Destinations the world over like to talk about how they have “something for everyone.” In the case of Peru, it’s pretty close to the truth.
Prom Peru, the South American country’s export and tourism promotion agency, staged a tasty and information-packed event in Toronto on 29OCT, treating local media and travel industry types at Chotto Matte, a downtown restaurant that specializes in Japanese-Peruvian food.
Jaime Cardenas, Senior Trade Commissioner for Prom Peru in Canada, told the crowd his country offers ancient cities known around the world, the Amazon rain forest, a beautiful coastline that’s popular with surfers, delectable cuisine and the striking Atacama Desert, where it hasn’t rained in seven years.
“Peru really is a land of contradictions and revelations,” he said as event attendees sipped Pisco Sours and nibbled on sushi and crispy salmon tostadas.
Tourism officials noted that Lima, which is reachable via direct flights from YUL and YYZ on Air Transat, is home to beautiful colonial architecture, golden beaches, and some of the top chefs on the planet. Three Lima restaurants appear on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List for 2025, including Maido at number five.
Located in the Peruvian Andes, the city of Cusco is known for its rich Inca heritage, cobblestone streets, and Spanish colonial architecture. It was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It also serves as a jumping off point for visits to the wonders of Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular places on earth.
The Andes also are famous for mountaineering, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paragliding, and other sports. The country’s long coastline makes it a haven for surfers and kiteboarders.
Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, with 84 of the world’s 117 geographical zones. The variety of tours and activities, and easy access from Canada, makes it a top destination for advisors, tourism officials said.
“There’s amazing history, culture, food, architecture and more,” said Laura Albrow, Account Manager for Air Transat. “There are so many reasons to visit Peru.”
Albrow told Open Jaw that Transat flies directly to Lima three times a week from both YYZ and YUL.
“There’s fabulous food, amazing culture, and the country has everything from mountains to desert to beaches and the Amazon,” she said.
“Lima isn’t a South American stopover for us, it’s a destination,” she continued. “We want to take people to different places. We want to go to Lima. We want to go to Nantes in France.
“We know the destinations Canadians want to travel to.”
Albrow said Transat has hosted advisors on fam trips to Peru and will continue to do so.
Robert Miller of Goway Travel told Open Jaw Peru is Goway’s number one country in South America and that it’s close to Costa Rica as the top draw for all of Latin America.
“We can set up small groups or tailor-made travel, and we have everything from high end trips to cruises,” he said.
One place Miller recommends is Gocta Falls in the Amazon, which he said is about the same height as Angel Falls.
Prom Peru said Contiki has launched two budget-friendly Peru trips for 18 to 35 year olds. Insight vacations is launching 11 new women only guided tours in 2025, including a 10-day that takes participants through Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco. Abercrombie and Kent has announced a new Peruvian riverboat set to explore the Peruvian Amazon in April of next year.
