My Guide to Planning a Peru Family Trip – Wild Junket Adventure Travel Blog

Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by Nellie Huang

For intrepid parents planning an adventurous Peru family trip, this is my comprehensive guide to traveling Peru with kids.

Traveling Peru with kids is an adventure of a lifetime. The country is a treasure trove of ancient sites and indigenous villages, packed with so much dramatic mountainscapes and immersive experiences that intrepid kids would absolutely love! There’s plenty of adventure to be had with kids: Wander the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, swoosh down sand dunes at Huacachina, mingle with alpacas, tread the thousand-year-old cobblestones of Cusco, and hike through the stunning Sacred Valley.

Peru is ideal for parents who love traveling to intrepid destinations and don’t necessarily fancy a beach vacation now that they’ve got kids. We first traveled Peru 15 years ago, before we had kids, and we watched Kaleya fall in love with Peru this time round, just as we did.

In the last 10 years, Peru has developed decent tourism infrastructure, with excellent highways, beautiful lodges to stay at, and good restaurants everywhere. It’s also just a short 5-hour flight from Miami and it’s on the same time zone as New York. It gives your kids a taste of somewhere completely different, without making them fly halfway across the globe. 

Peru with Kids

How to Get to Peru with Kids

Peru is not too far most of the US, with Miami being the launchpad for flights to Lima. Jorge Chavez Airport is the main gateway to Peru; flights to other parts of Peru all depart from Lima so you’ll need to fly through to the capital city regardless. 

LATAM has year-round flights from Los Angeles, Miami, New York City to Lima, for as cheap as $300 return. Search for Flights to Lima

There are also direct flights from Mexico City, Cancun, Buenos Aires and Quito to Lima. We flew from Cancun to Lima for just US$300 return. From Europe, expect to pay around $600 return. The cheapest flights are from Madrid to Lima.

When to Travel Peru with Kids

Most of Peru is mountainous, which means it gets chilly even in summer. The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, there is little rainfall and temperatures are milder, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

We’ve traveled Peru in April and July, and found the warm to be always sunny, warmish, and perfect on both times. Keep in mind that June to August is peak tourist season in Peru, so expect crowds and higher prices during these months. November to April is the rainy season, temperatures are warmer but wetter. Be sure to pack waterproof gear!

How Long to Travel Peru with Kids?

Peru is a massive and extremely diverse country. It’s jam-packed with bucket-list-worthy sights, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest, Ica Desert to Nazca lines.

To see the country’s highlights, I would recommend spending at least two weeks in Peru. On our first backpacking trip in South America, we spent a month in Peru and felt like we barely scraped the surface. 

And, as you probably know, traveling with kids requires more time and flexibility. If it’s your first time in Peru and you’ve got smaller kids, I suggest planning at least 3 weeks in Peru so you can see the country at a relaxing pace. Below are two itinerary ideas for those planning to travel Peru with kids.

Our Recommended 2-Week Peru itinerary

• 3 Days in Lima — to get to know the country’s capital
• 2 Days in Huacachina — to frolick in the sand dunes
• 3 Days in Sacred Valley — to explore ruins and visit indigenous villages
• 2 Days in Machu Picchu — to see Peru’s most famous ancient site
• 3 Days in Cusco — to learn Inca history in museums
• Day trip to Rainbow Mountain — a hike up to the snow peaks

Our Recommended 3-Week Peru itinerary

In addition to the above itinerary, we will add on…

• 2 Days at Lake Titicaca & Uros Island — to sleep on a floating island
• 2 Days in Arequipa — to wander around this colonial city
• 3 Days in Iquitos — to experience the Amazon Rainforest

Getting Around Peru with Kids

As Peru is a big country, you’ll most likely need to use a combination of transport modes to get around. On our first trip in Peru we didn’t fly at all and took long-distance buses from one point to another. But for those traveling Peru with kids, that wouldn’t be a practical option. 

By Plane

Travel distances can be long in Peru, and flying can cut down travel time substantially. For instance, you can fly from Lima to Cusco in just 1 hour; while the bus would take around 18 hours.  On our recent trip, we flew from Lima to Cusco and then rented a car to explore the Sacred Valley from there.

Flights from Lima to Cusco are affordable, starting from US$50 return. You can also find flights to Arequipa and Iquitos at affordable prices too. Check for flights here.

By Car

The easiest way to get around Peru is by car rental. We rented a car from Lima and Cusco and found it an excellent way to travel around Peru with kids. Our car rental in Lima was very cheap, around US$20 per day, with the pickup and drop-off across the road from the airport. We always book car rental on Discover Cars, as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service.

Yes, driving in Peru requires some grit and it’s not for the faint-hearted (especially when navigating the steep mountain roads of the Sacred Valley) — but if you have experience driving abroad, it is doable and definitely makes for an adventure! The main things to watch out for are reckless Peruvian drivers.

Also be prepared for corrupt police! We actually encountered an officer who asked us for a bribe just because we were not using headlights during the day. We ended up paying him US$30 and hightailed out of there. 

By Bus

Peru Hop is a popular way of getting around Peru — the bus company has designated stops and you can get tickets for a certain duration and hop to and from as many points as you like. Alternatively, TEPSA and Cruz del Sur are public bus companies that offer services around Peru. On our first trip to Peru, we took the bus everywhere and it worked out fine.

By Taxi

For those who don’t drive but prefer your own transport, Taxidatum is a useful service that allows you to make a private driver reservation online. Taxidatum can pick you up at the airport, hotel, or anywhere. They’ll wait for you as well as follow along with you during the rest of your journey. The trip between Cusco and Ollantaytambo cost roughly US$37.

Is it Safe to Travel Peru with Kids?

Like other countries in South America, Peru has been experiencing many anti-government protests in recent years. During our recent visit, we didn’t witness any protests or riots on the streets, but we did experience the paro nacional, nationwide strikes that caused all transport and businesses to shut for a few days. 

We were not allowed to leave our hotel in Ollantaytambo for 2 days as the road was blocked and our hotel staff said it wasn’t safe. Our train to Machu Picchu got cancelled too, but we managed to rebook them for another day. Some travelers we met weren’t so lucky and had to fly home without visiting Machu Picchu (imagine that)! Keep yourself informed about the situation in Peru and try to add in some flexibility to your schedule.

I personally I feel that Peru is a safe place to travel, especially if you’re traveling along the well trodden tourist trail. The main safety hazard is road traffic as bus drivers can be quite reckless. On our first trip to Machu Picchu 15 years ago, the driver was going so fast on those windy roads in the Sacred Valley, that we felt that we would swerve off the road any minute. Try to rent a car or hire a private driver if possible. 

Peru with Kids: Which Ages Would Enjoy it Most?

We traveled Peru with our 8-year-old daughter and she absolutely loved it! She said Peru’s one of her favorite countries in the world (and she’s been to 54 countries to date). She’s an adventurous girl who loves hiking/climbing and doesn’t mind roughing it in dingy hostels or dodgy bus rides. And she likes variety (like me) so a diverse country like Peru definitely gets her stamp of approval. 

That said, I don’t think Peru is suitable for kids of all ages. Traveling Peru with babies and toddlers for example can be challenging as you’ll be doing a lot of hiking and walking in the ruins and towns. The infrastructure doesn’t quite support that (eg. you won’t find facilities like diaper-changing stations in bathrooms) 

• 0-12 months — It’s still relatively easy to travel Peru with babies as you can easily transport them in hiking backpacks. Don’t expect to use your stroller much in places like Cusco and Machu Picchu with uneven roads and cobblestoned streets.

• 1-4 years old — This might be a tricky age to bring your lil ones to Peru as they’re too big to fit in hiking backpacks but still can’t walk long distances at this age. 

• 5-8 years old — This is a great age to travel Peru! They’re able to hike and explore for longer distances, and their awareness of potential danger will keep them out of harm’s way. 

• 9-13 years old — Kids at this age will love the nature and history in Peru. History lessons truly come alive here and they’ll appreciate Peru more than ever.

• 14-18 years old — Teenagers will surely like the outdoorsy part, though they might whine about the lack of WiFi or five-star hotels in rural areas.

Do You Need to Book a Tour to Travel Peru with Kids?

I personally think it’s easy to travel around Peru independently. But if you don’t speak Spanish or never traveled much with kids before, your best bet is to book a tour package. There are lots of responsible tour operators that run educational and immersive tours around Peru. G Adventures for example runs a 10-day Peru family experience that brings a small group of families from Lima to the Amazon and Machu Picchu. 

Alternatively, you could book accommodation and flights yourself, and take day tours from your base. These day tours typically include a local guide, transportation, and entrance fees to archaeological sites. For instance, you can fly to Cusco and take tours to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley from there. I usually book my day excursions on GetYourGuide as they have the biggest selection and lowest rates, plus free cancellations.

How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids

It’s important to have travel insurance whether you’re traveling Peru for weeks or years. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. They cover kids for free as long as you’ve got a plan with them. 

I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before the coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

Do You Need to Speak Spanish to Travel Peru with Kids?

The official languages in Peru are Spanish and Quechua. Speaking Spanish will of course be very helpful, but you’ll be fine without it. As tourism is huge in Peru, many people working in the travel industry speak English. 

If you are traveling independently or driving, road signs in Peru are in both Spanish and English. Peruvians are generally friendly and helpful even if you don’t speak Spanish. Learning a few simple words in Spanish such as Hola (hello), gracias (thank you), and por favor (please) will go a long way.

Where to Stay in Peru with Kids

Peru has decent tourism infrastructure and there’s a wide range of accommodation in most parts, particularly along the tourist trail. Accommodation prices are very affordable: budget travelers can usually get a bed in a clean, comfy hostel for less than US$15/ per night, while mid-range hotels have family rooms that are as cheap as US$30/night. In Lima, the capital city, there’s no shortage of modern, swanky Airbnbs that cost approximately US$40/night.

Here are my recommendations for family-friendly hotels in Peru:

Lima: Miraflores Apartment

We booked a spacious and comfortable 3-bedroom apartment in Lima’s upscale Miraflores neighborhood and couldn’t believe how cheap it was. At just $45/night, it was incredible value for money. Just steps from restaurants and supermarkets, the apartment has an amazing location and functional features. If you’ve got a bigger family, check out this gorgeous 4-room apartment. 

Huacachina: El Huacachinero Hotel

In the tiny oasis town of Huacachina, you’ll find a small selection of guesthouses, backpackers hostels, and hotels. We ended up returning to the hotel we stayed at 15 years ago that has a fantastic pool with the dunes right behind it and an awesome restaurant. Check rates here.

Cusco: Tariq Boutique Hotel

The main reason I booked Tariq boutique hotel was the view. Right from our bed, we were treated to panoramic views of the city: terracotta roofs juxtaposed against bell towers and backdropped by mountains. It’s a climb to reach here from the city center, but well worth it for that view. Check rates here.

Sacred Valley: Del Pilar Ollantaytambo

We stayed at this countryside hotel for most of our time in the Sacred Valley. At a 20-minute drive from Ollantaymbo, the hotel’s location may be inconvenient for those without a car, but we loved being surrounded by the mountains. The hotel has quality furnishings, an excellent recreation room with boardgames and pool table, as well as mountain bikes that you can use for free! Check rates here.

Sacred Valley: Tambo del Inka, Urubamba

Lauded as the best hotel in Sacred Valley, the Tambo del Inka sits right along the Urubamba River and has a private train station to Machu Picchu. Urubamba is a big town and doesn’t have the charm of Ollantaytambo, but it has a central location in the Sacred Valley. This is the only hotel in the list that we didn’t stay at, but my friend highly recommends this place. Check rates here.

Machu Picchu: Tierra Viva Macchu Picchu

There’s a surprisingly good range of hotels at Machu Picchu pueblo (Aguascalientes), the gateway town to Machu Picchu. This time we treated ourselves to an upscale hotel as we knew how tiring a day at Machu Picchu was. Having plush beds and strong air-conditioning definitely made a difference. Waking up to the sounds of the raging river and views of the misty mountains outside our window was a bonus. Check rates here.

 Things to Do in Peru with Kids

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Peru with kids:

Stroll along Miraflores Boardwalk in Lima

Lima’s waterfront boardwalk is a glorious walkway that winds it way on the clifftops of Miraflores, alongside the Pacific Ocean. The boardwalk is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as some parks and playgrounds. It’s the best spot in Lima to catch the sunset. 

I recommend starting your walk at the Parque del Amor, a park dedicated to love. The park is home to a number of sculptures and murals, as well as a beautiful view of the city. Then make a stop at Beso Francés Crepería for a sweet treat (your kids will love it!) and watch the surfers ride the chilly waves beneath you. Head north and continue until reach Larcomar, a modern outdoor mall perched on the clifftops overlooking the sea.

Go Paragliding off the Miraflores Cliffs

Adventurers alert! On the Miraflores boardwalk, you can sign your adventurous kids up for a paragliding experience and watch them soar from the craggy rocks of Miraflores. The city and ocean are stunning, and it’s an experience your kids won’t soon forget. They’ll of course be gliding in tandem with an instructor. It costs US$76 and the minimum age is 5. Book here!

Learn to Surf at Playa el Malecon

Lima’s most popular beach, Playa El Malecon, lies at the base of the Miraflores cliffs. The waves here are ideal for surfing, and the beach is lined with restaurants and bars, making it a fantastic place to spend a day in the sun. My daughter loves to surf, but we didn’t try it here as the water in the Pacific can be very cold!

Climb Sand Dunes in Huacachina 

One of our favorite places in Peru, Huacachina is an exceptional desert oasis at the edge of the Atacama desert. Huacachina is centered around a lagoon lined with lush vegetation — all located in the driest desert in the world. Snuggled between the biggest sand dunes in South America, it is the only natural oasis on the continent.

Jump on a dune buggy for a thrilling (vertiginous) ride up and down the dunes, go sand boarding or simply let your kids run free, they’ll absolutely love it! Huacachina is a 4-hour drive from the capital city Lima. We rented a car and drove there ourselves, which was relatively easy and cheap.

Swim with Sealions at Islas Ballestas

Located off the coast of Paracas, Islas Ballestas is a group of islets brimming with endemic birds and wildlife. It’s lauded as the “poor man’s Galapagos”, and offers an accessible way to see some of the diverse eco-system of South America without the hefty cost. The Ballestas might not boast the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, but a trip comes at a fraction of the price and is a real highlight in southern Peru, especially for kids.

Wander around Cusco

As the capital of the Inca empire, Cusco was known as the “navel of the world”. A visit to this ancient city and its nearby ruins will transport you back to the mystical Andean civilization. It’s a must-see when traveling Peru with kids as they’ll see pages from their history textbook come alive here.

Start at the Plaza de las Armas, the main square of the city. Some of the best places to visit in Cusco include the Qorikancha Sun Temple, the Museo Inka, the Museo de Arte Pre-Colombino (MAP) and the San Pedro Market. Our favorite area in Cusco is San Blas, a bohemian enclave on the hilltops with narrow cobblestoned streets and spectacular views. Read here for a full list of things to do in Cusco.

Get Up Close to Alpacas at Awana Kancha

30 minutes outside of Cusco stands the Awana Kancha, an educational farm  and living museum of the Andes. The farm is home to four species of the native camelid family: alpacas, llamas, guanacos and vicunãs. These long-necked creatures have historically roamed the Andes and provided clothing, fuel and companionship as domesticated animals for over 5,000 years.  

Feeding these cheeky creatures is a lot of fun, and their inquisitive nature makes meeting them an enjoyable experience. Just be careful about saliva and spitting; they’re a slobbering species! Don’t miss out on Awana Kancha’s fascinating exhibits on Peruvian textiles’ manufacturing and making. Entry is free, but donations are much appreciated!

Explore Pisac Ruins

High up in the Peruvian Andes lies the Sacred Valley, a dramatic area chocked full of  rugged landscapes, speckled with ancient Inca ruins and rural villages rich in indigenous culture. Most travelers pass through this region on their way to Machu Picchu, but few stop and linger around to immerse in the Andean culture here.

In the Sacred Valley, you’ll find the Pisac ruins, one of Peru’s most extensive archeological sites, and said to be bigger than Machu Picchu. Located on the long crest of a 3000m high mountain overlooking the Southern end of the Sacred Valley, , the Pisac ruins offer spectacular views of the valley. 

The sheer size and location of the site suggests that Pisac was an important defence against any potential invasion of Cusco. One of the main sites here is Inti Punku, or the ‘Sun Gate’. From here, you get a stunning view of the valley below and the entire site.

Visit Museo Inkariy

The best museum to visit in Peru with kids, in my opinion, is the Museo Inkariy, located in the town of Calca in the Sacred Valley. It shows the fascinating pre-Colombian civilizations that came before the Inca. You and your kids will learn about each civilization, including the Inca, through key artifacts, musical instruments, tools, and even life-sized figures of its people. Great for both adults and kids! Entry: 35 Soles or US$9.

Bike along the Urubamba River

My daughter’s favorite activity in the Sacred Valley was biking along the Urubamba River. We could use the mountain bikes at our hotel for free, so we took off and rode along the trails that ran parallel to the train tracks. With farm lands on one side and mountains on the other, the ride was incredibly scenic and immersive. And because of the strike, there was no traffic at all. Highly recommend it! 

TIP: We stayed at Del Pilar Ollantaytambo, a modern country retreat just 20 minutes from Ollantaytambo. It’s set in a valley surrounded by the mountains and we absolutely love the rural location. It has plenty of amenities for families, like a playground, swinging hammocks, a good restaurant, and even alpacas grazing the gardens.

Take the Train to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the biggest highlight of Peru. The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes) is perhaps one of the best train journeys in the world. You’ll whizz alongside the raging Urubamba River, stare up steep canyons, and gaze upon snow-peaked mountains, while retracing Hiram Bingham’s footsteps into the lost city of the Incas.

Ollantaytambo is the closest town to Machu Picchu Pueblo (there’s no road access) and there are regular train departures on both Peru Rail and Inca Rail. They use the same tracks and serve the same stations, and ticket prices are approximately the same. Read my guide to Machu Picchu to learn which to choose and how to book the tickets.

Be sure to buy your tickets in advance online to get the best price and departure times for your trip. Vistadome and the 360 trains have huge glass windows and are worth the splurge (from US$65 each way). If you don’t mind missing out on the scenery, night trains are much cheaper (at around US$25 each way).

What to Eat in Peru with Kids

Peruvian food is earning a big following around the world these days. The ceviche, raw fish marinated in a citrusy lime sauce, is the most famous dish from Peru. Beyond that, other famous Peruvian dishes include aji de gallina (creamy chicken), lomo saltado (stir fried beef), and the roasted cuy (guinea pig) which are all worth trying.

For kids who are not adventurous eaters, most restaurants in Peru also serve pizzas and pastas.  Even in smaller towns like Huacachina, you’ll find dishes that your kids are more familiar with. In the capital city Lima, there’s a huge variety of international food, from American fast food to modern Japanese and traditional Chifa (Chinese Peruvian) cuisine.

How to Keep Your Kids Healthy in Peru

Food hygiene can be an issue in the rural parts of Peru, but most restaurants and eateries have a decent standard of hygiene. Water from the tap is not safe to drink, but you can easily find bottled water everywhere.

I also advise travelers to not eat uncooked vegetables or fruits that you haven’t washed yourself or cannot peel in order to avoid an upset stomach during your travels. We had no problems eating street food or at local eateries in Cusco.

There are no required vaccines to enter the country but you are advised to have your polio and tetanus vaccines in order. If you like to be as safe as possible, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are recommended.

How to Stay Connected While Traveling Peru with Kids

To stay connected in Peru, you can get a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival or get a eSIM before arrival. We bought our eSIM on Airalo and it worked really well throughout the trip. We had unlimited internet data, with reception even on top of the Huacachina sand dunes. Get your eSIM here.

We minimize the time our daughter spends on devices at home and only give her access to the iPad on long drives and during flights. WiFi is not easily available in public spaces in Peru (though most hotels have it), so download shows/books for offline use before your trip.

Cost of Travel in Peru with Kids

Peru is an affordable destination, and you can find amazing prices on accommodation and food. You can travel Peru independently on as little as US$30 per person per day. 

Accommodation is very cheap in Peru. When we traveled Peru as backpackers for the first time, we paid US$15-20 per night for a private hostel room. These days, you can still find hostel rooms for $25-40 per night and 2-bedroom Airbnbs in Lima (with swimming pool) for around US$40-60 per night. We stayed at high quality hotels in the Sacred Valley for just $50/night.

Restaurants in Peru are very affordable. Expect to pay around 100 to 300 Soles (US$5 to 15) per person for a decent meal in a restaurant. Many places offer menu del dia (set lunch) for 100 Soles (US$5) and that includes a soup, main course, and drink. The main course is usually trout, chicken, or beef steak, with rice and fries.

What to Pack for a Peru Family Trip

• Always pack a lightweight jacket for the chilly nights regardless of when you’re traveling Peru. As most of the interesting places lie at high altitude, the temperature difference between night and day is big. So even if you’re visiting in summer, it does get chilly in the evenings.

• The sun can be relenting at high altitudes. To protect yourself from the sun, bring a wide-rimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

• There are so many twists and turns on the road to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu that many people experience motion sickness. I suggest bring Dramamine or any other motion sickness pills for kids.

• Another essential item to pack on a Peru trip with kids is a first aid kit with basic medications like paracetamol, Acetazolamide (or Diamox) for altitude sickness, antihistamine for allergies, medication for food poisoning, and rehydration pills.

• Don’t forget to bring some of your kids’ favorite toys or coloring books to keep them entertained on long car journeys. Kaleya loves having her kids’ camera to take photos and her binoculars especially when we’re hiking.

My Packing List for Peru with Kids

Practical Tips for Traveling Peru with Kids

• When planning your Peru itinerary, be sure to factor in some downtime and days where you do nothing. The high altitude and thin air affects everyone and you’ll feel more tired than usual. Give yourself 1-2 days to acclimatize (especially if you’re flying into Cusco).

• Make sure the children are up to date with routine vaccinations, and discuss possible travel vaccines well before departure, as some are not suitable for children aged less than a year. 

• Remember to pack rehydration powder in case your child vomits or experiences diarrhea. In Peru’s often-searing heat, you’ll need to be extra careful with heat exhaustion and dehydration. 

• Take the opportunity to show your kids how to be respectful of people. In Cusco, some ladies might approach you or your kids to take photos with them and their alpacas. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that; just remember to tip them. A standard tip is 20 soles (US$1).

• Haggling is part of the culture in Peru, so be ready if you’re planning to buy any handwoven textiles or alpaca wool scarf. 

Enjoy Your Trip to Peru with Kids!

Thank you for reading this far! On an ending note, I just want to remind you not to pack in too much; the key to enjoying Peru with kids is to slow down and take your time to explore. I hope this guide has helped you to plan your Peru family trip. Feel free to leave me any questions or comments you may have below.

Read more articles on Peru or other parts of South America:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book anything through my links, I’ll get a small % of commission, at NO cost to you. I only recommend products or hotels I have personally used and enjoyed.

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