❓ What is the label?
The "Pueblos con Encanto" (Charming Villages) label is an official distinction awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru (MINCETUR) to Peruvian villages that stand out for their cultural heritage, authenticity and quality of welcome. Launched in June 2021, this program aims to promote sustainable and responsible tourism by highlighting the country's lesser-known destinations.
Today, 14 villages spread across the entire Peruvian territory — from the Andes to the Pacific coast, including the Amazon — benefit from this official recognition.
🎯 Why was it created?
Peru is world-renowned for its major archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, but the country is full of hidden treasures. In response to this observation, MINCETUR aimed to:
- Diversify the tourism offering by highlighting destinations off the traditional circuits.
- Promote local heritage (cultural, architectural, artisanal, natural and gastronomic).
- Develop sustainable and responsible tourism for the benefit of local communities.
- Stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and favoring short supply chains.
- Improve the quality of welcome for visitors to these exceptional villages.
The first pilot village to receive this label was Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in June 2021. Since then, 13 other villages have joined this prestigious program.
📋 Selection criteria
To obtain the "Pueblos con Encanto" label, candidate villages must meet strict criteria assessed by MINCETUR:
- Cultural and historical heritage: Richness of architectural, archaeological, artistic or artisanal heritage.
- Authenticity and local identity: Preservation of traditions, customs and the way of life of the inhabitants.
- Landscapes and environment: Quality of natural landscapes and environmental preservation.
- Accessibility: Ease of access and quality of tourism infrastructure.
- Tourism potential: Capacity to attract and welcome visitors in good conditions.
- Community commitment: Involvement of local populations in the tourism project.
- Sustainability: Implementation of practices respectful of the environment and communities.
🌟 MINCETUR's objectives
The "Pueblos con Encanto" program is part of Peru's national tourism development strategy. Its main objectives are:
- Promote sustainable and responsible tourism that benefits local communities.
- Promote and protect the cultural and natural heritage of the distinguished villages.
- Decentralize tourism by attracting visitors to lesser-known destinations.
- Improve the quality of life of residents through the economic benefits of tourism.
- Strengthen local identity and pride by officially recognizing the value of the villages.
- Train and support local stakeholders (guides, accommodation providers, restaurateurs, artisans) to improve the quality of tourism services.
- Create a network of charming villages enabling the structuring of coherent tourist itineraries across the country.
Through this initiative, MINCETUR aims to reveal to the world the diversity and richness of Peruvian territories, while ensuring tourism development that respects local balances.
