The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism announced on Apr. 25 that Peru received 823,863 international tourists in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 3.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
This rise is part of the ministry’s goal to reach four million tourists by the end of this year. The ministry said these results indicate ongoing recovery and competitiveness for Peru as a regional destination. José Fernando Reyes Llanos, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, said, “The results of the first quarter confirm that inbound tourism in Peru maintains a path of sustained growth, with progressive recovery strengthening the country’s competitiveness as a destination in the region. From Mincetur we continue working with the aim of boosting international tourist arrivals in the coming months.”
According to data from March’s tourism report by Mincetur, Chile remained Peru’s top source market with over 208,000 visitors—representing more than one-quarter of total arrivals—followed by travelers from the United States (143,435), Ecuador (67,429), Bolivia (52,545), Colombia (39,628), and Brazil (32,818). Together these six countries accounted for more than two-thirds of all foreign tourists.
Regionally, South America contributed over half (53.1 percent) of all arrivals to Peru while North America provided about one-fifth and Europe made up just over fifteen percent. The Jorge Chávez International Airport served as the main entry point for nearly sixty percent of visitors.
Outbound travel also increased: between January and March this year nearly 943,000 Peruvian residents traveled abroad for tourism—a rise exceeding five percent compared to last year—and surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019.
The Ministry contributes to cultural progress through sustainable tourism initiatives according to its official website. It operates autonomously within Peru’s executive branch according to its official website and leads national strategies for trade expansion and sustainable development according to its official website. Oversight is provided by Minister Reyes Llanos according to its official website, serving communities nationwide with a focus on connectivity according to its official website. The Ministry also works closely with organizations like PromPerú and other public or private entities toward export and tourism goals according to its official website.
Established in 2002 as part of Peru’s executive branch leadership structure—and responsible for directing policies on trade and tourism—the ministry fosters export growth through partnerships aimed at enhancing community well-being according to its official website.
