At a ceremony held on November 14, 2024, in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Maras as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” in the 2024 edition of its prestigious program.
Maras stands out as a model for sustainable tourism and cultural preservation in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco, Peru. It shares this recognition with other remarkable Peruvian destinations like Huancaya, Leymebamba, Quinua, and Sibayo.
The award highlighted Maras for its commitment to astronomical tourism, making it an ideal spot for stargazing thanks to its preserved natural environment. The village also offers cultural and scenic attractions, including the Moray archaeological site, ancient salt mines where salt has been harvested by hand since pre-Inca times, and the historic temples of San Francisco de Asís and Tiobamba.
Selected among over 260 global entries
Maras was chosen from more than 260 entries across 60 countries for its focus on sustainable tourism and its ability to enhance the well-being of the local community in Cusco. At the Best Tourism Villages 2024 ceremony, held at the Plaza de la Aduana in Cartagena de Indias, the award was received by Maras' mayor, Perci Huamán, along with Peru’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Madeleine Burns, and representatives from other winning villages.
This recognition grants Maras and the other winning villages the opportunity to use the UN’s Best Tourism Villages logo in their promotional materials, boosting their visibility in the global market. The distinction positions Maras as an exemplary community-based tourism destination, highlighting its landscapes, traditional knowledge, biodiversity, local culture, and unique Peruvian cuisine.
Extra Fact » So far, Peru and China lead the ranking for the most BTV awards, with 13 and 14 recognitions respectively. This achievement solidifies Peru as a leader in developing community-based tourism.
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