In Peru, religious tourism is projected as a strategic segment within the national tourism landscape. In 2023, the tourism sector accounted for 3.9% of the national GDP and generated over 820,000 direct and indirect jobs. Of the 4.4 million international tourists expected by 2025, it is estimated that around 450,000 will be motivated by religious or spiritual purposes, representing more than 10% of the total.
Religious festivities in Peru attract hundreds of thousands of people each year, with some becoming major international draws. For example, the Lord of Miracles procession in Lima gathers over 500,000 people in October, many of whom come from abroad. In 2023 alone, this event generated more than 40 million soles in economic activity, benefiting commerce, gastronomy, handicrafts, and lodging. Over 300 brotherhoods participate in its organization, several with international presence in countries such as the United States, Italy, and Argentina.
Another major celebration is the Virgin of Candelaria in Puno, which brings together more than 60,000 dancers and 15,000 musicians and has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is estimated that this festivity attracts around 80,000 visitors, including 10,000 foreigners, and generates an economic impact of over 27 million soles in the region.
Also noteworthy is the pilgrimage to the Sinakara sanctuary in Cusco, known as Qoyllurit’i, which brings together more than 100,000 pilgrims annually. This syncretic expression of Andean and Christian spirituality generates at least 3.5 million dollars during its main week, boosting the local economy and strengthening the community’s social fabric.
Spiritual tourism, particularly ayahuasca retreats in the Amazon, has seen significant growth over the past decade. In the Loreto region alone, there are at least 70 active shamanic centers around Iquitos. In 2019, these centers hosted around 15,000 tourists, mostly from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. The average cost per retreat is $1,200, resulting in an estimated annual economic impact of $18 million for the region.
The spiritual traveler has a clear profile: individuals aged 35 to 55, with a university education, high purchasing power, and a strong interest in transformative experiences. These visitors not only seek healing or personal introspection but also combine their retreats with cultural and tourist visits, creating a multiplier effect in other regions of the country.
However, this growth also presents significant challenges. Only one in four ayahuasca centers is officially registered, raising concerns about the lack of regulation, health risks, and malpractice. Additionally, mass religious events can overwhelm local services, generate waste, and damage heritage if not properly managed.
Against this backdrop, the opportunities are clear. The formalization of the spiritual sector through mandatory registration and biosecurity protocols is a priority. Likewise, the development of integrated tourist circuits linking historic religious sites with new spiritual experiences can diversify the tourism offering. Initiatives such as the creation of thematic routes—Lima-Ayacucho-Huancavelica or Cusco-Sacred Valley-Qoyllurit’i—can effectively combine religious heritage with other cultural and natural expressions of the country.
Strategic use of digital platforms to promote festivals—through 360° videos, social media testimonials, and participation in international tourism fairs such as FITUR or WTM—can position Peru as a global leader in religious and spiritual tourism.
With clear public policies, operator training, digital promotion, and community integration, Peru is well positioned to double the number of religious visitors in the next five years. It is not only about attracting more tourists but about strengthening a tourism model based on authenticity, respect for beliefs, and shared value creation. In doing so, the country can consolidate its position as a South American epicenter of faith, spirituality, and personal transformation.
