Resumption of commercial flights connecting Lima and Ilo cities, after nearly six years, will open up new tourism opportunities in southern Moquegua region, Peru’s Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) informed.
The route is operated by Star Peru airline on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The one-and-a-half-hour flight also marks Ilo Airport’s beginning of operations, set to boost development in the south.
Ilo Airport's opening showcases the region's major and interesting attractions, which transcend history, natural landscapes, unmatched cuisine and famous Pisco cellars.
Moquegua city, for instance, offers visitors unique architecture in the shape of colonial residences and traditional houses with mojinete-styled gable roofs.
On the other hand, Ilo Port stands out for its warm weather, nature and culture. Highlights include rocky spit Punta Coles, packed with overwhelming marine life, and museums such as Chiribaya to get an overview of the region's pre-Hispanic history.
Equally appealing are Ilo's beaches: Piedras Negras and Platanales prove ideal surfing spots, whereas Pozo de Lisas and Puerto Ingles are best-known as family destinations.
Destination with potential
PromPeru data reveals Lima (23%), Puno (14%), Tacna (13%) and Arequipa (12%) stand as Moquegua's main feeder cities; hence, Lima-Ilo route's crucial role to bolster visitor flow to the said southern region.
Tourists reported business (48%) as the main reason for travelling, followed by holidays and leisure (27%). Average stay was four nights, and average spending stood as S/633 (about US$186).
(END) NDP/DHT/MVB