Peru is a destination that needs little to no introduction. Iconic images of clouds enveloping the citadel of Machu Picchu, Cusco’s bustling Plaza de Armas on a sunny day, and hikers braving the high elevation of Vinicuna or the Rainbow Mountain can be found in almost every travel guide to Peru. But these destinations only account for a small percentage of Peru’s rich culture and biodiversity. The South American nation emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever and eager to show travelers that it has an abundance of adventure opportunities beyond the tourism hotspots it is known for.
The Adventure Travel Trade Association is partnering with PROMPERÚ to showcase these offerings during AdventureNEXT Peru which will take place from 5-7 December 2023 in the city of Arequipa, which boasts a wide variety of cultural, adventure, and natural attractions sure to surprise and inspire attendees.
Located south of Lima and close to Cusco and Puno, Arequipa is a region with cultural, historical, and natural wonders. Its capital city is also named Arequipa but it’s most commonly known as The White City due to the sillar, a white and light pink volcanic rock that is the main material used to construct its buildings. The architecture is so unique that it was partially responsible for making Arequipa’s historic center a candidate for UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
“Last year I visited Arequipa for the first time and I was mesmerized by all the history and spectacular views,” said Tamiko Ynouye, the ATTA Partner Manager for Latin America and Caribbean. “Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes that protect the city. So you automatically feel this adrenaline and curiosity to explore this impressive region and city.”
Beyond its architecture, the city has various activities to choose from: culinary routes, chicherías and the Pisco route are the top picks for gastronomy enthusiasts and anyone interested in finding out why Peruvian food has become a world-wide phenomenon. Cultural options abound with convents dating back to the 16th century and museums that showcase the region’s colonial and pre-Hispanic heritage.
Nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike will find that Arequipa is the gateway to an incredible variety of adventure activities: trekking, cycling, canoeing, mountaineering, rafting and paragliding are all on offer through local guides and operators. Most of these activities take place in the Valley of Volcanoes (Pichu Pichu, Chachani and Misti volcanoes), the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca.
“This region has an amazing history and for that reason Arequipa is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” said Ynouye. “You can’t go wrong with the combination of natural scenery, local communities and amazing food. And these happen to be all the elements that adventure travelers are always looking for in a dream destination.”
But Arequipa is not the only region deserving attention. Just east of Cusco and bordering Brazil is the Madre de Dios region – which literally translates to “Mother of God” – and is home to Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and jungle oasis that is so striking it does seem divine. This region has only recently begun to tap into its adventure travel potential, but it is a natural fit for sustainable tourism development given that its rivers, jungle, and wildlife sightseeing are worthy of any traveler’s bucket list.
For an immersive hiking and trekking experience in the Peruvian mountains, there is no better option than the Áncash region, north of Lima and home to the Huascarán National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This massive park nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes is breathtaking – literally, because the famous Parón Lagoon is located roughly 13,700 ft above sea level – but also the jaw-dropping views of Mount Huascarán (22,168 ft) towering over glacial lakes, high-altitude vegetation, and deep ravines border the sublime.
Beyond captivating destinations, the true magic lies in the country’s dedication to sustainability and investment in developing responsible community-based tourism. This year alone, nine Peruvian destinations were nominated for the Green Destinations People's Choice Awards 2023; Colca Canyon, Valley of the Volcanoes, and Madre de Dios among those nominated.
To learn more about Peru’s sustainability efforts and experience Arequipa for yourself, join us for AdventureNEXT Peru – Buyer and Media applications are now open! For updates on speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities, please visit the event homepage.