AGP Executive Report

Tourism Numbers: Peru logged 1,956,084 international arrivals from Jan–Jul 2026, a slight 0.1% dip year-on-year, with Jorge Chávez Airport handling 65.9% of entries. Papal Travel Boost: PromPeru expects Pope Leo XIV’s Peru visit to spur about 800,000 tourists and says foreign visitors may extend stays, with extra staff and training for regional tourism teams. Machu Picchu Access: The Machu Picchu Inca Trail tourist entry is set to resume on Sep 5. Trade & Logistics: Fresh Peruvian bananas debuted in China via the Chancay–Shanghai route, cutting transit time to about 23 days and clearing customs faster. Air Connectivity: LATAM plans to add/boost flights linking Asunción with Montevideo (from Q1 2027) and increase service to São Paulo and Lima, including Peru. Safety & Travel Disruption: A crash on NH 66 in Peru’s region of interest wasn’t covered; instead, Peru’s broader travel environment this week also includes heightened security cooperation tied to regional partnerships.

Machu Picchu Access: Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca Trail tourist entry is set to resume on Sep 5, a big win for travelers planning late-season hikes. Urban Transport: Lima is preparing to launch its first public cable car, Vaivén Miraflores, linking Miraflores to Playa Redondo II in under three minutes—built for pedestrians, plus bicycles, surfboards, and wheelchairs. El Niño Readiness: President Keiko Fujimori briefed the Peruvian Navy on El Niño response plans, with multiple vessels lined up along the coast starting mid-November. U.S.-Peru Diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (Sep 8–10), meeting President Fujimori and focusing on narcoterrorism and deeper commercial ties. Trade & Food Exports: Fresh Peruvian bananas have debuted in China via the Chancay–Shanghai route, with faster transit and tariff-free entry boosting agricultural exports. Cruise Tourism: Disney Cruise Line announced sailings to Canadian ports including Halifax, adding another family-friendly option for travelers eyeing Peru’s wider South American travel connections.

Machu Picchu Access: Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca Trail tourist entry will resume on Sep 5, a key update for travelers planning late-season hikes. Urban Transport: Lima’s Vaivén Miraflores cable car has finished main technical testing and is awaiting final admin and ticketing steps, offering a fast ride between Miraflores and Playa Redondo II. El Niño Readiness: President Keiko Fujimori briefed the Navy aboard B.A.P. Paita on El Niño response plans, including deploying multiple vessels along the coast starting mid-November. Air Connectivity: LATAM is expanding in Paraguay with more flights to São Paulo and Lima, and a new Asunción–Montevideo route planned for early 2027—good news for regional tourism links. Trade & Food Tourism: Fresh Peruvian bananas have debuted in China via the Chancay–Shanghai shipping route, cutting transit time and boosting Peru’s agricultural reach. US-Peru Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Peru next week to deepen cooperation on security and trade with President Keiko Fujimori. Peru in the Spotlight: A Time Out survey ranks Lima among the world’s best cities for clubbing, placing it near the top for nightlife.

Machu Picchu Access: Peru’s Inca Trail tourist entry will resume on Sep 5, a key update for travelers planning the start of the new season. Lima Transport: Lima’s first cable car, Vaivén Miraflores, has cleared main technical testing and certifications, with a short ride linking Parque Domodossola to Playa Redondo II—aimed at easing cliff-to-coast access for visitors. El Niño Readiness: President Keiko Fujimori backed Peru’s strengthened response capacity for El Niño, with Navy vessels and a staged coastal deployment plan starting mid-November. US-Peru Security & Trade: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Peru (Sept. 8–10) to deepen cooperation on narcoterrorism and commerce with President Keiko Fujimori. Peru Tourism Economy: Peru’s government projects the tourism sector could reach 3.7% of GDP in 2026, signaling continued push to grow visitor spending. Peru Crime Crackdown: Peru’s Interior Ministry and Armed Forces actions in Trujillo target extortion networks, including the push to capture “Los Pulpos” leadership.

Machu Picchu Access: Peru’s Inca Trail tourist entry is set to resume on Sep 5, a key boost for hikers and tour operators planning the shoulder season. Air Travel Update: United will suspend its Newark–Lima direct flights starting Mar 27, 2027, while adding two daily flights from Houston to Lima—important for Peru-bound travelers in the Northeast. Security & Crime: Peru confirmed the arrest in Bolivia of “Jhonsson Pulpo,” alleged leader of the extortion-linked Los Pulpos network, after months of joint intelligence work involving Bolivian police and U.S. agencies. Diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru next week to discuss trade and cooperation on drug trafficking and regional partnerships. Climate Risk for Travelers: Peru is flagged as highly vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods in the Andes, with scientists warning of rising disaster risk as glaciers melt. Tourism Economy: Peru’s government projects the tourism sector will reach 3.7% of GDP in 2026, underscoring policy focus on travel growth.

Machu Picchu Access Update: Peru says tourist entry to the Machu Picchu Inca Trail will resume on Sep 5 after recent weather damage, with Cusco route inspections and ongoing maintenance to keep the ancestral trail safe. Glacier Risk for Travelers: Peru’s glacier loss is now quantified: Inaigem reports 59% of glacier surface gone in 60 years, raising flood and overflow risks from newly formed glacial lakes. Crime & Security: Peru’s government says it has captured “Jhonsson Pulpo,” a key Los Pulpos figure, in Bolivia—an arrest that may disrupt extortion networks but won’t end the broader crisis. Diplomacy With a Travel Angle: Zelensky met Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori to reaffirm condemnation of Russia’s war and discuss trade and drone technology—signals that Peru’s international ties remain active for business travelers. Air Travel Change: United will suspend Newark–Lima direct flights starting Mar 27, 2027, while adding more Lima service from Houston.

Glacier Crisis for Travelers: Peru’s glacier inventory warns the country has lost 59% of its glacier surface in 60 years, with 528 dangerous overflow-risk lakes and 58 “very high risk” sites—an urgent reminder that high-altitude routes and water-dependent plans may face more disruptions. El Niño Readiness in Peru: Newly sworn-in President Keiko Fujimori toured Piura as officials cleared stormwater channels ahead of potentially severe El Niño rains, with NOAA forecasting a 69% chance of a strong event. Peru Tourism & Trade Push: Peru’s government says tourism could reach 3.7% of GDP in 2026, while trade talks aim to deepen links with Thailand and expand Asia-Pacific access after the Hong Kong agreement. Peru in the Travel Market: A new promotion from Explore Worldwide offers up to £878pp off select 2027 Peru Andes trips, including Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain itineraries. Amazon Adventure Launch: andBeyond opened bookings for the Amazon Explorer expedition yacht (starting Dec 2026), bringing small-guest rainforest voyages to Peru’s Amazon. Identity Theft Risk for Visitors: A major dark-web sale of stolen US/Canada ID scans has triggered an FBI inquiry—worth noting for travelers who rely on document checks and online identity services.

El Niño Preparedness in Peru: Just days into her presidency, Keiko Fujimori toured Piura as crews cleared a dry riverbed to reduce damage from El Niño’s expected extreme stormwater flows, with NOAA warning of a high chance of a very strong event that could threaten crops and lives. Peruvian Amazon Luxury Voyages: andBeyond opened bookings for the Amazon Explorer, a 74-metre expedition yacht for just 32 guests, launching from December 2026 with 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries in the Peruvian Amazon featuring skiff excursions, rainforest walks, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Peru Travel & Culture in the Spotlight: A new podcast episode takes listeners into Peru’s ancient past through modern archaeology and virtual reality fieldwork in the northern Andes. Peru Tourism Sector Outlook: Peru’s government projects the tourism sector could reach 3.7% of GDP in 2026, signaling continued momentum for travel and hospitality. Safety Watch: Peru also appears in a list of countries tied to travel-associated dengue cases reported in Florida, underscoring the need for travelers to stay alert on health precautions.

Cruise Bookings: Seabourn opened sales for its 138-day 2029 “World Cruise: Iconic Islands & Remote Horizons” aboard Seabourn Quest, with 58 stops across 31 countries and 20 extended stays including overnights in Lima and Easter Island. Peru Travel Spotlight: The itinerary note that Seabourn will include overnight calls in Lima puts Peru firmly on the luxury cruise map for 2029. Food & Culture (Peru angle): London’s Peruvian dining scene gets a spotlight, from chifa and Nikkei to classic Andean dishes like choclo and aji—useful inspiration for travelers planning a Peru-themed meal stop. Safety & Misinformation: AFP debunked viral “Peru avalanche” footage falsely shared as a Nepal flood disaster, a reminder to verify before sharing travel-related disaster clips. Environment Risk: Scientists warn Peru (along with Argentina and Chile) faces glacial lake outburst flood risk as Andes glaciers melt and destabilize mountain slopes. Travel Policy Watch: UK completes full access to CPTPP, a trade win that can support longer-term travel and business links across the Peru-connected bloc.

Peru Crime & Safety: Peru’s National Police arrested five suspects over the kidnapping of a mining businessman near Trujillo and the murder of his four companions, though the arrests sparked controversy after claims that suspects’ appearances don’t match security-camera images; police say communications and a confession link them to the attack. Thailand Visa Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays for travelers from 60+ countries from 60 days to 30 days starting Sept. 15, citing a crackdown on crime involving foreign nationals; Peru travelers get a longer 90-day visa-free allowance. U.S. Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department kept Brazil at Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”) but added more detail on risks like violent crime, ATM caution, and drugged-drink assaults, while noting some areas remain Level 4. Luxury Travel Watch: The World’s 50 Best Hotels released its extended 51–100 list for 2026, with La Réserve Paris re-entering at No. 51 ahead of the main reveal Sept. 15. Cruise News: SeaDream announced SeaDream III, a 230-guest ship debuting July 2029 on a 27-night inaugural sailing from Hong Kong through Japan and Korea.

Hotel Spotlight: The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 longlist is out, with Peru showing up among the world’s standout stays—plus major LA mentions like The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air. Visa Rules for Travelers: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for dozens of nationalities in half to 30 days starting Sept. 15, citing a crackdown on crime involving foreign nationals; Peru travelers are set for 90 days visa-free. Peru Travel Access & Air Routes: United Airlines plans to end its Newark–Lima nonstop on March 27, 2027, while boosting Lima service from Houston. Peru Adventure: A women-led trek story highlights the Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru, with Andean dust and Inca-era history in the background. Peru Safety/Travel Impact: Peru says a kidnapped mining businessman in Trujillo was released, with four suspects arrested after the deaths of his four companions. Peru Tourism Ops: PROMPERÚ is set to showcase Peru beyond its icons at a Sydney event, aiming to pull in new visitors.

Peru Security Update: Peru has opened an investigation into the kidnapping of mining businessman Jenns Marty Lara Tantaquilla in Trujillo, after authorities say criminals disguised as police set up a fake checkpoint, killed four companions, and later released the businessman following a rapid police response. Airline Changes for Peru Travelers: United Airlines is ending its Newark (EWR)–Lima (LIM) nonstop service, with flights continuing for about seven months and the suspension effective March 27, 2027; the carrier also plans to boost Lima service from Houston (IAH) to two daily flights starting the same date. Tourism & Culture (Peru-linked): PROMPERÚ is set to showcase Peru beyond its icons at a Sydney breakfast event, aiming to boost interest in Peru as a destination. Health & Training in Peru: NAMRU SOUTH and Peruvian partners ran a Military Tropical Medicine field mission across Lima, Tumbes, and Iquitos, training medical and veterinary students while working with endemic infection cases. Luxury Travel Trend Watch: Virtuoso highlights “fall is the new summer,” more transformative experiences (including cruising), and hotel clubs as key luxury travel directions for 2027.

Trujillo Security Crackdown: Peru’s government says it’s strengthening police operations in Trujillo and coordinating with the Armed Forces after the kidnapping of mining businessman Jens Marty Lara Tantaquilla and the murder of four companions, allegedly involving criminals dressed as police. Tourism & Retail Pulse: Chile’s Ripley Group reports a 59.8% profit jump in Q2, with Peru retail driving growth (sales up 13.5% in the quarter and 15% in the first half), a sign Peru’s consumer travel-and-shopping demand is holding up. Luxury Dining Pop-Up: SUSHISAMBA Dubai is set to land at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for a three-night pop-up (Sept. 25–27), featuring Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian flavors—good news for travelers chasing high-end experiences. Machu Picchu Access Update: Machu Picchu Inca Trail access remains restricted on Routes 1, 2, and 3, a reminder to plan ahead for Peru’s peak-hike season.

Security & Tourism: Peru’s new president, Keiko Fujimori, has asked Congress for 120 days of legislative powers to tackle the country’s worst security crisis in decades, with early proposals including labeling criminal organizations as terrorist groups—an issue that directly affects travel confidence and safe movement for visitors. Crime Update: In Trujillo, a mining businessman was kidnapped on a public road; attackers dressed as police intercepted the vehicle and killed four companions, underscoring ongoing risks in major tourist-adjacent cities. Peru Travel Business: Brasa is rebranding as ¡BRASA! Peruvian Superfoods, with its first new-identity restaurant planned for Toronto Pearson—good news for Peru-themed food tourism and brand visibility abroad. Culture & Heritage: Peru’s Santa Rosa de Lima is also celebrated in Paraguay as Police Day patronage, linking Lima’s saintly legacy to regional public-service traditions. Travel Safety Watch: A separate report highlights glacial lake outburst flood dangers in the Andes region, a reminder for Peru-bound travelers to monitor climate-linked hazards.

Peru Security Push: President Keiko Fujimori has asked Congress for 120 days of legislative powers to speed reforms focused on citizen security, prisons, taxes, and labor—starting with moves that would let criminal organizations be treated as terrorist groups. Tourism Angle: The request also flags trade and tourism among the areas covered, signaling a direct link between Peru’s security agenda and how visitors and businesses operate. Legislation Details: The bill would delegate authority across criminal justice, police and armed forces rules on force, migration, micro and small enterprises, labor promotion, and broader economic and infrastructure areas including tourism, mining, and energy. Local Impact: Separately, Peru’s government is also moving to address the security crisis through reforms that could reshape public management and enforcement in the near term.

Peru Security Push: President Keiko Fujimori asked Congress for 120 days of legislative powers to tackle Peru’s worst security crisis, including moves to classify criminal groups as terrorist organizations and reform prisons, police use of force, and citizen security—plus reforms that touch trade and tourism. Legislative Path: The PCM also submitted a delegation bill to the Chamber of Deputies covering 66 areas, from criminal law and migration to productive development, agriculture, mining, fisheries, and tourism. Tourism Safety Angle: With Peru’s security measures expanding, travelers may see new enforcement priorities and tighter rules in affected regions as reforms roll out. Peru Travel Context: Separate coverage notes Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca Trail access remains restricted on Routes 1, 2, and 3, keeping planning crucial for hikers. Regional Climate Risk: Nepal’s glacier-flood disaster is renewing fears of similar glacial lake outburst floods in Peru, alongside Chile and Argentina—an issue that could affect future travel planning and safety preparedness.