The American and Canadian Association of Peru was formed in 1917 by Americans residing in Peru as The American Society. It gave people with American passports, and their families, the opportunity to speak English with others of familiar backgrounds and participate in social and cultural activities together on a non-official basis. Shortly there after, Canadians were admitted. In 1993, The American Society became the American Association of Peru because of new Peruvian laws. The name was again modified in 1999 to the present American and Canadian Association of Peru.

The Association provides a setting in which its members can share in the customs and heritage of their native countries, while their children have the chance to participate in American and Canadian holidays as they might at home and learn about the Peruvian way of life. Concentration is on social and cultural activities; when the budget permits, this is extended to charitable contributions to both American/Canadian and Peruvian organizations.

In recent years, associate membership has become available to anyone holding a passport from an English-speaking country. This includes all membership benefits, except the opportunity to vote in the annual elections.