Cusco expects to receive around 220,000 tourists in July, during month-long celebrations in honor of Peru’s independence, as well as festivities surrounding the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo.

Victor Hugo Perez, head of Cusco’s Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism, said the amount of tourists arriving in July reflected the region’s increasing popularity.

Last year, he said, 207,781 tourists traveled to Cusco in July.

"Tourist arrivals are increasing compared to last year, which makes us think that this month Cusco will register growth of at least 16 percent," Perez was quoted as saying by Andina.

Perez added that visitors would be able to partake in festivities in honor of Virgen del Carmen, in addition to Cusco’s traditional tourist destinations, like Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, Ollantaytambo, Písac, and Chincheros.

Furthermore, he said, the region has scheduled parades, street fairs, and other activities, in honor of Peru’s independence, Andina reported.