The city of Chiclayo, Lambayeque region's capital, is positioning itself as one of the country's emerging religious tourism destinations with the Pope Leo XIV Route, an initiative jointly promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), regional and local governments, the Catholic Church, and the private sector.
The Provincial Municipality of Chiclayo reported that, through its Tourism and Culture Sub-Management Office, 3,214 domestic and international tourists were recorded in January and February, who toured the Pope Leo XIV Route tourism circuit.
This circuit emerged following the election of former Bishop of Chiclayo Robert Francis Prevost as Supreme Pontiff in May 2025, an event that sparked strong international interest in visiting the places where he carried out his pastoral work, in this case in Lambayeque region, northern Peru.
Where do they come from?
According to the municipal report, last January foreign visitors came mainly from Chile (20%), followed by the United States (17%), Argentina (10%), Switzerland (7%), and Italy (6%).
Colombia, Brazil, and Germany each accounted for 5%, while other countries represented 25% of the total.
In February, the trend shifted slightly: Germany led the list (13%), followed by Chile (9%), while the United States and Spain each recorded 8%.
France, Argentina, Venezuela, and Mexico each accounted for 6%, with other countries making up the remaining 26%.
Domestic visits show a significant presence as well. Of the total, 41% come from Lambayeque region, while Lima accounts for 28%.
La Libertad and Cajamarca follow with 6% each, and the remaining 20% corresponds to other regions.
A key driver
Tourism and Culture Deputy Manager at Chiclayo Municipality, David Cardenas, highlighted that the Pope Leo XIV Route has become a key driver of tourism in the city and the region, attracting visitors interested in exploring the sites linked to the Supreme Pontiff's pastoral life.
He added that, under instructions from Chiclayo's Province Mayor, Janet Cubas, personalized assistance is provided to domestic and international visitors who arrive daily at the municipal palace, where information about this tourism circuit is displayed and will remain available throughout this year.
The initiative is part of a nationwide tourism and cultural project aimed at promoting Pope Leo XIV's spiritual legacy and boosting religious tourism in the country. It is being implemented through a plan based on three pillars: the tourism product, urban beautification and waste management, and access and connectivity.
In addition to Chiclayo (Lambayeque), the Pope Leo XIV Route extends to Trujillo (La Libertad), Chulucanas (Piura), and Callao (Lima).
In total, the circuit includes more than 35 tourism resources.