Cusco expects 350,000 visitors for upcoming Papal visit

The Cusco Chamber of Commerce estimates that the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV in November will mobilize approximately 350,000 people in the Cusco region, including both locals and tourists.

José Santoyo, president of the Chamber, expects around 50,000 tourists to arrive in the city, with visitors traveling from neighboring Peruvian regions such as Ayacucho, Apurímac, Puno, and Madre de Dios, as well as from Bolivia and northern Chile. The economic and social movement is expected to be comparable to major regional celebrations like Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi.

To manage the influx, authorities have deployed approximately 2,000 police officers to secure the Historic Center of Cusco and the Saqsaywaman Archaeological Park. Officials have also warned of potential vehicular circulation restrictions within the city center during the event.