Lilshira
Peru tourism arrivals fall 0.9% in first nine months of 2026
International tourist arrivals to Peru dropped 0.9% in the first nine months of 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. The decline affects visitors from Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia, while the United States saw a modest rise.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- International arrivals fell 0.9% year‑on‑year
- Timing
- Data cover the first nine months of 2026
- Who is affected
- Tourists from Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and other markets
The details
- Announced by
- Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur)
Overall visitor numbers
Mincetur reported that 2,539,579 foreign visitors arrived in Peru during the first three quarters of 2026. This represents a 0.9% drop compared with the same period in 2025 and a shortfall of roughly 22,000 travellers against the nine‑month total recorded in 2025.
Key source markets
Chile remained Peru’s largest source market but saw a 7.5% decline, with 501,000 Chilean visitors compared with 539,000 in 2025. The United States recorded a 3.3% increase, bringing 481,000 visitors, the second‑largest source market.
- Colombia arrivals fell 8.4%
- Ecuador arrivals fell 3.6%
- Bolivia arrivals fell 3.5%
Geographical distribution and entry points
South America supplied 48.7% of arrivals (1,236,450 tourists), North America 24.5% (621,000) and Europe 18.2% (461,000). Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima handled 1,700,000 passengers, accounting for 66.8% of all international arrivals.
- Santa Rosa de Tacna border post: 363,000 visitors
- Tumbes Binational Border Service Center: 188,000 visitors
- Puno controls (Desaguadero/Carancas): 120,000 visitors
Government response
PROMPERÚ’s executive president Teresa Mera said the government is intensifying promotion, digitalisation and public‑private partnerships to reverse the trend and reach pre‑COVID visitor levels within 2026.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers planning visits to Peru should monitor updated arrival statistics for potential service adjustments.
- Airlines and tour operators may revise capacity on routes from Chile and other declining markets.
Cost and documents
- No changes to visa fees, insurance requirements or entry documentation are reported.
- Travel costs remain unaffected by the statistical decline.
What you need to do
- Prospective visitors should keep an eye on promotional offers announced by PROMPERÚ.
- Travel agents may want to advise clients about the current market trends.
Who this affects
-
Chile nationals planning to visit Peru
Chile accounts for the largest share of the decline in arrivals.
-
Travel agents selling Peru packages
Overall visitor numbers are falling, affecting demand.
-
Airlines operating Lima routes
Jorge Chavez International Airport handles the majority of international traffic.
-
Tourists from the United States
U.S. arrivals rose slightly, contrasting the overall decline.
-
Border crossing operators at Santa Rosa de Tacna
The post recorded 363,000 visitors, a key entry point.
Frequently asked questions
How many tourists visited Peru in the first nine months of 2026?
A total of 2,539,579 foreign visitors arrived in Peru during the first three quarters of 2026, according to Mincetur.
Did tourist arrivals from Chile increase or decrease in 2026?
Arrivals from Chile fell 7.5% year‑on‑year, with 501,000 Chilean visitors in the first nine months of 2026.
Which market showed growth in Peru in 2026?
The United States saw a 3.3% increase, bringing 481,000 American tourists to Peru in the same period.
What are the main entry points for international visitors to Peru?
Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima handled 1,700,000 passengers, while key land crossings include Santa Rosa de Tacna, Tumbes CEBAF and Puno controls.
Is the Peruvian government taking any action to address the decline?
Yes, PROMPERÚ is boosting international promotion, digitalisation and public‑private partnerships to try to restore visitor numbers to pre‑COVID levels in 2026.
