News from Peru | Cusco, Whale Watching and Tourism

TRAVEL NEWS – 02 August 2022: The leading international magazine Travel+Leisure has Cusco in Peru chosen as the 'Best City' in central en South America for tourist, cultural and gastronomic travel opportunities. The 'World's Best Awards' are awarded each August based on the results of a major reader survey and are considered the "gold standard" in the US travel industry. Travel+Leisure has been around since 1937 and is located in New York.

Cusco named best city

Cusco, which has been on the World Heritage List of since 1983 UNESCO state, also received the award in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and with its wide variety of cultural attractions, the city has a huge appeal. The United States is the main country of origin for international visitors to Peru.

Also read: Itinerary through Peru in 2, 3, or 4 weeks | Comprehensive guide

Tourism in Peru is attracting

International tourism to Peru is picking up. In the first six months of 2022, the country has received more than 750.000 visitors, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Roberto Sánchez Palomino has announced. This result gives hope for the further development of the year and for 2023.

One of the country's main attractions is Machupicchu, which was chosen as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World 15 years ago this month. Good news for anyone traveling to Peru soon, the daily number of available tickets will be increased from 3.000 to over 4.000 per day. The tickets can be booked online per time slot.

Also read: Inca Trail | The mystical journey to Machu Picchu

Whale watching in Piura – July to October

From mid-July to late October, the coast of Piura, 1.000 km north of Lima, is all about whale watching. This is the season to enjoy the impressive spectacle of the beautiful marine mammals.

Before the pandemic, more than 30.000 visitors came to Piura every year to admire the humpback whale. It is estimated that between 5.000 and 7.000 individuals come from the southern feeding grounds in the Gulf of Corcovado to northern Peru and cover more than 6.000-8.000 km. They follow the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Stream from Antarctica to the north, off the coast of Peru, the name changes to PeruStream.

Awana Kancha and Living Museum

Alpacas or llamas, two examples of camelids that are indispensable in Peru and which play an important role in the rich traditions and folklore of the local peoples. The Awana Kancha Museum in the Cusco Region is a living exhibition center for this distinctive aspect of Peruvian culture, and started as a project in 2014.

It has now been further completed, and you will find four types of camelids, namely vicuñas, guanacos, alpacas and llamas. Visitors learn about all kinds of aspects related to the animals. How they live, their role in the local culture and traditions, about the wool they give, but also about the weaving techniques and special patterns. In the museum shop you will find the finest fabrics and clothing made from baby alpaca fibers in the most beautiful, colorful patterns. Awana Kancha is located in the Sacred Valley, in the Cusco region.

Also read: 20 Must Sees in South America | Feed for your Bucket List ✔️