Peru shines on the UN’s 2024 Best Tourism Villages List

Pride in sustainable tourism

Peru has earned a prominent spot on the UN's 2024 Best Tourism Villages list, which celebrates the vital role of rural communities in promoting sustainable tourism. This year, five Peruvian villages have been honored with this prestigious recognition: Huancaya (Lima), Leymebamba (Amazonas), Maras (Cusco), Quinua (Ayacucho), and Sibayo (Arequipa).

These communities not only showcase Peru's rich cultural and natural diversity but also reflect its dedication to sustainability, heritage preservation, and community development.

Five unique destinations for the world

Each of the UN-recognized communities stands out for its unique qualities:

• Huancaya, located in the Lima region, captivates visitors with its stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear lagoons, nestled within the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve. Its natural beauty and rich Andean traditions make it a must-visit destination.

Source: Yayo López / PROMPERÚ

• Leymebamba, in the Amazonas region, seamlessly blends history and nature. It is home to a museum showcasing the mummies of Lagoon of the Condors (Laguna de los Condores) and is surrounded by lush cloud forests teeming with biodiversity.

Source: Ernesto Benavides / PROMPERÚ

• Maras, in Cusco, is renowned for its ancient salt mines—an awe-inspiring network of salt terraces that showcase the ingenuity of Andean civilizations.

Source: Alfonso Zavala / PROMPERÚ

• Quinua, in Ayacucho, is a historic town famous for its traditional pottery and for being the site of the Battle of Ayacucho, a pivotal moment in Latin America's fight for independence.

Source: Alfonso Zavala / PROMPERÚ

• Sibayo, in Arequipa, is known for its colonial architecture and its focus on experiential tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to stay with local families and immerse themselves in their customs.

Source: Alfonso Zavala / PROMPERÚ

Peru: A leader in sustainable rural tourism

The inclusion of these villages on the Best Tourism Villages list highlights Peru's potential as a sustainable rural destination. According to the UN, these communities are not only celebrated for their beauty and culture, but also for their ability to preserve their identity while creating economic opportunities for local residents.

UN Secretary-General for Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, emphasized that initiatives like this empower rural communities and demonstrate how tourism can be a transformative force.

With these awards, Peru reaffirms its position as a leader in sustainable tourism in Latin America, offering the world a chance to explore its cultural, historical, and natural treasures while fostering inclusive and environmentally friendly development.