With the introduction of Air Transat flights from Toronto and Montréal to Lima, Canadians have a direct route to the South American nation known for stunning natural landscapes, historical treasures, exceptional cuisine – and affordability. With this in mind, here’s a look at some of the most recent tourism developments in the country, including digital nomads, ceviche and coffee culture, and new treks, tours, and packages in the pipeline:

Tours

• Transat adds Peru packages and hotels to enhance Lima service: A range of new packages and à la carte hotel options in Lima have been introduced by Air Transat to coincide with the launch of year-round flights from Toronto and Montréal to Lima. Packages include handpicked accommodations in Lima, along with additional choices in Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Urubamba, and Puno. Transat is also planning to unveil a variety of excursions throughout Peru geared toward enriching the travel experience for those looking to explore different regions of the country.
• Women’s-only Sacred Valley & Salkantay Tour to Machu Picchu with Alpaca Expeditions (June 2024): Featuring an all-female team of guides, porters and chefs, Alpaca Expeditions will offer a women-only, seven-day Salkantay & Sacred Valley Tour this June. Participants will find themselves in a range of accommodations, including unique options like glass cabañas and charming hobbit houses, while embarking on an off-the-beaten-path trek along the Salkantay Trail, exploring the Sacred Valley, hiking to Humantay Lake and touring Machu Picchu. Participants will also experience immersive culinary workshops, wine tastings, guided coffee tours and an educational excursion to an alpaca farm to learn about the traditional art of weaving.
• Geluxe Collection by G Adventures offers 5 Peru tours (August 2024): Recently, G Adventures revealed its new Geluxe Collection, including five Peru tours scheduled to debut in August. This exclusive series blends active adventure with luxury, offering unique accommodations and personalized experiences. A standout feature is the “Your OMG Stay” program, which selects exceptional lodgings – such as Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley and Refugio Amazonas Lodge – for their noteworthy features. Travellers can also choose between two activities that align with their interests with the “Your OMG Day” program, whether it’s a hike to the Templo de la Luna or a culinary tour of Cusco, a via ferrata adventure or a hike to Perilnilloq Waterfall. Aside from lavish experiences for active adventurers, Geluxe trips provide travellers with the chance to immerse themselves in local culture and traditional practices and to share meals with residents.
• Veuve Clicquot and Belmond team up, launch Solaire Journey (October 2024): Leading luxury hospitality brand Belmond has partnered with the prestigious champagne house, Veuve Clicquot, to launch the Solaire Journey for discerning travellers. This premium train voyage is set to debut in Peru from Oct. 21 to 26, offering a remarkable adventure from Cusco to Arequipa aboard the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer trains. Along the way, guests will discover iconic landmarks, including Machu Picchu, the La Raya mountain range, Lake Titicaca and the floating Uros Islands made entirely of cattail reeds. The Solaire Journey promises a one-of-a-kind experience in Peru with guided tours and exclusive Solaire activities enhanced by Veuve Clicquot champagne pairings and unforgettable fine dining experiences.

Digital Nomad Visa

Peru is gaining popularity among digital nomads for its affordability. To boost tourism and encourage cultural exchange, the government is preparing to introduce a digital nomad visa, offering international remote workers a one-year stay with the potential for extension.

As a picturesque coastal city with year-round pleasant temperatures and peppered with stylish neighbourhoods, historical attractions, ancient architecture, diverse restaurants and charming cafés, Lima is at the heart of the digital nomad wave in Peru. These aspects, along with a surging digital nomad community, improved internet connectivity and an expanding metro system, boost Lima’s appeal for workers seeking a vibrant, culturally rich, and well-connected living experience abroad.

Ceviche recognized

The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has recently been expanded to include Peruvian ceviche culture. Spotlighting raw fish marinated in lime juice, this dish is a culinary staple throughout the country, with regional ingredients leading to diverse variations. Not limited to special occasions, ceviche (photo) is enjoyed as an everyday meal. The UNESCO designation highlights the techniques and knowledge of artisanal fishermen, farmers, cooks, and chefs who have kept this Peruvian culinary tradition alive, grounded in the rich diversity of ingredients and practices.

Ceviche culture is the 12th Peruvian entry on the list, but is the first to cover Peru’s culinary culture, and the first to stretch across all parts of Peru. Other Peruvian entries include the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno, the Wititi dance of the Colca Valley and Taquile and its textile art.

Coffee culture

Peru’s comforting coffee culture provides a glimpse into the country’s daily rituals and visitors to Lima can experience it in some of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.

• Étcétera Café (Miraflores): In April 2023, Étcétera Café opened its doors in Lima’s desirable Miraflores district. This splendid, two-storey café boasts a modern yet cozy interior adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows. It exclusively serves Peruvian coffee from the Cusco region and offers a small yet well-designed brunch menu, highlighted by its ever-evolving eggs Benedict selections.
• Café de Lima (Miraflores): Café de Lima in Miraflores stands out as one of Lima’s most beautiful coffeehouses. Within a former home, its two-storey, spacious layout showcases contemporary design with charming murals throughout. Outside, visitors will be delighted to find a shaded terrace, embellished with greenery for a secluded, garden-like feel. The café serves 100% Arabica coffee sourced from the Cusco and Cajamarca regions and has earned a solid reputation for its house-made artisanal breads.
• Ciclos Café (Barranco): Ciclos Café, located in Lima’s chic and artistic Barranco neighbourhood, is admired by world-renowned Chef Pía Léon. A must-visit for java aficionados, the owners’ deep passion for coffee inspires an immersive experience. With a dedication to showcasing the finest in Peruvian coffee, the café offers a lineup of beans from producers in northern and central Peru, freshly prepared through various extraction methods to draw out unique flavours. To satisfy sweet-tooth cravings, visitors can saunter upstairs to El Cacaotal to sample artisanal Peruvian chocolates, crafted from ethically sourced, high-quality cacao beans.
• Pache Café (Barranco & Miraflores): Pache Café patrons get their caffeine fix at two distinct yet equally endearing locations: the rustic-chic flagship café in Miraflores and the stylish outpost in Barranco. Skilled baristas prepare Paché’s collection of 100% Peruvian coffees, including its Amazonas, Oxapampa, Cuzco and San Ignacio blends, through a range of sophisticated extraction techniques. Among the café’s baked goods, their flavoured croissants are a standout.
• Hibrido Coffee Bar (San Isidro): Hibrido Coffee Bar emerged in Lima’s upscale financial district, San Isidro specializes exclusively in Peruvian coffee, with blends from the Junin region and the town of San Ignacio in the Cajamarca region. These regions are renowned for producing coffee beans with fruity notes complemented by hints of chocolate and nuts. As well as specialty coffees, the café also serves creative Peruvian coffee cocktails, sweet treats, sandwiches, and light lunch fare, including their crowd-pleasing avocado toast with hummus and roasted tomatoes.