The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism invited the public on April 3 to visit the towns of Quinua, Sarhua, Lamas, and Sibayo during the long Easter holiday from April 2 to April 5. These locations are recognized as “Pueblos con Encanto” for their cultural traditions, crafts, and proximity to natural attractions.
The ministry said these destinations offer travelers a chance to experience local heritage while supporting tourism development. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism to foster sustainable tourism and social inclusion across Peru, according to the official website.
To help travelers plan their trips, the ministry provides several resources: an official directory with information about each destination and its services; a travel deals platform called “Y tú qué planes”; and IPERÚ, a free tourist information service available around the clock by phone or WhatsApp. These tools aim to make it easier for visitors to explore recognized towns such as Quinua—known for its colonial Andean architecture and artisan ceramics—and Sarhua, famous for its traditional painted boards declared National Cultural Heritage.
Lamas stands out as the first “Pueblo con Encanto” in Peru’s jungle region. It offers opportunities for experiential tourism within indigenous communities and features landmarks like Wasca Wasca Warmi Wasi craft center and Castillo de Lamas. Sibayo in Arequipa is noted for its stone houses reflecting pre-Hispanic heritage, colonial church, suspension bridge over Colca River, traditional weaving activities, and local cuisine. Both Quinua (in 2024) and Lamas (in 2022) were recognized by UN Tourism as among the world’s Best Tourism Villages.
Currently there are fourteen destinations in Peru that hold this recognition including Malabrigo, Cascas (La Libertad), Yanque (Arequipa), Villa Rica, Oxapampa, Pozuzo (Pasco), Huancaya (Lima), Ollantaytambo (Cusco), Chacas and Chavín de Huántar (Áncash).
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism belongs to Peru’s Executive Branch with sector-specific autonomy according to the official website. It directs national strategies on foreign trade expansion while promoting sustainable tourism development according to the official website. The ministry also serves communities nationwide by focusing on trade facilitation and improving tourism connectivity according to the official website, working alongside organizations such as PromPerú according to the official website.
