In July 2025, Peru made history by unveiling a spiritual and cultural tourism route like no other: "Leo's Route: In the Footsteps of Pope Leo XIV." This groundbreaking initiative follows the path of Pope Leo XIV, the first naturalized Peruvian pope, tracing the communities and sacred landmarks that shaped his pastoral journey across northern Peru. Far more than a religious pilgrimage, this route offers a profound and immersive travel experience that connects visitors to Peru's vibrant faith, rich cultural identity, and the legacy of a spiritual leader who chose Peru as his home.
If you are looking for a meaningful and transformative way to explore Peru, Leo's Route invites you to walk through cathedrals, coastal landscapes, rural parishes, and sacred sites, where history, hope, and hospitality converge.
1. Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Born Robert Francis Prevost in the United States, Pope Leo XIV served extensively in Peru's northern regions for over two decades before rising through the ranks of the Catholic Church. He was naturalized as a Peruvian citizen in 2015. Known for his humility, deep empathy, and strong connection with the communities of Chiclayo, Trujillo, Callao, and Piura, Pope Leo XIV built a legacy rooted in service and inclusion. His elevation to the papacy symbolizes a profound bond between Peruvian spirituality and the global Church.
2. What is "Leo's Route"? A New Tourist Circuit Explained
Unveiled on July 21, 2025, by President Dina Boluarte and Tourism Minister Elizabeth Galdo, this 39-point circuit spans the regions of Lambayeque, Piura, La Libertad, and Callao. The goal is to highlight the places where Pope Leo XIV served, taught, and walked alongside the people. Each site is deeply symbolic, offering a blend of religious significance, cultural richness, and scenic beauty.
With more than 540 million soles invested, the project seeks to strengthen faith-based tourism while driving sustainable regional development.
3. Key Destinations Across the Route
Here are a few highlighted stops along Leo's Route:
- Chiclayo Cathedral (Lambayeque): Where Pope Leo XIV celebrated his early Masses.
- Santuario Cruz de Motupe: A major pilgrimage site blending mysticism and Catholic tradition.
- Seminario Mayor San Carlos y San Marcelo (Trujillo): His academic and spiritual home.
- Parroquia San Pedro in Piura: A vibrant coastal community shaped by his pastoral work.
- Callao Diocesan Centers: Where his leadership inspired the faithful.
Each location reflects a chapter in his spiritual journey and provides opportunities for immersive cultural exploration.
4. Cultural and Religious Significance
Leo's Route is not only a tribute to the life of a pope but a lens through which travelers can engage with Peruvian identity. From colonial churches to indigenous traditions and local festivities, the route brings together a tapestry of stories that define northern Peru.
It offers a rare chance to witness how Catholicism blends with regional culture from festivals honoring saints to the everyday spirituality of rural communities.
5. Why This Route Matters to Travelers
Unlike traditional tourist circuits, this route:
- Offers spiritual depth for religious travelers and pilgrims.
- Introduces visitors to lesser-known but culturally rich destinations.
- Provides a slow travel experience rooted in reflection, connection, and storytelling.
- Supports community-based tourism and local economies.
Whether you’re a pilgrim, a historian, or a cultural explorer, the route invites you to go beyond sightseein to feel, reflect, and connect.
6. How to Experience "Leo's Route"
Travelers can follow the route independently or through curated tours offered by agencies like Andean Travel Experience. Our recommended experience includes:
- Multi-day itineraries covering the top destinations.
- Guided visits with local historians and faith leaders.
- Opportunities to participate in local Masses or cultural events.
Optional extensions to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, or the Amazon.
We can make it happen, learn more about our Travel Agency now.
7. Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
- Best Season: April to October (dry season).
- Dress Modestly: Especially when entering religious sites.
- Language: Basic Spanish helps with local interactions.
- Combine Destinations: Explore beaches, gastronomy, and archaeology nearby.
- Respect: Local cust6. How to Experience "Leo's Route" Travelers can follow the route independently or through curated tours offered by agencies like Andean Travel Experience. Our recommended experience includes:
- Multi-day itineraries covering the top destinations.
- Guided visits with local historians and faith leaders.
- Opportunities to participate in local Masses or cultural events.
- Optional extensions to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, or the Amazon.
8. Integrating Leo's Route into Your Peru Adventure
Leo's Route pairs beautifully with other cultural and spiritual circuits:
- Add a visit to Kuelap or Chan Chan to explore pre-Columbian heritage.
- Explore nearby natural reserves in Piura and La Libertad.
- Connect with Andean cosmology by visiting Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
9. Responsible and Transformative Travel
At Andean Travel Experience, we promote travel that:
- Honors local culture and traditions.
- Contributes to local economies and community projects.
- Encourages personal growth through meaningful connections.
Leo's Route exemplifies this approach a journey not just across landscapes, but into the heart of Peru’s people.
10. Final Thoughts: Walking in the Footsteps of a Pope
“In the Footsteps of Pope Leo XIV” is more than a new route it’s a reminder of how travel can inspire, uplift, and transform. Whether you're seeking a pilgrimage or simply a deeper connection to Peru’s soul, Leo’s Route invites you to walk with purpose.
It’s a journey through memory, faith, and community led by a man whose story is now intertwined with Peru’s spiritual heritage.
Walking in the footsteps of Pope Leo XIV is not merely a spiritual journey it’s a profound rediscovery of Peru’s cultural soul. From the humble streets of Chiclayo to the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square, this route tells the story of a man who remains deeply connected to his homeland. For Peruvians and global travelers alike, retracing his journey is a celebration of identity, history, and divine inspiration.
Whether you're a seeker of spiritual insight, a cultural explorer, or someone looking for a journey that stirs the soul, this experience offers more than destinations it offers meaning.
Join us at Andean Travel Experience as we invite you to explore the sacred and historical legacy of Pope Leo XIV. Book now and be part of a journey that has already touched millions.