Chile-Peru Travel Boom: A Deep Dive into Latin America’s Rising Tourism Corridor
The connection between Chile and Peru is experiencing a significant surge in travel, fueled by increased flight frequencies and a growing appetite for cultural and culinary experiences. Recent data reveals a strong flow of passengers between the two nations, with Peru emerging as a top destination for Chilean tourists and vice versa. This article explores the key drivers behind this trend, the economic impact, and what the future holds for this dynamic travel corridor.
A Record Year for Chilean Tourists in Peru (2025)
In 2025, a total of 1,281,858 visitors arrived in Peru from Chile, making Chile the leading source of tourists for the country. Of these, approximately 700,000 were tourists staying overnight, while the remainder were day-trippers. This represents a substantial recovery from pre-pandemic levels, although not yet reaching the peak of 1 million overnight tourists recorded in 2019. The most popular route remains Santiago to Lima, with over 850,000 passengers annually.
Boosting Connectivity: Doubling Flight Frequencies
A key factor driving this growth is the recent agreement between Chile and Peru to double the number of weekly flights between the two countries, from 84 to 168. This increased capacity addresses a critical bottleneck identified by María Teresa Villena, Director of Peru’s Export and Tourism Promotion Commission (Promperú) in Chile: a lack of available seats and routes. The agreement focuses on liberalizing capacity and expanding route options beyond Lima.
“There’s a lot of Chilean interest in going to Peru, but you need an air flight to secure from Santiago to Lima. If frequencies increase, it will definitely add to the numbers,” Villena stated.
Beyond Tourism: Medical Tourism and Cross-Border Commerce
The travel trend isn’t solely driven by leisure. A notable portion of Chilean travelers, particularly those from the northern regions like Arica, are utilizing Peru for medical services, specifically dental work, due to favorable exchange rates. This cross-border commerce adds another layer to the economic impact of increased travel.
The Chilean Traveler Profile: Spending Habits and Preferences
Chilean tourists are considered high-value travelers within the Latin American region. The average Chilean traveler spends approximately US$859 for a seven-night stay, significantly higher than the regional average of US$600-650. This is attributed to Chile’s higher per capita income and greater spending capacity.
Gastronomy is a major draw for Chilean visitors, evidenced by the proliferation of Peruvian restaurants in Chile – with over 350 establishments, exceeding the number found even in Lima. Popular destinations include Lima, Cusco, Ica, Arequipa, and Piura. Promperú is actively working to promote lesser-known regions like the northern beaches, Amazonas, and Kuélap.
The typical Chilean traveler falls within the 25-44 age range, often travels solo or for vacation purposes, and prioritizes experiences over business or family visits.
Looking Ahead: Projections for 2026 and Beyond
While a full recovery to 2019 levels isn’t expected in 2026, Promperú projects 890,000 Chilean tourists will visit Peru this year. Full recovery is anticipated between 2027 and 2028. Promperú has planned over 20 events throughout 2026 to further incentivize travel from Chile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average cost of a trip to Peru for a Chilean tourist? Approximately US$859 for a seven-night stay.
- What is the main reason Chileans visit Peru? Gastronomy is a primary motivator, along with cultural experiences and, increasingly, medical tourism.
- How many flights are there between Chile and Peru now? As of January 2026, there are 168 weekly flights between the two countries.
- Is Peru a safe destination for Chilean tourists? Peru is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but standard travel precautions are advised.
Pro Tip: Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Did you realize? There are more Peruvian restaurants in Chile than in Lima!
Want to learn more about travel trends in Latin America? Explore our other articles here.
