5 reasons to invest in tourism in Peru

Peru offers endless opportunities for investors looking to tap into one of the most vibrant and promising sectors in today’s global economy.

Peru has captured the attention of travelers worldwide with its rich geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity, making it a prime destination for tourism. This allure has drawn investors from various sectors who recognize Peru as a unique opportunity in the global market.

With this in mind, here are five key reasons why Peru is the ideal place to invest in tourism:

Photograph: Huacachina in Ica / Shutterstock

Geography, biodiversity, and cultural heritage

Ranked among the 17 most megadiverse countries in the world by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Peru has a variety of geographical landscapes, from the towering Andes to the Pacific coast and the Amazon.

This variety translates into various climates and landscapes, enabling diverse types of tourism throughout the year. From adventure tourism in the Andes and ecotourism in the Amazon to sun and beach getaways on the coast, Peru offers a wealth of options for visitors.

Photograph: Walk through the Peruvian Amazon / Shutterstock

Archaeological, cultural, and historical wealth

Peru is globally renowned for its cultural heritage, featuring internationally acclaimed archaeological sites like Machupicchu, the Nasca Lines, the ancient mud city of Chan Chan, and Cusco, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This cultural richness attracts tourists from around the globe and presents a unique opportunity for tourism development. Investors can capitalize on the fascination with history by creating tourist routes, interactive museums, and cultural experiences that draw local and international visitors.

Photograph: Machupicchu / Shutterstock

Tourism as an important area of development and study

Thanks to the supportive regulatory framework, including the General Tourism Law and the National Strategic Tourism Plan (PENTUR), tourism is recognized as a key development area across all levels of government. The plan focuses on creating unique and biosecure tourism experiences that highlight the country’s natural, cultural, and ancestral wealth.

One of the key factors driving the growth of the tourism sector is its wide range of training opportunities at both university and technical levels. According to the 2024 report "Tourism Doing Business – Invirtiendo en Perú," by the World Tourism Organization, page 24 reveals that 44 universities offer 26 different tourism-related programs, with over 27,000 students currently enrolled.

Photograph: Isla de Los Uros, Puno / Shutterstock

Infrastructure and connectivity

In recent years, Peru has seen substantial growth in its tourism infrastructure. The country now has 11 international airports, with 46 international and 27 domestic routes. It also features an extensive national road network of approximately 30,000 km, 12 port terminals (including 5 that accommodate international cruise ships), 3 railways, and the Amazon waterway.

Additionally, the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024[1] from the World Economic Forum shows that Peru has made strides in the "Infrastructure and Services" dimension, rising from 2.74 in 2021 to 2.81 in 2024. This score is above the South American average of 2.7 and surpasses countries like Ecuador (2.64), Venezuela (1.94), Bolivia (2.05), and Paraguay (1.86)[3]. The improvement is largely attributed to advancements in airport infrastructure[4].

Photograph: Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit) in Lima / Shutterstock

Gastronomy

Peruvian cuisine has gained international acclaim, recognized as one of the best in the world. With its exquisite regional ingredients, ancient techniques, and a blend of diverse culinary influences, it has captivated taste buds globally. This culinary reputation has also significantly boosted gastronomic tourism in the country.

Cities like Lima have been repeatedly recognized as the gastronomic capital of Latin America, with restaurants such as Virgilio Martínez’s Central and Mitsuharu Tsumura "Micha"’s Maido listed among the best in the world.

This creates opportunities for investments in restaurants, cooking schools, gastronomic tours, and culinary festivals, attracting a significant market with a keen interest in culinary culture.

With its blend of natural resources, rich cultural heritage, expanding infrastructure, and strong commitment to sustainability, Peru stands out as an ideal destination for tourism investment.