Traveling to Peru with kids can be a fantastic experience for the whole family. Peru is a family-friendly destination offering a range of activities suitable for all ages. The country’s friendly people, stunning landscapes, and delicious food make it an ideal spot for family vacations.
Machu Travel Peru demonstrates that you can easily visit historical sites in Peru, like Machu Picchu. They offer family-friendly train rides. This means you don’t have to take challenging hikes.
Exploring Peru with children promotes family bonding and relaxation and provides opportunities to create lasting memories. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and engaging activities, Peru is an excellent choice for a memorable family trip. Enjoy the Andes, the Coast, and the Peruvian Amazon.
Awesome ideas for a Peru itinerary with kids
- Lima’s activities
- Cusco’s activities
- Puno and Lake Titicaca’s activities
- Arequipa’s activities
- Why travel to Peru with kids?
- Tips and weather
Lima’s activities
Lima, the capital city of Peru and often called the “City of Kings”, is an excellent starting point for a family vacation. The city has transformed in recent years and offers a rich mix of history, culture, and cuisine.
Visitors can enjoy diverse restaurants and explore the essence of Peruvian customs. While Lima is generally safe, staying vigilant with one’s belongings is wise.
Wander around Miraflores
Miraflores is a top choice for families visiting Lima, Peru. It offers safety, beauty, and many activities. It’s a friendly tourist district with excellent restaurants and hotels.
Visitors can explore parks and the picturesque Malecón, with its ocean views, and enjoy various free activities. Surfing classes are available for all ages, and bicycle rentals can be found along the boardwalk. On sunny days, don’t miss the stunning sunset of the Peruvian beaches.
Visit the water park
El Circuito Mágico del Agua in Lima is a vibrant spot for families and couples. It features various water fountains and laser shows throughout the day.
Children will have fun getting wet, so bring towels, while adults can enjoy a romantic atmosphere. The park is lively in the afternoons, and visitors can explore the water bridge or take a train ride. Though there are no water slides, it’s a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Enjoy the various restaurants
While in the capital, experience Peruvian culture and cuisine with your children. Enjoy luxurious, internationally recognized restaurants and more affordable, traditional eateries. Peru’s diverse food is highly recommended. It offers something for everyone and showcases the decadent and unique flavors of this beautiful, ancient country.
Cusco’s activities
Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is a must-visit destination in Peru. The city features a blend of Spanish colonial architecture and luxurious hotels. Cusco is a central tourist hub with a rich mix of museums, Inca ruins, and family-friendly activities, all set against stunning views. Nearby, the Sacred Valley of the Incas provides insight into why the Incas selected this fertile area for agriculture.
Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is a must-visit destination in Peru. The city features a blend of Spanish colonial architecture and luxurious hotels. Cusco is a central tourist hub with a rich mix of museums, Inca Ruins, and family-friendly activities set against stunning views. Nearby, the Sacred Valley of the Incas provides insight into why the Incas selected this fertile area for agriculture.
Zipline through the Valley
Near Cusco, the Sacred Valley offers an exciting ziplining experience. This is one of the best things to do in Peru with kids, and it is full of adrenaline-pumping fun.
While Peru is known for its museums and ruins, the Sacred Valley is a top spot for adventure activities, including ziplining. Recently, it has become a popular destination for those seeking thrilling experiences. If you’re looking for more than just action, the area offers plenty for a well-rounded vacation.
Horseback in the Valley
Horseback riding is popular in Peru, especially around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This region offers stunning views of the Andes, picturesque towns, and lush landscapes. The fresh air and scenic beauty make it an excellent activity for families, and some archaeological sites also provide horseback riding opportunities.
Visiting the Inca Citadel
Visiting Machu Picchu is highly sought-after, so booking tickets early is wise. Visitors can take a train or embark on a two-day hike to the site. The train journey offers various experiences, including panoramic views, cultural shows, and gourmet dining. Alternatively, hiking allows for a visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu and the archaeological sites like Wiñaywayna and Sayacmarca, along with stunning views of the Urubamba Valley and Cusco’s mountains.
In any case, you can’t miss this excellent opportunity to enjoy the best time in Peru.
Puno and Lake Titicaca’s activities
Puno is a beautiful city in Peru’s highlands, sitting 12,628 feet above sea level. It is also the gateway to Lake Titicaca. Puno is rich in legends, traditions, and cultural festivities and is the heart of Peruvian folklore. The city’s main event is the February Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, which features lively music, delicious food, and colorful parades.
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake globally, offers stunning blue waters and a variety of cultural and incredible boat tours.
Explore the floating Islands of Uros
The Indigenous Uros people have lived on artificial floating islands made of totora reeds since the Incas. Their daily life—work, sleep, and meals—occurs on these islands. The Uros keep their traditions but use modern technology like solar panels, boats, radios, churches, clinics, and schools.
Visiting these communities is a unique experience. Many tours in Peru allow you to spend an evening with a local family. This makes it a fun adventure, especially for kids.
Know the Island of Taquile and Amantani
After visiting the floating islands of Uros, consider exploring the actual islands of Lake Titicaca, Taquile, and Amantani. On Taquile Island, you’ll encounter a Quechua community living traditionally. They do not have cars and rely on walking. The island features agricultural terraces and a solid adherence to ancient customs.
Amantani Island offers a range of pre-Inca sites and a community that upholds traditional practices. The island is notable for its stone structures and agricultural terraces.
Arequipa’s activities
Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru and is known as the “White City”. This nickname comes from its unique buildings made of white volcanic stone.
Surrounded by three volcanoes, it boasts stunning landscapes and is a great family vacation spot. Visitors can experience rich local culture, sample delicious traditional dishes, explore archaeological sites, and enjoy various tours tailored for children.
Explore the city and its Historical Center
Like Lima, Arequipa boasts a stunning historic center. Its Plaza de Armas is one of the most beautiful squares in Latin America, surrounded by impressive white buildings. The Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast complex once a closed convent for women, is also a must-see.
The Museum of Andean Sanctuaries, which displays the Juanita mummy, is worth a visit. Additionally, Arequipa offers numerous affordable accommodations for families.
Watch the Andean Condor Fly in the Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon, near Arequipa, is one of the world’s deepest canyons and offers breathtaking landscapes. It is a prime spot for nature lovers, especially for viewing the Andean Condor, one of Peru’s most giant land birds and nature reserves in Peru.
To fully appreciate the canyon, consider exploring its hiking trails or taking a full-day tour. Peru is fun to visit all year. However, the best time to see Colca Canyon is from March to June, when the condors are most active.
Why travel to Peru with kids?
Peru travel with kids can be a magical experience. The country is welcoming and family-friendly, with locals who are especially warm towards kids. Peru has many different landscapes, including coastal deserts, tropical forests, and tall mountains. These places can spark a child’s imagination.
Families can enjoy seeing llamas and alpacas and visiting the famous Machu Picchu. Recent security in Peru ensures everyone has a safe and fun experience. Peru’s unique blend of cultural and natural attractions makes it an excellent destination for family travel.
Tips and weather
Peru’s climate varies greatly by region and season. Lima experiences warm weather from December to March and overcast conditions the rest of the year. Cusco has a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The jungle is hot and humid throughout the year.
Therefore, the best time to visit Peru, for the Andes mountains, is between April and September, but if you want summer and beaches, it is between December and January.
It would be best to get vaccinations when visiting Peru, especially in the jungle or high altitudes. It’s also essential to protect yourself from the sun. Wear hats and use sunscreen. Bring layers of clothing for varying temperatures and light, long-sleeved clothes for insect protection in the jungle.
When traveling from Lima to high places like Cusco, watch out for altitude sickness in Peru. Drink lots of clean water.
Stomach issues, such as dysentery and diarrhea, can occur from contaminated water or food. To avoid these, drink bottled water and eat at reputable places. Consult your doctor before traveling, but rest assured that Peru has good medical facilities if needed.
“REMEMBER HAPPINESS IS A WAY OF TRAVEL NOT A DESTINATION”
Together with the Machu Travel Peru team, we hope to have guided you about what you can enjoy in Peru with kids. Remember that we have only mentioned a small glimpse of everything you can do in our country. In case you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask our team of qualified advisors. They will be happy to help you plan the next trip of your dreams. Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to explore the magical Andean country. It is one of the unique opportunities to enjoy a unique moment with your family while discovering some wonders of the ancient world.
