TORONTO — Attendees at the PROMPERU event in Toronto were treated to a delicious spread – complemented by an authentic Pisco Sour – as the tourism board served up the wonders of Peru in the heart of Toronto.

The drop-in cocktail reception at Ahma in Toronto’s west end hosted tour operators, trade media and other travel industry professionals, all eager to hear the latest updates from Peru. The South American country, always a steady favourite from the Canadian market, has seen demand soar.

PROMPERU’s Toronto event took place at Ahma in the city’s west end

“We’re here to foster connection, build partnerships and help you discover the countless wonders that Peru has to offer travellers,” said Jaime Cardenas, Director of PROMPERU Canada, at the event.

“Peru is a destination that truly captures the essence of exploration and adventure and is so much more than Machu Picchu, from the vibrance of the streets of Lima with its rich culinary essence, to the lush Amazon rain forest, to the warm people and welcoming people who make the country a true home away from home,” he added.

Courtesy of PROMPERU, here’s a look at some of the highlights …

AIR TRANSAT’S NEW LIMA FLIGHTS

Starting this December, Air Transat will offer exclusive direct flights to Lima from Toronto and Montreal, aboard the new Airbus A321LR featuring 199 seats in the widest single-lane air cabin available. The new flights will be complemented by packages from Transat. Transat’s flights from Toronto to Lima will operate twice per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting Dec. 20. Flights from Montreal to Lima will operate once a week on Fridays, starting Dec. 22. Both direct routes are scheduled to run until summer 2024.

KUELAP FORTRESS REOPENS AFTER RESTORATION

Atop the Cerro Barreta summit, nestled in the Utcubamba river valley, Peru’s crown jewel of the north-east – Kuélap – was recently re-opened following over a year of restoration efforts and is once again welcoming visitors. Free access to the site will be available to 144 visitors daily until Dec. 19.

To experience Kuélap, visitors must travel to the city of Chachapoyas before making their way to the town of Nuevo Tingo where a cable car offers access to the fortress. Travellers can also opt to embark upon a nine-kilometre hike to the site.

PERU’S FIRST TENTED EXPLORATION CAMP: PUQIO

Last month Andean Experience launched its soft opening of Peru’s first tented exploration camp, PUQIO. An extension of AE’s Southern Route, including Titilaka on the shores of Lake Titicaca and CIRQA in Arequipa, PUQIO is situated in the remote Colca Valley in the Southern Peruvian Andes, a region rich with biodiversity – including a large population of Andean condor – hot springs, volcanoes and one of the world’s deepest canyons, the Colca Canyon. Guests can choose from three distinct and locally designed tents and take part in a range of activities and outings, including trips to local markets, Andean fishing, visits to thermal baths, wildlife watching and more. The company also recently opened Fausto, a new guest house in the Miraflores district of Lima.

FIRST ‘HOME-BOUTIQUE’ HOTEL OPENS IN PERU

The NOMAD Hotels Group, a Peruvian ‘home-boutique’ hotel network, recently launched its first hotel, NOMAD Urban AQP, in the heart of Arequipa. The contemporary and eco-friendly hotel is a hub for digital nomads, with designated areas for work, meetings and events as well as entertainment offerings.

INTREPID DEBUTS NEW SECTION OF QUARRY TRAIL TREK TOUR IN SACRED VALLEY

Along with the Lares and Salkantay treks, the 26-kilometre Quarry Trail has emerged as an alternative to the Inca Trail for hikers looking to explore the Sacred Valley around Machu Picchu. Tour operator Intrepid Travel has been offering Quarry Trail itineraries for several years, but starting in 2024, they will include a new section of the trail previously unseen by travellers. Intrepid has worked with local communities in the area to develop this new section, and for every guest booked on a Quarry Trail trek, the company will donate to local organizations to ensure the ongoing protection and conservation of the historic area.

Quieter than the Inca Trail and not requiring permits, highlights of the Quarry Trail include the Perolniyoc Cascade waterfall, the 4,450 metre-high Kuychicassa Pass, and a sun gate overlooking Ollantaytambo.

For more information on Peru check out www.peru.travel.