Residents Income Increases Through New Tourism

Inhabitants of the Colca Valley in Arequipa involved in community rural tourism projects have increased their income by 30 percent, according to regional trade and tourism director Rocio Cervantes.

The official explained that many of the 70 families participating in the projects have improved their quality of life as a result of their active involvement in community rural tourism activities.

“Colca Valley-based families used to receive S/.30 (about US$10.7) per day as part of their participation in community rural tourism activities, now they receive 30% more, which allowed them to improve their quality of life,” she said.

The community rural tourism in Colca Valley started to gain popularity three years ago. It began in the district of Sibayo and then expanded to Cabanaconde, Coporaque and Lari, where properly-equipped houses have been set to welcome domestic and foreign tourists willing to share daily activities with local people.

Cervantes Mansilla also mentioned that community rural tourism in Colca Valley encouraged visitors to stay longer in the area. Their stay used to last a day and a half and now it lasts two and a half to three days.

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