Wondering where to spend your next holiday? Peru is your next stop. It was recently recognized in some renowned news portals such as CNN Travel and The Telegraph as one of the top destinations for vacations because it offers multi-generational travel experiences for all tastes.
As one of the most enchanting and multicultural countries, Peru brings rich traditions, cultural heritage, and history through its Coast, Amazon, and Andean Regions. Undoubtedly, an excellent family-friendly destination for educational and entertaining experiences, while promoting responsible tourism concerning local communities and nature.
On the Coast, indulge in the top Peruvian gastronomy of Lima. Enjoy the stunning beaches in Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, home to thousands of sea lions, as well as, practice aquatic and outdoor activities. In the Andean Region, visit Cusco’s historic streets echo the ancient history of the Inca Empire leading to iconic sites such as Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley. Moreover, venture to the biodiverse Amazon Rainforest to explore endemic flora and fauna, through guided tours, boat excursions, canopy walks, and engaging with local communities. Continue reading below for ideas of family tours, activities, and recommended itineraries for your next travel to Peru.
Top Experiences for Families in Peru
LIMA
| ACTIVITIES | AGE | DURATION | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Biking in Miraflores’boardwalk to Barranco District |
From 3 years and up |
2h |
Easy |
|
Learn to make your chocolate based on Peruvian Cacao |
From 3 years and up
|
45 min |
Easy |
CUSCO
| ACTIVITIES | AGE | DURATION | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Paint and design your own Torito de Pukara |
From 4 years and up |
2h |
Easy |
|
Learn to make your chocolate based on Peruvian Cacao |
From 3 years and up
|
45 min |
Easy |
|
Street photography
|
From 7 years and up |
2h |
Easy |
|
Cusco craft and superfoods, visit a local market |
From 4 years and up
|
2h |
Easy |
|
ATV´S ride on the Sacred Valley *No previous experience required |
From 3 to 12 years with their parents |
4h |
Soft adventure
|
|
Kayaking in Piuray Lake |
From 4 years and up
|
1h |
Easy |
|
Rafting adventure in Urubamba River *Previous experience required |
From 8 years and up
|
1h30 in the river approx. |
Class 2-3 rapids
|
|
Downhill biking in Cusco
*Previous experience required |
From 8 years and up
|
1h30 of biking approx.
|
Soft adventure
|
|
Biking in the Sacred Valley *Mid-physical condition required |
From 8 years and up
|
1h30 of biking approx.
|
Moderate adventure
|
|
Andean horseback riding in the Sacred Valley *No previous experience required |
From 7 years and up
|
1h30 of biking approx.
|
Soft adventure |
|
Private excursion to Machu Picchu |
All ages
|
2h of guidance
|
Moderate
|
|
Escape Game in Cusco streets |
From 7 years and up
|
3 - 4 h
|
Easy
|
PARACAS
| ACTIVITIES | AGE | DURATION | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Enjoy an aquatic park
|
From 7 years and up
|
1h |
Easy |
|
Boat ride to discover the Ballestas Islands |
From 4 years and up
|
2h |
Easy |
|
Buggies in the desert and sandboarding |
From 7 years and up |
1h |
Easy |
|
Biking in Paracas National Reserve |
From 7 years and up |
1h |
Easy |
What to expect in your family trip to Peru?
Explore the enchanting lands of Peru with our suggested itineraries that will captivate everyone through a journey that includes adventurous expeditions, cultural experiences, and entertaining activities for a memorable family trip.
4 Days/ 3 Nights
Family expedition to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest
Day 1:
- Arrival in Maldonado Port
- 1hour bus trip & 1hour boat ride to the lodge
- Explore the stunning wildlife through camera traps
Day 2:
- Canoe ride in the Condenado oxbow lake & wildlife spotting
- Join a great scavenger hunt in the jungle
- Draw rainforest shapes tattoos with natural dyes
- Witness sunsets from a boat in the Tambopata River
Day 3:
- 2-hour trip to Chuncho clay lick to see large macaws feeding
- Visit the 35-meter canopy tower to admire impressive jungle views
- Listen to ancient Ese’ejas tales and stories of the forest around a fire circle
Day 4:
- End of the expedition
- Return journey & transfer to city airport
9 Days/ 8 Nights
Lima-Sacred Valley-Cusco- Lima
Day 1:
- Arrival in Lima
- Transfer to your selected hotel
Day 2:
- Half-day Sightseeing in downtown Lima
- Optional excursions: Biking tour in Miraflores
& Barranco District or chocolate-making classes
Day 3:
- Transfer to Lima airport
- Flight from Lima to Cusco
- Arrival in Cusco & transfer to your selected hotel in the Sacred Valley
- Rest of the day at leisure
Day 4:
- Andean horseback riding in the Sacred Valley
- Discover Ollantaytambo archaeological site
Day 5:
- Kayaking experience
- Sightseeing Maras Salt Mines & Moray archaeological site
Day 6:
- Transfer to the railway station & departure to Aguas Calientes by train
- Transfer to Machu Picchu & excursion with a specialized guide for kids
- Transfer to Aguas Calientes & return train journey to Ollantaytambo railway station
- Transfer to Cusco city
Day 7:
- City tour in Cusco, including stops at Sacsayhuaman archaeological site and
Llama farm.
Day 8:
- Day at leisure
- Half-Day Optional Excursions: Street photography, Escape game, Design your own Torito de Pukara, or
chocolate-making lessons.
Day 9:
- Transfer to Cusco airport
- Flight from Cusco to Lima Departure
Tips for family travel in Peru
- Peru is a year-round destination, however, consider the weather of the region you will visit before planning your trip.
- There exists a wide range of activities when traveling with kids to Peru, therefore, mention your family’s preferences to your travel designer to make a customized itinerary according to your expectations.
- Check the minimum age and requirements for each activity with your travel designer.
- Pack essentials: sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, a first aid kit, a reusable water bottle, snacks, multipurpose wipes, hand sanitizer, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing, according to your planned activities.
- We recommend having some mornings or afternoons at leisure in each destination, either for rest, to acclimatize to the altitude, or to visit the city on your own.
- An overnight stay at the Sacred Valley is suggested for better acclimatization to the altitude and an extra day for rest upon arrival. Consider that the Sacred Valley is at 2,800 m.a.s.l. (9,186 ft) and the city of Cusco is at 3, 400 m.a.s.l. (11, 000 ft)
- We recommend private service excursions, we have specialized guides in each destination for children. As each child has its preferences and motivations, they need a personalized experience at each step.
- Consider booking accommodations with family-friendly amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, or game rooms.
Peru as a multicultural and biodiverse country offers many activities to have fun, relax, and learn about the mysticism, traditions, and culture of the ancestral Inca Empire and local communities. Contact Pure! Peru, your trusted local tour operator. Our travel agents will craft tailor-made itineraries with family activities specially designed for your client’s next holiday in Peru.
Published in February 2024
