Tourism in Peru: Growth, Trends and Sustainable Travel Insights
The travel and tourism sector in Peru has undergone significant transformation over the past decades. This evolution has been driven by the growth of the online travel market, the increasing use of mobile apps and digital bookings, and more recently, the influence of artificial intelligence in travel planning.
What has not changed, however, is people’s strong desire to explore new destinations. This makes tourism one of the most competitive and dynamic industries in Peru.
In 2025, travel and tourism contributed approximately 4.1% to Peru’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating employment for more than 1.4 million people. The sector continues to be a key driver of economic and social development, with steady growth in international arrivals (around 4.1% at the beginning of 2026) and a strong commitment to sustainability and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
What are the main tourism destinations in Peru?
When analyzing tourism’s contribution by destination, Lima and Cusco stand out as the leading travel hubs in Peru.
Meanwhile, Machu Picchu remains the country’s most iconic attraction and one of the most visited destinations in the world, both before and after the pandemic.
The capital city, Lima, is also home to some of the most important museums in South America, including the renowned National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru.
What are the leading online travel companies?
The global online travel market continues to grow steadily and is expected to expand significantly by 2030.
According to MINCETUR (2025), leading tourism companies in Peru are increasingly focused on sustainability, quality service, and authentic experiences. Notable examples include:
- Mava Travel (tailor-made tourism)
- Belmond Inc. (luxury hospitality)
- Tierras Vivas
- Condor Travel
- Real Cusco Tour
- Salkantay Trek Machu
- Mapi Travel
- Inca Trail Machu
- Terra Explorer
At an international level, companies such as Viator, TourRadar, and Expedia Group dominate the market by using fare aggregators and metasearch engines to help travelers find the best travel services.
Meanwhile, Airbnb has revolutionized the accommodation sector, becoming one of the largest platforms for short- and long-term stays worldwide.
How important is sustainable tourism?
According to reports from MINCETUR and SERNANP, tourism contributes to carbon emissions, particularly through transportation. As awareness grows, more travelers are recognizing the environmental and social impact of their trips.
A 2025 global survey revealed that over 80% of travelers consider sustainable travel to be important. Despite this, the tourism industry continues to grow, showing that sustainability and development can go hand in hand when managed responsibly.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel
Responsible People works closely with partner companies such as Tierras Vivas, Inca Trail Machu, Machu Picchut Travel and Salkantay Trek Machu to develop projects that benefit local communities and protect the Andean environment.
Our initiatives focus on:
- Supporting porter families
- Promoting reforestation in the Andes
- Preserving local traditions and culture
- Creating meaningful cultural exchanges between travelers and communities
Through our itineraries, travelers have the opportunity to connect directly with local families, learn about Andean traditions, and contribute to responsible tourism. These experiences not only enrich visitors but also provide sustainable income and improved living conditions for local communities.
We are also developing new projects aimed at improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for families in the region.
Supporting Communities Through Responsible Travel
Partner companies such as Tierras Vivas, Inca Trail Machu, Machu Picchut Travel and Salkantay Trek Machu play a vital role in supporting these initiatives. Their commitment helps us continue our mission of improving the quality of life for porter families and Andean communities.
Thanks to these efforts, families benefit from:
- Better access to education for their children
- Improved healthcare for women and families
- Opportunities to develop community-based tourism
- Reforestation projects that protect the mountains
By booking with our partner companies, travelers directly contribute to these meaningful projects and help us continue building a more sustainable and responsible tourism model in Peru.