters.
Beyond its dramatic scenery, the park has strong sustainability credentials. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and a Natural World Heritage Site in 1985, reflecting its ecological importance and biodiversity. As the demand from North American travelers for responsible, nature-focused travel grows, Huascarán’s enhanced recognition provides a timely opportunity for travel advisors to diversify their offerings of Peru and promote alternative regions that complement the country's classic highlights.
As Peru continues to expand and strengthen its tourism portfolio, elevating Huascarán to Hierarchy 4 status signals an increased national commitment to infrastructure, visitor management, and international promotion. Now is an ideal time to add this extraordinary Andean landscape into future itineraries.