Peru won six awards at the 2026 World Travel Awards for South America, strengthening its position as one of the region’s leading tourism destinations. The awards include five distinctions for the country and one for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, located in Cusco.
Considered among the most prestigious awards in the global travel and tourism industry, the World Travel Awards recognize the quality, diversity, and excellence of destinations and tourism services worldwide.
In this year’s edition, Peru was named South America’s Leading Destination, South America’s Leading Culinary Destination, South America’s Leading Cultural Destination, South America’s Leading Nature Destination, and South America’s Leading Responsible Tourism Initiative. The country also received an award for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, named South America’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Rogers Valencia, highlighted that these awards reaffirm the country’s commitment to developing competitive, sustainable, and inclusive tourism that showcases its heritage and creates opportunities for local communities.
“These distinctions fill us with pride and reaffirm our commitment to continuing to promote competitive, sustainable, and inclusive tourism that celebrates our diversity, protects our heritage, and creates opportunities for our citizens. We thank the organizers, everyone who supported us, and all those who are part of this value chain,” he said.
Six Awards for Peru’s Tourism Industry
The recognition as South America’s Leading Destination highlights the diversity of Peru’s tourism offerings and its ability to provide unique experiences for international travelers.
Meanwhile, the awards for culinary, cultural, and nature tourism celebrate the richness of Peruvian cuisine, the legacy of ancient civilizations, living traditions, and the country’s extraordinary biodiversity. These attractions allow visitors to enjoy a wide range of experiences, from archaeological and cultural tours to adventures across the Andes, the Amazon, and the coastal landscapes.
The distinction related to sustainable tourism also underscores the importance of promoting responsible practices that help preserve natural and cultural heritage while supporting the development of local communities.
Machu Picchu Continues to Stand Out in South America
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu was named South America’s Leading Tourist Attraction, recognizing one of the most iconic landmarks of Peru’s cultural heritage.
The ancient Inca city is renowned for its architecture, historical significance, and integration with the natural landscape of the Andes. This international recognition further strengthens Cusco’s appeal among travelers interested in Peru’s history, culture, and scenery.
International Promotion to Attract More Visitors
PromPerú, an organization affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), carries out promotional initiatives in international markets to showcase the variety of destinations and experiences available throughout the country.
The six awards received at the 2026 World Travel Awards provide further recognition of Peru’s international tourism appeal and an opportunity to strengthen its position in the global market. Gastronomy, archaeological heritage, cultural traditions, and biodiversity remain among the country’s main attractions for travelers looking to discover Peru.
