The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) announced on Apr. 17 that it is encouraging private sector participation for the museographic improvement of the visitor center at the Convento San Agustín in Zaña, Lambayeque. The initiative, part of “La Ruta de León,” will require an estimated investment of S/150,000.
This effort aims to enhance tourism infrastructure and experience in the region by involving both public and private actors. The project is considered significant as it supports regional tourism development while preserving cultural heritage.
Aracelly Laca Ramos, Vice Minister of Tourism, said during a meeting with local officials and business representatives: “Today we are brought together by a concrete objective: to promote private sector intervention for the tourist improvement of the visitor center at Convento San Agustín, a monument of high patrimonial value, whose improved conditions will strengthen the tourist experience along La Ruta de León in Lambayeque.” Laca Ramos also acknowledged private sector interest as crucial for this project’s success and reaffirmed a shared commitment to heritage conservation and tourism growth.
According to Mincetur, a museographic script has been developed for the visitor center focusing on its history, Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo’s life, and Augustinian tradition in Zaña. The plan includes two themed rooms centered on historical recovery, aesthetic identity, and visitor experience. As part of her agenda in Lambayeque region, Laca Ramos visited several religious sites connected with La Ruta de León.
“La Ruta de León” connects 22 tourist attractions across Lambayeque—such as churches, sanctuaries, museums, and archaeological complexes—under a management model involving government agencies like Mincetur working alongside religious institutions and private companies. This route links regions including Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Callao through locations tied to Robert Francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV).
Mincetur has secured over S/7.4 million from private entities for improvements related to this route. Additionally S/3 million each have been transferred to both the Regional Government of Lambayeque and Chiclayo’s Provincial Municipality for formalization measures such as signage and tourism promotion efforts affecting districts like Zaña.
The Ministry contributes to cultural progress by fostering sustainable tourism according to its official website. It operates autonomously within Peru’s Executive Branch according to official information while advancing national strategies on trade expansion through collaboration with organizations such as PromPerú as reported by Mincetur. Since its establishment in 2002 it has directed policies aimed at export growth and community well-being according to official sources.
