Peru has achieved a major success in an international readers' poll. At the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026, the South American country secured gold as the most desirable adventure travel destination. Particularly noteworthy: alongside well-known attractions, Kuélap and the Amazonas region are also coming into focus. This could open up new opportunities for tourism in northern Peru.
Peru leaves Canada and New Zealand behind
According to the readers of the British travel magazine Wanderlust, Peru is one of the world's most desirable adventure travel destinations. At the awards ceremony on November 4, 2026, in Greenwich near London, the country received gold in the category "Most Desirable Destination for Adventure". Canada came in second place, followed by New Zealand in third.
The award is part of the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, in which travel enthusiasts vote for their favorite destinations. According to the organizer, more than 250,000 readers participated. In total, around 8.2 million votes were cast across all categories. For Peru, this is a major success in international marketing. The country is thus recognized not only for its world-famous cultural sites but also for its mountains, forests, coastal landscapes, and exceptional opportunities for active holidaymakers.
Not just Machu Picchu: Kuélap takes center stage
The award for northern Peru is particularly interesting. With Kuélap, the impressive Chachapoya fortress in Amazonas, the region boasts an archaeological site that is significantly less known internationally than Machu Picchu. The massive complex is located on a mountain ridge above the Utcubamba Valley. Its mighty stone walls and numerous circular buildings bear witness to a culture that shaped the northern Andes long before the Spanish conquest.
Kuélap is one of northern Peru's most important archaeological sites. Nevertheless, the region often remains in the shadow of the tourist centers in the south on international round-trip tours. The stone figures found in Kuélap in 2026 show how important the site continues to be for research. The so-called Illas raise new questions about religious beliefs and the influence of the Incas.
The attention from international travel media could also benefit the city of Chachapoyas and the surrounding communities. Accommodation providers, restaurants, transport companies, and local tour operators could benefit from increased demand. However, it remains to be seen whether this will actually result in additional visitors. Accessibility, the condition of the infrastructure, and reliable access to the attractions will remain crucial.
Gocta Waterfall: Northern Peru has more to offer than historic sites
Those traveling to Amazonas will find not only Kuélap but also an extraordinary natural landscape. Among the best-known destinations is Gocta Waterfall, which cascades down several levels through the region's green mountain forests. The hiking trails to the waterfall pass through small villages, agricultural areas, and damp forest regions. It is precisely this combination of nature, exercise, and regional culture that makes Amazonas attractive to adventure travelers.
The rock tombs of Revash and the sarcophagi of Karajía are also among the region's attractions. They show that northern Peru has its own archaeological history that extends far beyond the well-known Inca sites. Those wishing to travel the region can find more information about landscapes and destinations in the article on the northern Peruvian highlands with Cajamarca, Chachapoyas, Kuélap, and Gocta. However, weather, road conditions, and local access restrictions can affect planning.
Adventure holidays in Peru: These regions benefit from the diversity
Peru offers completely different landscapes within a relatively small geographical area. The Pacific coast attracts with beaches and surfing areas, while the Andes feature high mountains, deep valleys, and remote hiking regions. To the east, the tropical forests of the Amazon basin begin. The Cordillera Blanca in Áncash is particularly well-known. Its snow-capped peaks and high-altitude lakes attract hikers and mountaineers. The northern Pacific coast, on the other hand, offers opportunities for water sports and beach holidays.
Regions such as Cajamarca, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Piura also have tourist attractions that differ significantly from the classic travel routes in the south. This is precisely one of Peru's strengths. The country offers not only individual famous attractions but also numerous opportunities to combine culture, nature, and active holidays.
What the international tourism award really means for Peru
The success at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards is first and foremost an award from a travel-interested audience. It shows that Peru enjoys a high level of awareness and strong appeal among international travelers. Such an award can generate additional attention. Tour operators, media, and potential holidaymakers could thus become more aware of offers that have previously received less attention.
For the Peruvian tourism industry, this is an opportunity. Regions away from the established travel routes could particularly benefit from broader international recognition. However, there is an important caveat: The award is not an official assessment of the tourism infrastructure, nor is it evidence of increasing visitor numbers. It is based on the votes of the readers of a travel magazine. Whether the recognition actually leads to more bookings can only be assessed using subsequent tourism data.
Northern Peru could become the winner of international attention
The award comes at an interesting time for northern Peru. The region has numerous attractions that are still relatively unknown among international holidaymakers. At the same time, Peru is planning extensive investments in tourism. As PeruMagazin has already reported, more than 3.5 billion soles will be invested in four major tourism projects. These include projects around Kuélap and the beaches in the north.
Improvements are also planned for the archaeological site itself. New visitor paths and a modernized visitor center in Kuélap are intended to improve future tourism use and the communication of the Chachapoya history.
Increased international demand could create economic momentum for local providers. At the same time, a potential increase in visitor numbers places demands on transport links, visitor management, and the protection of sensitive natural and cultural sites. The international award thus offers an opportunity, but does not replace investments in tourism infrastructure. Whether northern Peru can derive long-term benefits from this will depend crucially on how well the regions are prepared for additional visitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which international tourism award did Peru win?
Peru won gold in the category "Most Desirable Destination for Adventure" at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026.
When did the awards ceremony take place?
The award was presented on November 4, 2026, in Greenwich near London.
Which countries took the other places?
Canada came in second place, and New Zealand took third place.
Why is Kuélap important for tourism in northern Peru?
The archaeological site is one of the most important monuments of the Chachapoya culture and is an important travel destination in the Amazonas region.
What other attractions are there in Amazonas?
Among the well-known destinations are Gocta Waterfall, the Karajía sarcophagi, and the Revash rock tombs.
Does the award mean that more tourists will now travel to Peru?
Not necessarily. The readers' poll shows the country's international popularity, but provides no concrete data on additional visitors or bookings.
Sources
- Wanderlust: Reader Travel Awards 2026, official results.
- Wanderlust: Reporting on the awards ceremony in November 2026.
- Agencia Peruana de Noticias Andina: Reports on Peru's international tourism award, November 2026.
