Today, Peru turns 204 as a republic since gaining independence from Spain. Its rich culture is a blend of the ancient Inca civilisation and the Spanish influence, a process of transculturation that gave way to a diverse nation with a common identity.
Peru is a land of opportunities, adventure, gastronomic refinement, historical sites, biodiversity, entertainment, and much more. In fact, its National Day is an occasion to celebrate all of this, and the Embassy of Peru is proud to count Qatar as a friendly host.
With a population exceeding 34mn, Peru is located on the west coast of South America. Its territory is about 111 times the size of Qatar and is divided into 3 clearly distinct regions: Coast, a 3,000-km-long, arid strip that runs along the Pacific Ocean; Highlands, where the Andean mountains reach altitudes upwards of 6,000 metres; and the Jungle, accounting for about 60% of the total area, where the Amazon rainforest harbours a rich and varied flora and fauna, including an estimated 10% of all species on Earth.
The country boasts a stable market-oriented economy, with a 3.3% GDP growth and 1.97% inflation registered last year. It is a leading global producer of several agricultural products, like blueberries, avocados, artichokes, asparagus, coffee, and cocoa, and number one in quinoa. Mining is a cornerstone of Peru’s economy, with a significant production of tin, silver, and gold, and it is the world’s second-largest copper producer. Its thriving foreign trade is strengthened by more than 20 Free Trade Agreements and 32 Bilateral Investment Treaties, which provide preferential access to markets that account for 87% of its exports, and it is looking to expand even more since the Port of Chancay, capable of handling large container ships, was inaugurated last November.
Most people relate Peru with Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and World’s Leading Tourist Attraction*. It is truly an amazing place that served as a sacred site, located in Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire. But Peru is a lot more. The Nazca Lines, a group of geoglyphs etched into desert sands between 500 BC and 500 AD, are as intriguing as they are mysterious. The Sacred City of Caral is recognised by Unesco as the oldest centre of civilisation in the Americas. Also worth mentioning are the mountain of the seven colours and the impressive, fortified citadel of Kuelap, and the list goes on.
For some time now, Peruvian cuisine has been widely acclaimed, to the extent that in its 2025 edition, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants placed Maido, a Nikkei restaurant in Lima, as the best among all in the globe. In all, 4 Peruvian restaurants made it in this year’s ranking. Peruvian gastronomy’s fame stems from its fusion of indigenous ingredients and techniques with European, African, and Asian culinary influences, creating unique dishes. Chefs like Gastón Acurio, Virgilio Martinez, and “Micha” Tsumura have significantly contributed to this global recognition.
Peru and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1989 and opened embassies in Doha and Lima in 2011 and 2012, respectively. High-level political dialogue takes place regularly through the mechanism of political consultations and the official visits by the Heads of State. Taking a step further in the bilateral relation, last April the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Ambassador Elmer Schialer, made an official visit to Qatar to promote trade and investment. As a result, both countries are committed to negotiating agreements on the promotion of investments and avoiding double taxation.
The solid and constructive relation that exists between Qatar and Peru is built upon a large number of agreements in various areas, like education, mining, and culture. Moreover, Qatar and Peru are actively pursuing sustainable development strategies, whereas the latter´s development objectives align with the principles contained in Qatar´s National Vision 2030, focused on diversifying its economy, enhancing human capital, and achieving balance between economic growth and social and environmental protection.
Under this scenario, bilateral relations between Qatar and Peru can grow even stronger. For one thing, the prospects for bolstering trade are promising, while there is an even brighter future for investments, mainly in the energy, mining, industrial, agriculture, tourism, and logistics sectors. Above all, Peru welcomes Qatari tourists, businessmen, and investors to visit and explore the country, made easier now thanks to the visa waiver recently approved. Conscious that connectivity is a key factor, it is important that Qatar Airways and its partner airlines benefit from the convenience of using the recently inaugurated new international airport in Lima as a gateway to Latin America.
Whether one wishes to visit the World’s Leading Cultural Destination* for leisure, indulging in its food, or for doing business, Peru should be carefully considered as the next trip destination of all Qataris.
 World Travel Awards 2024