Peru is a benchmark for nature tourism thanks to whale-watching season

01:12 | Piura (Piura region), Jul. 14.

The start of the humpback whale-watching season in the waters off Piura and along Peru's entire northern coast represents an opportunity to strengthen responsible tourism, protect marine biodiversity, and generate development for families in this northern region.

This was highlighted by Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Berthin Gomez on July 12, during the opening ceremony of the 2026 humpback whale-watching season at the Los Organos Artisanal Fishing Landing Site in Piura.

The event marked the start of one of the most important nature tourism events in Peru and the South Pacific.

Every year, thousands of humpback whales travel more than 8,000 kilometers from Antarctica to the waters off northern Peru to breed, turning the country's coastline into a prime destination for nature tourism and offering a unique experience for domestic and international visitors.

During his remarks, the government official emphasized that "responsible humpback whale watching is a clear example of how our natural heritage can become a source of well-being for the local population."

Gomez recalled that Los Organos recorded more than 48,000 overnight stays and a hotel occupancy rate of nearly 24% between July and October 2025.

These figures demonstrate the positive economic impact of whale watching on hotels, restaurants, tour operators, artisans, and other local businesses.

For the 2026 season, these indicators are expected to be maintained while continuing to strengthen the destination's position in the domestic and international markets.

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) stressed that more than 600 tourism sector stakeholders have been trained to provide responsible services and contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity to date.

The ministry is also advancing the implementation of environmental standards and measures to promote safe and sustainable tourism.

"I want to congratulate every formal tour operator, every guide, every entrepreneur, and every citizen who contributes to making Peru recognized as a world-class nature tourism destination," Gomez said.

"I invite all visitors to enjoy this wonderful experience while respecting marine life, because every whale we observe is a reminder of the extraordinary natural wealth we have a duty to protect," he added.

Mincetur noted that, as part of the event, Ministers Berthin Gomez (Foreign Trade and Tourism) and Nelly Paredes (Environment) took part in the inaugural boat tour of the 2026 humpback whale-watching season, where they witnessed this extraordinary natural spectacle.

They later inaugurated the renovated entrance to Los Organos Beach, which features information on the area's marine wildlife and recommendations for environmentally responsible practices.

The agenda concluded with a visit to the "Together for Tourism That Respects" booth, organized by Mincetur and the Directorate of Tourism Environmental Affairs—an initiative aimed at raising awareness among tourists and local residents about safe and responsible tourism.

The ceremony was attended by Minister Nelly Paredes, Los Organos District Mayor Manuel Helmer Garrido, Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (Promperu) Executive President Michael Guevara; National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp) Acting Executive President Mariela Canepa, as well as PromPeru officials, tour operators, and other attendees.