Peru Recognized as the Best Travel Destination in South America 2026

Peru has been named the best travel destination in South America for 2026, according to the Best in Travel ranking compiled by Lonely Planet. The renowned travel guide placed the country among the 25 most recommended destinations worldwide, highlighting advances in infrastructure, the variety of its natural and cultural attractions, and the international prestige of its cuisine.

Peru received significant international recognition by being positioned as the best travel destination in South America on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 list. The renowned travel guide also ranked the country among the 25 places recommended to visit around the world during the coming year.

The publication highlights that Peru stands out for its thousands-of-years-old historical legacy, vast biodiversity, internationally renowned cuisine, and improved connectivity, factors that strengthen its appeal to travelers from around the world.

Lonely Planet notes that Peru manages to blend its cultural heritage with a modernization process that makes it easier for visitors to get around. In this regard, it points out the airport infrastructure improvements developed in recent years.

The guide states that the country “hurtles toward the future while finding room to honor its illustrious past.” It also notes that traveling through the country is now easier thanks to new airports in Lima and Huaraz, along with another set to open near Cusco.

The publication also emphasizes the measures taken to improve the experience of visitors to the country’s main tourist attractions. Among these, it mentions the reorganization of routes at Machu Picchu, aimed at reducing the pressure caused by mass tourism.

According to the guide, the historic sanctuary currently has three new circuits comprising ten tourist routes. It also notes that a growing number of travelers are choosing to visit less crowded destinations, such as Choquequirao, or hike the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient road network that once linked the Inca Empire.

Another point highlighted by Lonely Planet is the strength of Peruvian cuisine, particularly Lima’s standing as one of the world’s leading culinary capitals.

The publication references the rise of Nikkei cuisine, exemplified by dishes such as tiradito, and highlights the prestige earned by Arequipa’s traditional cuisine, a city recognized by UNESCO in 2023 as a Creative City of Gastronomy. Lonely Planet also highlights the prestige of Peruvian cuisine, with Lima established as one of the world’s great gastronomic capitals.

The guide concludes by noting that one of Peru’s greatest strengths is the diversity of landscapes and activities found within a single territory. These include the coast, the Andes mountain range, the Amazon, colonial-era cities, protected natural areas, and rich cultural heritage.

For its part, PromPerú, the agency under the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), stated that it continues to drive strategies aimed at consolidating the country’s image as a comprehensive destination, capable of offering authentic experiences tied to nature, history, adventure, culture, and gastronomy.