Hello, dear reader! Every so often, something happens that makes an entire country stop and pay attention. This November is one of those times.
Pope Leo XIV is coming to Peru, a country where he spent more than 20 years as a missionary and later served as bishop of Chiclayo. Although he was born in Chicago, his long connection with Peru has made his return a particularly meaningful event for many Peruvians, especially in the north.
If you're planning to visit Peru around these dates, you may be wondering where the Pope will go and what there is to see in those areas. His visit offers a good excuse to discover several very different sides of the country, from Lima and the northern coast to the Andes and the Amazon.
The Pope's Visit to Peru
Pope Leo XIV will be in Peru from November 11 to 16, 2026. His official program includes Lima and Callao, the northern region around Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa in the Amazon. He will also make stops in areas of Cajamarca and Lambayeque during his time in northern Peru.
The schedule is mainly important for those planning to attend the events, and some details may change. For travelers, the bigger picture is more useful: the Pope's route crosses several regions that are well worth exploring in their own right.
One thing to keep in mind is that major events will bring crowds, road closures and changes to local transportation. If you're traveling during the visit, leave some flexibility in your itinerary and check the latest official information before heading to a specific event.
Lima
For most international visitors, Lima is the starting point. And while many travelers are eager to continue to Cusco, the capital deserves at least a couple of days.
The historic center is home to the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and the famous wooden balconies that give colonial Lima much of its character. You can also visit the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs before heading toward the coast.
Miraflores and Barranco offer a completely different side of the city, with Pacific Ocean views, parks, galleries, restaurants and plenty of places to enjoy Peru's food scene.
If you're interested in ancient history, Huaca Pucllana is an impressive adobe pyramid surrounded by modern buildings, while the Larco Museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art.
Northern Peru
The Pope's connection with northern Peru is one of the most significant parts of his visit. He served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, and the region is expected to welcome him with large celebrations.
For travelers, Chiclayo is also an excellent base for exploring one of Peru's richest archaeological regions.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in Lambayeque displays an extraordinary collection of Moche treasures, including gold, jewelry and ceremonial objects. Nearby, the archaeological complex of Túcume spreads across a dry landscape filled with ancient pyramids.
Northern Peru also has its own distinctive food culture. Arroz con pato, seco de cabrito and the famous king kong dessert are just a few of the dishes worth trying while you're there.
The Pope's northern itinerary also includes areas of Cajamarca and Lambayeque. If you have extra time, this is a good opportunity to look beyond the usual Lima-Cusco route and experience a less-visited part of Peru.
Cusco
On November 15, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Cusco and meet with the faithful at Saqsaywaman, the enormous Inca archaeological site overlooking the city.
Cusco is one of Peru's most popular destinations for a reason. Its historic streets, Inca foundations, colonial churches and surrounding archaeological sites make it a fascinating place to spend several days.
At around 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), however, Cusco is also a place where travelers should give themselves time to adjust. Take your first day slowly, stay hydrated and avoid planning too much immediately after arrival.
Once you're acclimatized, there is plenty to explore. The Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Moray and the salt pans of Maras can all be visited from Cusco, while Machu Picchu is the obvious highlight for many first-time visitors.
If Machu Picchu is part of your plans, book your entrance and train tickets well ahead of time, especially if you're traveling around the Pope's visit.
Pucallpa and the Amazon
The final major destination on the Pope's Peruvian route is Pucallpa, in the Amazonian region of Ucayali.
Pucallpa is a very different experience from both Lima and Cusco. The city sits on the Ucayali River and is an important gateway to the central Amazon. The area is also closely connected with Shipibo-Konibo culture, known internationally for its distinctive geometric designs and textiles.
One of the easiest ways to experience the area is a boat trip on Yarinacocha, a large lake just outside the city. The surrounding landscape, wildlife and riverside communities offer a glimpse of a side of Peru that many international visitors never see.
Other Places to Visit in Peru
The Pope's itinerary covers only a small part of the country. If you're traveling to Peru, you don't have to follow his route exactly.
Arequipa is a beautiful colonial city built from pale volcanic stone, with the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Misti volcano forming two of its best-known sights. It is also a convenient starting point for trips to Colca Canyon.
Puno and Lake Titicaca offer a very different Andean experience, with high-altitude landscapes, traditional communities and islands on the world's highest navigable lake.
Trujillo is another excellent option in northern Peru. The ancient city of Chan Chan and the Moche temples of Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol reveal another important chapter of Peru's pre-Columbian history. Nearby Huanchaco is a good place to slow down by the Pacific.
For a shorter trip from Lima, Paracas, Ica and Nazca can be combined into a southern coastal itinerary. You can visit the Ballestas Islands, explore the desert around Huacachina and see the famous Nazca Lines from the air.
If the Amazon is a priority, Puerto Maldonado offers easy access to rainforest lodges around Tambopata, while Iquitos provides a completely different Amazon experience accessible only by air or river.
When Should You Visit?
If you want to experience the excitement surrounding the Pope's visit, traveling during November 11–16 will certainly be a memorable time. Just be prepared for larger crowds, busy airports and possible changes to transportation around the main events.
If you would rather explore Peru at a slower pace, consider arriving a few days before the visit or staying afterward. You can still experience the atmosphere surrounding this important moment while having more flexibility with your itinerary.
Either way, book your main flights, hotels and Machu Picchu tickets early, and avoid scheduling tight connections around the dates of the main events.
Want to Explore Peru Beyond the Papal Route?
The Pope's visit is a great reason to discover Peru, but there is much more to see beyond the cities on his itinerary.
At Peruvian Sunrise, we create personalized trips around your interests, travel dates and the time you have available. Whether you want to combine Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu with the northern coast, the Andes or the Amazon, we can help you put together an itinerary that fits your trip.
Contact us and start planning your Peru adventure.
FAQs
When is Pope Leo XIV visiting Peru?
Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru from November 11 to 16, 2026. His program includes Lima and Callao, northern Peru around Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa.
Which places will Pope Leo XIV visit in Peru?
His official program includes Lima and Callao, Chiclayo and the surrounding northern region, areas of Cajamarca and Lambayeque, Cusco and Pucallpa.
Should I visit Peru during the Pope's visit?
You can certainly travel to Peru during these dates, but expect larger crowds, road closures and changes to local transportation around the main events. Booking flights and hotels early is recommended.
Can I visit Machu Picchu during the Pope's visit?
Yes. Machu Picchu is not part of the Pope's official route, so you can include it in your Peru itinerary. Just remember that entrance tickets and train services should be booked in advance.
Last Update: September 2026