Welcome 2026 in Peru amidst magic, tradition and unforgettable landscapes

From the Andean highlands to the Pacific coast, the country celebrates the arrival of 2026. For travelers, this time is ideal for experiencing fascinating adventures in Peruvian regions that have everything to make welcoming 2026 unique and memorable.

Arequipa: colonial charm and nature

New Year's is celebrated in Arequipa in a vibrant way. The main celebration takes place in the historic Plaza de Armas. There, locals and tourists gather wearing yellow clothing and various yellow accessories to attract good luck. As the music invites everyone to dance, the beauty of the buildings and the view of the Misti volcano create one of the most unforgettable settings to welcome the new year.

If you're in the city, a visit to its Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must. Its streets are an open-air museum lined with beautiful mansions and churches built with sillar, a volcanic stone that gives it its characteristic whitish color. Other must-sees include the Monastery of Santa Catalina and its picanterías, restaurants perfect for Mexican travelers who love authentic, traditional cuisine.

For those seeking a more spiritual experience, about four hours from the city is the Colca Valley, where several hotels organize ancestral ceremonies such as 'payment to the Earth', flower baths, or special dinners in an environment of peace and unparalleled scenic beauty.

The main attraction of this destination is the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. In addition, tourists have the opportunity to spot the majestic Andean condor, relax in natural hot springs, visit traditional villages, and stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes (Volcano Viewpoint) and the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve to observe charming alpacas and vicuñas.

Lima: modernity and world-class gastronomy

If you're looking for a modern and cosmopolitan New Year's Eve celebration, Lima is the best option. The Peruvian capital offers everything from gala dinners with live music to celebrations on rooftops, in nightclubs, bars, and hotels in the Miraflores and Barranco districts. Many also head to the Miraflores boardwalk to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Pacific Ocean at midnight.

Lima also invites you to explore its Historic Center, where its balconies, colonial churches and the Cathedral stand out; explore the bohemian art and charming streets of the Barranco district; walk along the Miraflores boardwalk to appreciate the sea and the cliffs; and enjoy its award-winning gastronomy, with haute cuisine restaurants and renowned chefs, as the Peruvian capital has been considered this year as the World's Leading Culinary Destination at the World Travel Awards 2025.

Ica: the land of eternal sun and good pisco

About four hours south of Lima lies Ica, a region with numerous attractions, including its beaches and cliffs with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Its wide range of hotels, many of them beachfront, organize various New Year's celebrations with live music or DJs spinning danceable tunes and Afro-Peruvian music, typical of the region. These parties often include dinners where guests toast the New Year with pisco, Peru's emblematic spirit. In Ica, you can also take the Pisco Route to learn about the history, production process, and flavors of this fantastic distilled spirit.

A wonderful attraction in this region is the Paracas National Reserve, boasting unparalleled scenic beauty with 335,000 hectares of beaches, islands, cliffs, and deserts. Another must-see in Ica is the Ballestas Islands, a fabulous place that is home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various endemic birds.

The Nazca Lines are another must-see destination, rich in history, culture, and unique mysteries. From small planes, you can admire their impressive geoglyphs, including the hummingbird, the monkey, and the spider—enormous figures that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Connectivity:
Located less than six hours by plane from Mexico City or Cancun, Peru is the ideal destination for both short stays and long vacations. To reach Arequipa, take a domestic flight from Lima (1 hour and 30 minutes). To reach Ica, depart from Lima and travel for about four hours along the Pan-American Highway South.

Source: Promperú.