The second edition of the National Geographic Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 recognized the Latin American country alongside 15 other winners.
Peru’s natural, culinary, and cultural wealth, a source of global fascination, has once again been recognized on a grand scale. This time, the country has been honored with the prestigious National Geographic Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, presented by the renowned travel publication. This is the second consecutive year the award has been given, with Peru ranking among 15 winners and five special mentions out of 75 global finalists.
The international publication also highlighted Peru’s natural, cultural, and culinary wealth, starting with must-see destinations for tourists from around the world, such as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Trail in Cusco; the spectacular Peruvian Amazon, one of the most impressive natural areas for its variety of local flora and fauna; the enigmatic Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs in Ica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and much more.
Each region in Peru boasts a unique culinary culture, a testament to the country’s rich heritage. From traditional dishes inherited from ancestral cultures to creations that reflect the unique variety of ingredients grown on this sacred land, Peru’s cuisine is a journey in itself. It ranges from marine delicacies like ceviche, whose techniques have been declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, to high Andean rituals represented in Pachamanca, a tradition that is also an offering to Mother Earth; the mix of flavors in Arequipean cuisine, now trending worldwide; the exquisite dishes of the jungle such as patarashca and the iconic juane; Pisco, Peru’s national spirit; and many more.
This recognition is a significant honor for Peru, which competed in the mentioned category with Egypt, Colombia, Morocco, and Uzbekistan. South American countries share their imposing history, traditions, and legacy with visitors worldwide.