The 5 best tourist villages in the world 2024 are in Peru

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative was launched in 2021 to advance tourism’s role in rural areas, preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. This initiative recognizes these villages' remarkable achievements and highlights the transformative power of tourism. By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents.

This year, 5 Peruvian Villages were distinguished by their unique characteristics and their contribution to sustainability in various aspects:

Huancaya (Lima): Located in the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Nature Reserve, it is known for its spectacular scenery, waterfalls and crystal-clear lagoons, as well as its rich local culture.

Leymebamba (Amazonas): Famous for the Leymebamba Museum and the mummies of the Laguna de los Condores, this city offers a unique cultural and archaeological experience.

City of Maras (Cusco): Famous for its millenary salt mines, where salt has been mined by hand since pre-Inca times, and for its impressive Andean landscape.

Quinua (Ayacucho): Known for its historical and cultural value as the site of the Battle of Ayacucho, which sealed the independence of Peru and South America.

Sibayo (Arequipa): An example of community-based tourism, where visitors can experience the daily life of the inhabitants and enjoy the beauty of the Colca Canyon.

Selected from more than 260 nominations from over 60 countries, these villages stand out for their commitment to sustainable tourism and the well-being of their communities.

In addition to receiving a prestigious award, the World's Best Tourism Villages will have the opportunity to promote their destinations using the United Nations BTV logo in all their communication materials and activities.

This award gives them international visibility and recognition, highlighting them as outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations that preserve and promote their landscapes, knowledge, biological and cultural diversity, local values, and activities, including gastronomy, with a clear commitment to sustainability.

This year's winners join the list of Ollantaytambo, Lamas and Raqchi, Chacas, Chavín de Huántar, Paucartambo, Pozuzo and Taquile, national destinations that have received the BTV award.

To date, Peru and China are the countries that have received the most awards, with 13 and 14 respectively.