December 11, 2024 — For the 6th time, Peru has been named among the world's best destinations by the World Travel Awards, considered the "Oscars of tourism." This year, the country claimed 3 titles: best cultural destination, best culinary destination, and best tourist attraction in the world with Machu Picchu.

The World's Best Cultural Destination

Marked by the traces of ancient civilizations, such as the Incas and the Chachapoya culture, Peru holds countless historical and cultural sites. Among the archaeological sites not to miss in Peru, we can mention:

• The iconic Machu Picchu,
• The ruins of Pisac,
• The Moray complex,
• The Cumbe Mayo site,
• The Ventanillas of Otuzco,
• The fortified city of Kuelap,
• Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas,
• The lines of Nazca,
• The Cahuachi archaeological site and its pyramids,
• The Caral archaeological site in Peru,
• And many more...

Beyond its remnants of the past, Peru is known for its vibrant culture embodied by traditional festivals and ancestral rituals, such as the Qoyllur Rit'iy festival or the Carnival of Cajamarca.

Given all these cultural treasures, it comes as no surprise that Peru was crowned the world's best cultural destination in 2024. As Le Figaro notes: "It is the fruit of a carefully preserved heritage and living transmission that resonates with visitors."

Machu Picchu Named World's Best Tourist Attraction

For the sixth time, Machu Picchu has been designated the world's best tourist attraction in 2024. A testament to the grandeur of the Inca empire, this ancient city perched at 7,970 feet in the Andes mountain heights attracts millions of visitors each year. So much so that regulatory measures have been put in place to preserve the site (daily visitor limits, for instance).

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historical and cultural gem is now certified as carbon neutral, demonstrating that architectural grandeur can coexist with ecological imperatives.

To learn more, discover our articles about Machu Picchu:

• Machu Picchu Trekking: 5 trails to reach the ancient Inca city!
• 10 essential things to know about Machu Picchu
• A practical guide to Machu Picchu

The World's Best Culinary Destination

Peru was also crowned the world's best culinary destination for the twelfth time by the World Travel Awards. It's hardly surprising — Peruvian gastronomy is among the richest and most varied cuisines in the world thanks to its multiple influences (indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian) and the diversity of ingredients cultivated across the territory.

Among the culinary specialties you must try in Peru are:

• The must-try ceviche,
• Lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef (or chicken or pork) with vegetables,
• Ají de gallina, chicken in chili and cream sauce,
• Arroz con pollo, rice with chicken and spices,
• Carapulcra, an indigenous stew made with dried potatoes

Did you know?

Peruvian gastronomy holds the world record for the number of national dishes! In fact, there are no fewer than 491 different dishes cataloged across the entire territory.

Discover all our articles on Peruvian cuisine:

• Gaston Acurio: An exceptional chef of Peruvian gastronomy
• Top 5 Best Ceviches in Lima
• Peru and Chocolate: A Beautiful Story!
• Pisco: The national drink to taste during a stay in Peru
• What to eat in Lima?

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet — A web content writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but about weaving connections—often invisible but always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her philosophy? To advise travelers with integrity, to awaken their consciousness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a path, in the course of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…