What a triumph for Peru! At the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026, the South American country won the gold award for adventure tourism. Canada had to settle for silver, while New Zealand came in third. For Peru's travel industry, this is a success that shines far beyond a single awards ceremony.
The decision was made on November 4, 2026, in Greenwich near London. More than 250,000 readers of the British travel magazine Wanderlust participated in this year's vote. Peru captivates with a mix of towering mountains, wild Pacific waves, tropical rainforests, and endless sand dunes. The country has far more to offer than its most famous attraction, Machu Picchu.
Canada and New Zealand beaten! Peru takes top spot
Peru had every reason to celebrate! At the 25th edition of the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, the country secured first place in the "Most Desirable Destination for Adventure" category. Canada and New Zealand followed Peru, two countries that are also known for their spectacular natural landscapes and adventure travel.
The vote shows how popular Peru is with international travelers. From the Pacific to the Amazon, from hot deserts to icy mountain peaks, the landscape diversity is vast. Entirely different regions can be visited on a single trip. However, the award is a reader's choice, not a government quality or safety inspection.
Icy peaks, thin air! Peru's Andes attract adventurers
The heart of many mountaineers beats faster here! The Peruvian Andes are among South America's most impressive mountain landscapes. The Cordillera Blanca in the Áncash region, in particular, attracts hikers and mountaineers from around the world. Snow-covered peaks, massive glaciers, and turquoise mountain lakes shape the landscape.
Around Huaraz, there are numerous opportunities for challenging hikes. One of the best-known destinations is Laguna 69. The high-altitude lake is known for its intense water color and the surrounding mountain backdrop. Multi-day trekking tours through the Cordillera Blanca are also popular with experienced hikers.
But beauty has its pitfalls. Many hiking trails are located at high altitudes. Those who set out without adequate preparation risk health problems due to the thin air. A proper acclimatization and a realistic assessment of one's own fitness are therefore particularly important.
The Cusco region also offers spectacular trekking routes. The Salkantay Trek and hikes around Ausangate lead through rugged mountain landscapes and wide valleys. Peru thus has several internationally renowned areas for challenging mountain adventures.
Waves instead of hiking boots! Northern Peru shows its wild side
While the peaks beckon in the Andes, the next adventure awaits on Peru's north coast. Here, it is not glaciers and mountain lakes that dominate the scenery, but powerful Pacific waves. The Piura region, in particular, is well known among surfers and attracts water sports enthusiasts from various countries.
Máncora, Los Órganos, and Cabo Blanco represent different coastal landscapes and conditions on the water. Cabo Blanco enjoys a special reputation among experienced surfers. The small coastal town has been known for decades for its powerful waves. Further south, Chicama in La Libertad is equally captivating: the town is famous for its exceptionally long, left-breaking waves.
But the north coast offers more than just something for water sports enthusiasts. Fishing villages, quieter coastal sections, and regional cuisine also make it attractive to travelers who want to combine sports activities with relaxation. This mix in particular could attract even more international visitors in the future.
Waterfalls and dense jungle! Adventure in the heart of nature
The adventure continues spectacularly in northern Peru as well. In the Amazonas region, deep valleys, forested mountain slopes, and impressive waterfalls await. The landscape differs significantly from the dry coastal regions and offers numerous opportunities for hikes and nature excursions.
One of the best-known waterfalls is Catarata de Gocta. The massive waterfall is located in a green mountain landscape and can be reached via hiking trails. Even the path there leads through dense vegetation and offers impressive views.
Around Chachapoyas, travelers can find further opportunities for hikes and nature excursions. At the same time, the region has a rich cultural heritage that can be combined with an active holiday. Even further east, visitors in the Madre de Dios Amazon region can experience tropical forests, rivers, and extraordinary wildlife on guided tours.
Anyone visiting remote areas should choose experienced local operators and follow the rules of the respective protected areas. Nature is the main attraction here and requires special protection.
Full speed through the desert! In Ica, sand becomes an adventure
Are mountains, rainforests, and the Pacific not enough? Peru has an answer for that too. The Ica region offers huge sand dunes. The Huacachina oasis, located between massive sand mountains, is particularly well known.
Excursions into the surrounding desert landscape start here. Sandboarding and rides in special off-road vehicles are among the most popular activities. The landscape offers particularly impressive views at sunset when the low-lying sun illuminates the dunes.
However, high-speed rides can be dangerous. Reliable operators, suitable equipment, and compliance with local safety rules are therefore crucial. Anyone booking such a tour should not rely solely on the lowest price.
More than 250,000 votes! Peru captivates the travel world
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards are among the well-known public awards in the international travel industry. The 25th edition once again brought numerous countries and destinations into competition. More than 250,000 readers participated in the vote.
Peru not only managed to reach the top of the adventure category. In the general ranking of the most desirable countries, the South American country came in eighth place. In adventure tourism, however, Peru was able to leave the competition behind.
For the Peruvian tourism industry, the award means international attention above all else. However, it cannot be inferred whether this will lead directly to increased visitor numbers. Flight connections, costs, safety, and tourism infrastructure also influence travel decisions.
Now the world is looking at Peru! Northern Peru could also benefit
The tourism promotion organization PROMPERÚ is working to position Peru internationally as a versatile travel destination. In doing so, less-visited regions are intended to gain more attention alongside well-known attractions. Nature and adventure travel offer opportunities to appeal to new groups of visitors.
This could be particularly interesting for northern Peru. Piura, Áncash, Amazonas, and San Martín possess great landscape diversity. Between Pacific beaches, high mountains, and tropical forests lie numerous destinations that do not yet enjoy the same international fame as Cusco.
Events for adventure and nature tourism are also intended to enable new contacts. One example is the Peru Outdoor Expo, whose second edition took place in the Amazonas region in 2026. Such events bring tourism operators together and can open up new business opportunities.
Whether the gold award will actually lead to more bookings remains to be seen. At the same time, sensitive natural areas must be protected. But one thing is certain: Peru has left two strong competitors behind in an international reader's choice. Gold for Peru! A success that puts the country's extraordinary diversity in the international spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Peru win in 2026?
Peru won gold at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026 in the "Most Desirable Destination for Adventure" category.
Which countries came after Peru?
Canada took second place, New Zealand third.
When was Peru awarded?
The awards ceremony took place on November 4, 2026, at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich near London.
What adventures can you undertake in Peru?
Trekking in the Andes, surfing on the Pacific coast, sandboarding in Ica, and guided nature tours in the Amazon region are among the well-known activities.
Which destinations in northern Peru are interesting?
Huaraz, the Amazonas region, and the surf areas on the north coast offer diverse opportunities.
Who decides the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards?
The results are based on a vote by the readers of the British travel magazine Wanderlust.
Sources
Wanderlust Magazine: Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026, November 2026.
Agencia Peruana de Noticias Andina: Reporting on Peru's gold award, November 2026.
PROMPERÚ: Information on the international promotion of adventure tourism in Peru.
Latin American Travel Association: Information on the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026.
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