Peru conquers Canada and awakens the world: a destination that has it all

Written by:

peru.travel

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Over the past few months, Peru has been featured on the front pages of various Canadian media outlets. From travel magazines and newspapers to digital press and television programs, the many wonders of its tourist destinations have been widely showcased.

For instance, the Canadian magazine Travel Life published an in-depth report on a cruise through the Amazon, highlighting its cultural biodiversity. The regions of Ica and Loreto also stood out for their culinary excellence, captivating visitors with the rich flavors of their traditional dishes.

Canadian Geographic, one of Canada’s leading travel and culture publications, featured a special story about a hiking experience in Cusco designed exclusively for female travelers.

The print magazine ELLE Gourmet also published a detailed six-page report on the culinary delights of Lima and Cusco. The article was written by editor Erin McLaughlin, who shared her personal experiences during her visit to Peru.

Likewise, Châtelaine magazine, aimed at French-speaking audiences, published an article recommending various places to visit in Lima and suggesting activities in the Peruvian capital—such as exploring archaeological sites like the San Francisco Convent Museum, and combining them with adventure and cultural discovery. This coverage was made possible thanks to journalist Maureen Halushak’s trip to attend the Perú Mucho Gusto Lima food festival.

National and international visitors at the Perú Mucho Gusto Fair. © Perú Mucho Gusto

Finally, the renowned media outlet La Presse, which reaches nearly 4 million readers, published three featured stories written by journalist Eve Dumas, who traveled through Peru’s coast, highlands, and rainforest. Her articles, titled “Lima, Beyond Ceviche”, “A Lodge to Explore the Sacred Valley”, and “The Peruvian Amazon in Full Comfort”, offer a broad and diverse perspective on Peru as a travel destination.

Peru and Its Unmissable Tourist Destinations

Iquitos

It is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest and also the capital of the Loreto region, the most extensive in the country. This city can only be reached by air or river, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the rainforest.

- Amazon River: You can navigate the world’s mightiest river starting from Iquitos.

- Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: Known as “the jungle of mirrors,” it is one of the largest reserves in Peru—an ideal place to spot pink dolphins, caimans, birds, and much more.

What typical dishes can you try in Iquitos?

In Iquitos, you can enjoy a rich, exotic gastronomy filled with unique Amazonian flavors! The Iquitueña cuisine is characterized by the use of rainforest’s ingredients, river fish, tropical fruits, and traditional preparations.

- Juane: Rice seasoned with turmeric, chicken (or hen), hard-boiled egg, and olive, wrapped in bijao leaves. Traditionally served during the San Juan festival (June 24), but enjoyed year-round.

- Tacacho with Cecina or Chorizo: Balls of roasted and mashed green plantain (tacacho), served with cecina (smoked pork) or regional chorizo.

- Patarashca: River fish (such as doncella or paiche) seasoned with sweet chili, sachaculantro, onion, and salt, wrapped in bijao leaves and cooked on the grill.

- Inchicapi: Chicken soup with peanuts, cilantro, and yucca.

- Timbuche: A concentrated broth made from fish and cilantro.

- Inchicucho: A dish made from corn, peanuts, and chili.

Juane. © José Cáceres / PROMPERÚ

What is the best time to visit Iquitos?

The best time to visit Iquitos is from May to October, during the dry season. The reduced rainfall and sunny days will make rainforest excursions easier and more enjoyable.

It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the stunning landscapes and observe the local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

How to get to Iquitos from Canada?

The fastest route to Iquitos is by taking an international flight from Canada to Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in Lima, the capital of Peru. The flight time is approximately 14 hours. Then, you will need to board another flight to Iquitos, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Ica

Ica is one of the most complete destinations in Peru: it combines desert, sea, history, culture, Pisco, and adventure. Here is a guide to the main places you can explore:

- Laguna de Huacachina: A natural oasis surrounded by palm trees and giant sand dunes.

Laguna de Huacachina in Ica. © Enrique Castro-Mendívil / PROMPERÚ

- Pisco Routes: Ica is the capital of Peruvian pisco. On this journey, you can visit both traditional and modern wineries, such as Tacama, El Catador, Vista Alegre, and Nietto. These bodegas offer tastings of the finest pisco, the iconic Peruvian spirit, while also providing insight into the traditional production methods and modern innovations of this beloved drink.

- Nasca and Palpa Lines and Geoglyphs: These enigmatic figures, etched into the desert, can only be fully appreciated from the air. You can take a scenic flight from Ica or Pisco to see the famous Nasca Lines, or travel overland to Nasca for a closer look. These ancient geoglyphs remain one of the greatest mysteries of the world, offering a fascinating glimpse into pre-Columbian cultures.

- Reserva Nacional de Paracas: Located just an hour and a half from Ica, the Paracas National Reserve is a protected natural area by the sea, perfect for observing marine wildlife and coastal desert formations. Playa Roja, La Catedral, and Lagunillas are must-visit spots within the reserve, offering stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems.

- Ballestas Islands: Known as the "Peruvian Galapagos," the Ballestas Islands are accessible by motorized boats, where you can witness a rich variety of wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, guanay birds, and more. Don't miss the iconic geoglyph El Candelabro, a mysterious figure carved into the cliffs that can also be seen from the boat. These islands offer a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Peru's coastal biodiversity.

© Eduardo Cayo / PROMPERÚ

What typical dishes can you try in Ica?

Ica offers a delicious and varied cuisine! Its food combines coastal, Andean, and Afro-Peruvian flavors, enriched with local ingredients. Here’s a list of some must-try dishes:7

- Carapulcra con Sopa Seca: This is the most representative dish of Ica. It consists of a thick stew made with dried potatoes, peanut, ají panca (a type of chili pepper), and pork, served alongside sopa seca, which is a flavorful dish of noodles cooked with cilantro, basil, ají amarillo, and meat. It's a comforting, hearty dish that showcases the best of Ica’s culinary traditions.

© Sebastián Castañeda / PROMPERÚ

- Chupe de Pallares Verdes: A creamy soup made with pallares (a type of bean typical to Ica), milk, cheese, eggs, and herbs. This dish is hearty and comforting, offering a rich blend of flavors that highlight the region's agricultural produce.

- Picante de Pallares: A thick, flavorful stew made with green pallares (Lima beans), one of the most iconic agricultural products from the Ica Valley. It's characterized by its creamy texture, slightly spicy flavor, and the use of local ingredients such as ají panca, ají mirasol (another type of chili pepper), and beef or pork. This dish is a true taste of Ica’s rich culinary heritage.

- Ensalada de Pallares: The most representative salad of Ica, prepared with cooked pallares, red onion, lime, ají limo, cilantro, and sometimes hard-boiled egg or fresh cheese. It’s fresh, simple, and very nutritious, making it the perfect side dish or light meal.

Green Pallar Salad. © Adrián Portugal / PROMPERÚ

What is the best time to visit Ica?

You can visit Ica year-round, as its climate is magical. However, it is recommended to bring warm clothing from June to September due to the low temperatures, which are particularly noticeable in the mornings and evenings.

How can you get to Ica from Canada?

You will need to take an international flight to Lima, which takes about 14 hours, and then travel by land to the city of Ica. The distance is 300 km, which takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant city that combines history, modernity, culture, and gastronomy! Here are the main places you can visit in Lima, organized by type of experience:

- Plaza Mayor: Surrounded by the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Municipal Palace.

- Lima Cathedral and San Francisco Catacombs: History, religious art, and mystery underground.

© José Orihuela / PROMPERÚ

- Casa de la Literatura Peruana (House of Peruvian Literature): Featuring a Republican architectural style, this building was inaugurated in 1926. Its neoclassical façade stands out, along with the sober and elegant decoration inside.

- Casa Aliaga: Built in 1535, it is the oldest colonial house in Lima, showcasing a Viceroyal architectural style.

- Malecón de Miraflores: A seaside promenade with parks, sculptures, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

- Larcomar: A shopping center embedded in the cliffs with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.

- Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs): Located in the Barranco district, this bridge holds a magical story. Surrounding it, you’ll find urban murals, galleries, and bars offering live music.

- Museo Larco: Located in the Pueblo Libre district, this museum houses high-quality pre-Columbian art, beautiful gardens, and a charming café.

- Lugar de la Memoria (LUM): A modern museum dedicated to the recent social history of Peru.

- Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit): A spectacular display of illuminated fountains, music, and nightly shows.

Magical Water Circuit in the Parque de la Reserva of Lima © Alex Bryce / PROMPERÚ

What typical dishes can you eat in Lima?

- Ceviche: Peru's signature dish. Fresh fish marinated in lime juice, accompanied by red onion, chili, cilantro, and served with sweet potato and Peruvian corn (choclo). There are many variations: mixed (with seafood), tiradito (thinly sliced), among others.

- Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with tomato, onion, yellow chili, and soy sauce, served with white rice and french fries. A criollo fusion with Chinese influence.

- Anticuchos: Skewers of meat (traditionally beef heart) marinated in ají panca and spices, grilled to perfection.

- Ají de Gallina: A smooth and flavorful dish. Shredded chicken in a creamy sauce made with yellow chili, cheese, walnuts, and soaked bread, served with white rice and boiled potatoes.

What is the best time to visit Lima?

The best time to visit Lima is from December to April, when the weather is warmer, sunnier, and drier, making it perfect for enjoying both the city and its coastline.

How can you get to Lima from Canada?

You will need to take a direct international flight to Lima. The flight takes about 14 hours, but it will be worth it as you'll have access to interesting and magical districts to explore.

Cusco

Cusco is a gem of Peru, full of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes! It was the capital of the Inca Empire and is the gateway to Machupicchu. Here are the must-see places you can visit in Cusco.

- Plaza de Armas de Cusco: Located in the heart of the city, surrounded by colonial churches, is Cusco’s Main Square. It is the perfect place to start your tour and immerse yourself in the Cusco atmosphere.

- Saqsaywaman: An Inca fortress with massive carved stones, precisely assembled. It is an iconic place to learn about Inca engineering and their ancestral ceremonies.

- Qorikancha: The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the god Inti (the Sun). The Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent and Church on its foundations, but the Inca walls have been preserved.

- Inca Trail and Machupicchu: The most famous trek in the world—a 4-day route that ends at the Machupicchu citadel. If you don’t do the trek, you can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then hike up to Machupicchu.

- Sacred Valley of the Incas: This area includes towns and archaeological sites like Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and many others.

What typical dishes can you eat in Cusco?

- Cuy Chactado: Whole fried guinea pig, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is served with potatoes and chili sauce.

- Pachamanca: An ancestral dish cooked underground with hot stones. It includes meats such as chicken, pork, beef, as well as potatoes, broad beans, sweet potatoes, and corn.

- Chiri Uchu: A cold dish especially served during festivals. It is a mix of guinea pig, chicken, ham, dried fish, cheese, toasted corn, rocoto, and other ingredients. It represents the diversity of Cusco's gastronomy.

What is the best time to visit Cusco?

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to November. The temperatures are pleasant, and you'll be able to do trekking and explore Machupicchu, among other archaeological sites, without any rain. Additionally, June is a special month for the people of Cusco and Peru, as it is when the Inti Raymi festival -honoring the sun- is held.

How can you get to Cusco from Canada?

Take a direct flight to Lima, which will take approximately 14 hours. Once in the capital of Peru, take a domestic flight to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Contact the experts!

If you'd like more information about this and other destinations in the Metropolitan Lima region, you can contact IPERÚ specialists at (51-1) 616 73 00, extensions 3150/3151, (51) 980 843 312, (51) 979 980 536, or email iperu@promperu.gob.pe and iperulima@promperu.gob.pe.

The offices are located at:

- Av. Jorge Basadre 610, San Isidro
- Av. José A. Larco, block 7 (in front of Banco Banbif)
- Cl. General Borgoño, block 7 (Parque Sarrio).

Remember that IPERÚ is the official service of PROMPERÚ and is available 24 hours a day via WhatsApp at +51 944 492 314. It is dedicated to providing information and assistance to both local and international travelers.

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