Peru: Mystical Destination of The Andes

by Valentín Fuentes
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Sat June 20, 2026

A few weeks ago, Peru was the center of tourism on the continent with the celebration of the Peru Travel Mart 2026, organized by the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) and PromPerú, a government agency focused on promoting Trade and Tourism. About 200 industry buyers from 26 countries gathered at the Sheraton Lima Historic Center, resulting in over $18 million in business and 7,500 business meetings between Peruvian tour operators and international buyers.

Maritza Montero, Vice President of Canatur, told TravelPulse that this shared success between Canatur and PromPerú is the result of a strong understanding between the government and the private sector. "This event belongs to Peru, because what we are selling here is our destination, which receives four million visitors a year, and we hope that number will grow in the coming years." She added that certain issues need improvement, such as connectivity and regional infrastructure; however, she emphasized that these go hand in hand with demand. "I believe these actions help put these destinations on tourists' radar."

The Peruvian destinations that drew the most attention were: Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, as well as Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Amazonas, Ica, Chachapoyas, Arequipa, La Libertad, Huánuco, Nazca, the Amazon, and, of course, Lima, among others.

According to Montero, after the pandemic, today's tourists increasingly seek experiences related to nature, communities, and wellness. In deep Peru, we have communities that make jewelry, textiles, and straw crafts. Wherever you go, on the coast, highlands, or jungle, we see communities offering unique gastronomy, culture, crafts, and dance. That's why we are very focused on sustainability, on helping artisans and gastronomy."

Ricardo Baraybar, Deputy Director of Inbound Tourism Promotion at Promperú, told TravelPulse that U.S. tourism in Peru is growing sustainably, and although visitors still prefer iconic places like Cusco and Machu Picchu, they are beginning to explore other destinations. "They are going a lot to the south of Lima, to the dunes, to the land of Pisco, and to Huacachina, the only oasis in the Americas. Right next to it is Paracas Bay, where you can see sea lions and penguins, as well as an archaeological center of the pre-Inca Paracas culture, and where you can also see the image of a giant candelabra, similar to the Nazca Lines."

He highlighted that Promperú promotes visits to Áncash. "A 25-minute flight from Lima takes you to the Callejón de Huaylas, a canyon in the middle of the Andes Mountains, where we have snow-capped peaks all year round, turquoise lagoons, you can go trekking on the Inca Trail, visit glaciers, and there is luxury glamping available." These destinations are increasingly popular among North American visitors. They are part of this South American country's promotion strategy, which seeks to diversify the menu of tourism options for different types of travelers —from backpackers to couples, families, and seniors—all with products tailored to their tastes and needs.

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the majestic Andes mountain range at an altitude of over 11,000 feet above sea level.

How to Get to Machu Picchu

Those seeking to reach the iconic sacred city of Machu Picchu begin their adventure in the mythical city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the majestic Andes mountain range at an altitude of over 11,000 feet above sea level.

In its historic center, visitors find invaluable colonial buildings and the incomparable Cathedral, which holds countless treasures of 16th-century Baroque art. Additionally, this imposing city has important archaeological remains, such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenco, Puca Pucará, Tambomachay, and Saqsaywaman, among others, as well as the Sacred Valley, which is the starting point for exploring indigenous communities and Inca artisan markets. Regarding accommodation, Cusco offers world-class restaurants, such as Artisan, which offers gourmet cuisine, as well as top-of-the-line hospitality at properties such as Palacio del Inka, part of The Luxury Collection, and El Convento Cusco, both from the Marriott family.

Peruvian tourism authorities recommend that visitors stay hydrated with natural water or infusions of coca leaves or muña (a blend of mint and anise) to reduce altitude-related discomfort. It's important to note that Cusco's gastronomic options are outstanding, especially for those seeking dishes made with native products and signature recipes.

To reach Machu Picchu, travelers must go to the Ollantaytambo train station and board the extraordinary Inca Rail.

On this luxury passenger train, First Class passengers enjoy carriages designed for 360-degree views, high-quality food and beverages, a carriage with live music, and even on-board theatrical performances featuring legends of the Inca past. After an hour and a half journey, the train arrives at the station in the community of Aguas Calientes, where, before taking a bus service up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, visitors can enjoy a snack at the Inkaterra Café, located between the railway tracks and the Vilcanota River.

Finally, the bus takes visitors up the mountain to the impressive Inca sacred city of Machu Picchu, a jewel of humanity, built in the 15th century as a religious sanctuary and meeting place for the privileged classes of this majestic South American culture. The architecture of this impressive site is considered one of the wonders of the world due to its perfect harmony with the natural environment. In addition to the perfect design of its streets and buildings, the city had an extraordinary irrigation system that used mountain water to supply the population, with effective drainage and irrigation for planting countless agricultural products.

Lima’s churches and monasteries boast an invaluable heritage of religious art dating back to the 16th century.

Lima, a Majestic Capital

The Peruvian capital brings together everything a tourist seeks: world-class gastronomy and accommodation, as well as a history dating back to the pre-Inca period, with archaeological remains in different parts of the city, plus a majestic Historic Center that visitors explore on pedestrian streets to admire various buildings, many of them built in the 16th century during the Spanish colonial era.

Walking through the streets of Lima's Historic Center is like traveling back in time, admiring culturally rich architecture, including the Cathedral, the Santo Domingo Church, the Municipal and Government Palaces, and the Archbishop's Palace. These historic buildings are joined by Casa del Oidor, Bar Cordano, Casa de la Literatura, Teatro Colón, and the Pedro de Osma and Bodega y Cuadra museums. Two other unmissable museums, located outside the Historic Center, are the Gold Museum and the Larco Museum; venues that house the most important pre-Hispanic art collections in the country.

Worthy of special mention is the Huaca Pucllana pre-Inca archaeological site, located in the Miraflores District. Tourists visit the site, which features a 27-yard-high pyramid and a complex of patios and plazas built from perfectly interlocking adobe bricks.

For those who enjoy gastronomy, the Hotel Bolívar is a must-visit to enjoy a glass of Pisco, a traditional Peruvian drink made from grape brandy. For visitors seeking fun and good food, Estadio F.C. Restaurant is one of Lima's most iconic spots, where soccer fans enjoy rooms dedicated to the great figures of this sport, such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Diego Maradona, among many others. Their life-sized images accompany diners at their tables. The same restaurant group offers craft beers and typical snacks at Rincón Cervecero, a thematic place that recreates the German tradition of beer drinking.

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