Peru launched its 2026 humpback whale-watching season at a ceremony in Piura on July 12, with foreign trade and tourism minister Berthin Gomez presiding over the event at the Los Organos Artisanal Fishing Landing Site, Andina reported on July 12.
The opening marks the start of one of the most significant nature tourism events on Peru’s northern coast, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur). Each year, thousands of humpback whales travel more than 8,000 kilometres from Antarctic waters to breed off Piura and along the country’s entire northern coastline, drawing visitors from Peru and abroad to towns including Los Organos, Mancora and Punta Sal.
Mincetur said the season, which typically runs from July into October, has become an important driver of income for hotels, restaurants, tour operators and artisans in the region. The ministry added that more than 600 tourism sector workers have been trained to date to provide responsible whale-watching services and support marine biodiversity conservation efforts along the coast.
Officials said work is continuing on environmental standards and safety measures intended to make whale-watching tours more sustainable, as demand from domestic and international visitors continues to grow year on year.
“I want to congratulate every formal tour operator, every guide, every entrepreneur, and every citizen who contributes to making Peru recognized as a world-class nature tourism destination,” Gomez said, Andina reported.