Against this backdrop of international visibility, BKO Sports—working in coordination with the Áncash Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism—officially presented its annual program of sports activities for 2026, an agenda designed as a tool to energize tourism and as a driver of the region’s economic recovery. The announcement was made before institutional representatives, private-sector stakeholders, and specialized media, consolidating a public-private partnership that seeks to capitalize on this newly gained prestige and translate it into sustained tourist flows and tangible benefits for local communities.
The strategy goes beyond simply organizing competitions; it reflects a comprehensive place-positioning vision aimed at projecting Áncash—and Peru—as international benchmarks for high-performance adventure tourism. To that end, the calendar has been developed collaboratively with specialized operators and groups such as ACA Sports, Viajeros, Doble Tracción, and other actors connected to the sports and tourism ecosystem, aligning logistical capabilities, international promotion, and the creation of differentiated experiences. This multisector approach seeks to consolidate a structured, competitive tourism product aligned with global experiential travel trends.
The 2026 program spans multiple disciplines that take advantage of the region’s extraordinary variety of landscapes, from the Pacific coastline to the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Activities include off-road expeditions through desert areas, combined endurance competitions, long-distance mountain-bike routes, and trail-running races in high-altitude environments. Each event has been designed to attract both professional athletes and advanced enthusiasts, broadening the visitor base while stimulating higher value segments within the international tourism market.
One of the main pillars of the calendar will be the off-road Ruta del Pararín expedition, scheduled for late February to early March, which will traverse spectacular arid landscapes and spotlight lesser-known areas of the destination. Later, in March, the Huarmey Triathlon will take place, integrating open-water swimming, cycling, and running, turning the Áncash coast into the setting for a multidisciplinary competition. In July, attention will shift to the high mountains with two trail-running events crossing the Cordillera Blanca, while in August the Génesis Inka MTB will be held—an demanding multi-day mountain-biking expedition that will traverse high-altitude routes and Andean scenery.
Beyond the sports calendar, regional authorities and organizers agree that the international recognition represents a historic opportunity to consolidate a sustainable tourism development model rooted in the appreciation of natural and cultural resources. The aim is to convert the prestige earned into a lever for economic growth that boosts job creation, strengthens the tourism value chain, and promotes investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and specialized services.
Sector specialists note that adventure tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments worldwide, driven by travelers seeking authentic experiences, direct contact with nature, and physical challenges in unique environments. In this competitive landscape, Áncash has significant comparative advantages: an exceptional geography that combines glaciers, lagoons, deserts, and coastline; a strong cultural identity; and an activity offering capable of operating for much of the year thanks to the territory’s climatic diversity.
The roadmap outlined by the institutions and companies involved aims to consolidate a long-term positioning strategy that goes beyond the award’s immediate media impact. The challenge is to transform recognition into sustained demand, structure tourism products to international quality standards, and ensure that growth translates into social benefits for the local population. With this strategic vision, Áncash not only celebrates a global distinction, but also projects itself as a laboratory of tourism innovation where sport, nature, and territorial development converge to reshape the world map of adventure tourism.
Outdoor events calendar 2026
Ruta del Pararín – 4x4 Off Road: February 27 to March 1.
Huarmey Triathlon: March 22.
Ultra Trail Cordillera Blanca – Trail Running: July 2 to 5.
3 Piedras & the 100 Miles – Trail Running: July 25 and 26.
Génesis Inka MTB – Mountain Biking: August 24 to 29.
Sent by: Mariella Stuart Pando
