Nestled in the heart of the South American country, you’ll find Coltur Peru, a destination management company with a history going back to 1957.
As a family business, the closeknit team of experts join forces to “craft unparalleled travel adventures and orchestrate seamless operations.” When you work with Coltur Peru, you get access to decades of experience and passion for a lush coastal country with history going back to the Incan Empire and beyond.
We asked Carla Acosta of Coltur Peru to tell us a bit more about the organization and how they can work with fellow FTA members.
First, can you tell us about what Coltur Peru has to offer?
We take pride in offering our clients exclusive access to renowned institutions and tastemakers, ensuring that every traveler experiences moments of sheer wonder and delight.
We firmly believe in the transformative power of travel. It is not merely about reaching a destination but embarking on a journey that leaves an indelible mark on the soul. That’s why we are committed to fostering positive change through our corporate social responsibility initiatives. From championing conservation efforts to promoting education, we strive to leave a lasting, positive impact on Peru and its communities.
At Coltur, we don’t just create trips; we craft experiences that inspire, enrich, and transform lives.
What makes Peru a great family travel destination?
Peru is a country brimming with diverse experiences that cater to every type of traveler, especially families. For those traveling with children, Peru offers a unique opportunity to foster a deep connection between cultures, giving young travelers valuable insights into how people from different backgrounds live. These experiences help children develop a broader perspective on the world, nurturing their curiosity and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Families can immerse themselves in the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco, where kids can engage with the fascinating Incan civilization in an interactive and enjoyable way. Peru’s diverse landscapes—from the lush Amazon Rainforest to the majestic Andes Mountains—offer endless opportunities for adventure, including hiking, wildlife spotting, and Amazon River cruises, perfect for families seeking excitement and discovery.
Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, trekking through stunning landscapes, or learning from local communities, Peru creates unforgettable memories and enriches the lives of travelers of all ages.
Is there anything you wish more people knew about Peru, or any “myths” about Peru you’d like to correct?
Peru is just about Machu Picchu: Peru is often associated with the iconic Machu Picchu, but the country has so much more to offer. In fact, 60% of Peru is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, making it one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. The Peruvian Amazon is a treasure trove of wildlife, plants, and indigenous cultures. Families can explore this lush jungle by luxurious boats, go on guided wildlife excursions, and visit eco-lodges where they can see animals like sloths, monkeys, pink river dolphins, and exotic birds. The rainforest offers children a thrilling adventure while teaching them about the importance of conservation and the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
I can’t travel to Peru during the rainy season: The rainy season, particularly in the Andes and the Amazon, does bring more frequent showers, but it’s also a time when the landscape is lush and vibrant. Many travelers find the beauty of the green mountains and fewer crowds during the rainy season to be a bonus rather than a drawback.
In Peru people only speak Spanish: While Spanish is the main language, Peru’s tourism industry is very international, and many people working in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies speak English and other languages. Plus, Peruvians are generally friendly and welcoming, so even if there’s a language barrier, they’re happy to help.
Arriving in Peru is hard: Many people think that arriving in Peru can be challenging or tricky. But in fact, Jorge Chávez Airport is Peru’s primary international gateway. It connects Peru with major cities across the Americas, Europe, and even parts of Asia. The airport is modern, efficient, and has become a key hub in Latin America, serving millions of passengers annually. It also offers a wide range of services, including lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shopping, making it a convenient stop for international visitors.
How has tourism been going recently? Have you seen travel returning?
Despite a slow start to 2024, the travel landscape in Peru has grown stronger throughout the year. Like many destinations, Peru faced challenges following the global impact of COVID-19 and the following political unrest experienced in 2022 and 2023, which led some travelers to choose alternative destinations for their vacations. However, we’re pleased to report that things are now back on track, and the country is once again thriving.
Peru is open, safe, and welcoming more visitors each day. The resilience of the tourism industry, coupled with renewed interest in the country’s incredible cultural and natural attractions, has led to a steady increase in arrivals. Travelers are returning to explore Peru’s vibrant cities, ancient history, and stunning landscapes with confidence.
With conditions stable and visitor numbers growing, 2024 is shaping up to be a promising year, marking a bright and optimistic chapter for Peruvian tourism.
How are things looking for travel in 2024/25?
The resilience of the industry, paired with a renewed interest in Peru’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, has set the stage for an even stronger 2025.
As travelers regain confidence and the global travel landscape normalizes, we are seeing a marked increase in bookings across all sectors, from iconic destinations like Machu Picchu and the Amazon to off-the-beaten-path experiences in coastal and highland regions. Travel trends reveal a growing preference for extended trips, with increasing interest in exploring remote, authentic regions, as well as a surge in demand for hiking and outdoor activities. Family travel remains a top priority, as more travelers seek meaningful, multi-generational experiences in unique destinations. This shift reflects a desire for immersive adventures and deeper connections with nature and culture, making Peru an ideal destination for those looking to combine outdoor exploration with family-friendly experiences.
Additionally, tourism infrastructure continues to evolve, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a seamless, safe, and enriching experience while exploring Peru’s diverse landscapes. The new international airport in Lima is set to be completed in December, marking a significant milestone for Peru’s tourism and air travel infrastructure. This long-awaited project is expected to enhance the country’s connectivity, offering a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will streamline both international and domestic travel. This project will ensure that Peru can welcome more visitors while offering them a world-class travel experience.
With the industry rebounding, Peru is more ready than ever to welcome travelers in 2025. The future looks bright, with continued growth and the promise of an outstanding year for both the tourism sector and those looking forward to experiencing the magic of Peru.
Is there anything new or exciting going on with your organization, or in Peru, that you’d like people to know about?
If I were to travel to Peru, there is one lesser-known area that I would focus on: Chachapoyas, located in the northeast of Peru. This region boasts unique landscapes, far from the traditional tourist routes, and it is home to incredible local cultures that developed thousands of years before the famous Incas. Exploring these areas allows you to feel like Indiana Jones, uncovering monumental historical and archaeological sites that are virtually unknown to the rest of the world.
The area was once inhabited by the Chachapoyas civilization, known for their impressive stone fortresses and burial sites. Kuelap, a massive stone fortress, is one of the most notable archaeological sites in the region. It exists around 400 years before Machu Picchu and offers a glimpse into the ancient history of Peru.
Chachapoyas is also surrounded by natural beauty. The cloud forests of the region are home to diverse flora and fauna, including orchids, bromeliads, and rare bird species. The area is also known for its stunning waterfalls, such as Gocta, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
I would travel slowly through this region, taking the time to truly immerse myself in the local culture and the breathtaking surroundings, savoring each moment of discovery. The sense of adventure and connection in this place is unmatched, making it a must-visit destination for any active traveler.
Anything else you’d like the FTA to know?
There are few things in life we remember with as much pleasure as family trips. Away from the routine of everyday life, we can explore together, open our minds to new cultures, and create lifelong memories. As a family owned and operated company, at COLTUR we firmly believe that traveling is the best way to reconnect with our loved ones. Family vacations have always been at our core, and we are proud to be the only Peruvian DMC certified by the Family Travel Association (FTA). From children to grandparents, we invite families from around the world to experience the carefully crafted and inspiring travel itineraries we design, so that they can discover for themselves the wonders of Peru!