Traveling To Peru With Kids Or Teens

Travelling with children or teens in Peru is a different experience than travelling solo or as a couple; you do need a little extra planning. This article will give you ideas on organizing an unforgettable family trip to Peru.

Peru is an excellent destination for a family trip with children of all ages. Children and parents alike are guaranteed a good time. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy a vacation that has everything. From beaches, to hiking, adventure sports and an enriching experiences to exploring different histories and cultures.

Is Peru a good place to visit with kids?

Most definitely! Peru caters to both small children and teenagers and promises a vacation with extensive biodiversity, fascinating wildlife, historical ruins, colorful markets, warm beaches and adrenalin packed adventures around every corner. Not forgetting the delicious food from the culinary capital of South America!

Below we look at the different regions of Peru, explore what makes each place worth visiting, which activities are family-friendly, choosing the best tour operators and the best places to stay. Peru is one of the safest countries in South America and has a well organized and established tourism industry, so no need to stress. You can enjoy a hassle-free vacation with your entire family with ample opportunity to simply unwind and relax.

Choosing the Best Tour Operator for your Tours and Excursions

We highly recommend choosing an established tour operator well in advance to help you plan out the bones of your trip Itinerary. It’s easier to use only a limited number of tour operators, this way they can get a more in-depth understanding of your family dynamics and needs.

If you wish to do the Classic Inca Trail, you need to book months in advance, especially during the high season (May to September). Other excursions can be booked closer to the time.

Ask your tour agency to help you with domestic flights, there are local websites that have very reasonable prices. Also consider booking your accommodation ahead of time to avoid having to book establishments that are over-priced or just not ideal for your family needs.

Finally, booking ahead gives you ample time to shop around and take advantage of the opportunity to get discounts on selected tours based on your children’s ages. You will enjoy yourselves more if most things are well organized and prebooked, instead of spending your vacation time on your cellphone trying to compare prices on poor internet.

For the best tours in Cusco, we, of course, recommend Orange Nation. We have an extensive knowledge on the Cusco region, knowledgeable guides and small tour groups. For tours in other parts of Peru, we recommend Sam Corporations for the most comprehensive and well planned itinerary.

Inevitably, not everything will go exactly according to plan. For this reason, it’s nice to have the emergency WhatsApp number of an agency or close relative that will help solve any issues that might arise. Your tour agency should have extensive knowledge and be well versed in how things work around the country.

What is the best time to visit Peru with Kids?

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Peru is usually between April and October/November. Even though it can get cold during the nights in the Andes – especially in May and June – the days are clear with blue skies and very little rain. Remember that the Amazon gets rain throughout the year.

The high tourist season is during the months of May-September, the weather is amazing and there are many festivals to look forward to. It also conveniently falls over the school holidays! The streets are lined with traditional dancers in their colorful traditional attire, traditional food like chiriuchu and lively parades.

It is imperative to book things early during this time of the year. This is high tourist season and some activities, including Machu Picchu general entry tickets, get booked out months in advance. The shoulder months are a great option if you wish to avoid the crowds, but still want to enjoy a bit of sunny skies.

The rainy season is between December and March, which is also the slow tourist season, but doesn’t include Easter Week when many Peruvians take their annual vacation. There are certain tours that can’t be done during this time of the year because of heavy rains.

Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado can have road closures due to landslides. The Inca trail is also closed for maintenance in February. You can look forward to warm nights, but regular rainfall during the day.

The best months to visit the coast of Peru is December-February. Ultimately, when to visit Peru really depends on what factors are most important to you. If you really don’t like the crowds, you can always bring some extra rain gear and travel in peace. If you want to immerse yourself in some of the culture, then June is the pinnacle of a great holiday.

Peru with Kids: Best places to travel with kids in Peru

What are the best places to visit in Peru with kids? Below we have included the best destinations to visit with kids. We also give you tips on where to go and what to do at each destination. Overall, Peruvians love children, and you feel welcomed throughout country, it is definitely kid-friendly.

1) Cusco with Kids

Cusco is the most visited destination in Peru, home to at least 6 of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The Cusco region is a treasure throve of UNESCO world heritage sites, a tribute to a great legacy left by the vast Inca Empire.

There are many trails along their intricate 40,000 kilometers (25,000 mi) long Inca road network which includes the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The region offers a very diverse selection of excursions, with unique textiles, culinary delights and a rich culture that’s expressed through colorful festivals with beautifully choreographed dances and traditional music.

The ancient city of Cusco is situated in the southeast part of Peru, located in the Andes Mountains at a breath stealing 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level and has some of the most stunning mountain vistas in the world.

The city has one small draw back, the altitude. Once you overcome this little hurdle, you can have the most enriching experience of your life. Machu Picchu is also the most visited destination in Peru and no visit is complete without stopping at this architectural marvel, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. We also explore the requirements and implications of visiting this site with children of different ages.

Altitude Sickness

The first part of a Cusco family vacation is acclimating to the high altitude of the Peruvian Andes. Should you feel the effects of altitude sickness in the higher areas, the best remedy is lots of water, coca tea and rest. It takes a bit of time to get adjusted, so don’t plan a hike or a full day trip on arrival in Cusco.

Best Family-Friendly Tours in Cusco

Cusco is the main departure point to the world famous Machu Picchu Citadel. However, there are plenty of must-see things in and around Cusco that will keep you and your family occupied! Here are a few things we recommend doing with your family around the Cusco Region.

• Cusco City Tour:- This a great hassle free acclimatization tour. Explore great archeological sites like Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, Q´enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Stroll down the picturesque cobble stoned street, stopping at the iconic San Pedro Market which is a great reflection of the local culture and traditions. The tour culminates at the historical center in Plaza de Armas, where Inca and Spanish culture and architecture collide in the most impressive fashion.
• Sacred Valley Day Tour:- Another perfect acclimatization tour. The valley of the Incas has many quaint towns and its residents still maintain an authentic and traditional way of life. The tour includes many of the towns that sit along the Urubamba River in the Urubamba Valley. There are colorful street markets selling local textiles, as well as easily accessible Inca archeological sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. And not forgetting the must-see Incan agricultural experimentation site of Moray and the Pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras. We recommend staying in Ollantaytambo if you plan to continue on to Machu Picchu.
• Short Inca Trail:- The Short Inca Trail comprises of the last 1/3 of the Classic Inca Trail. It´s the most ideal option when traveling with young children. It´s only a full day of moderate hiking, the second day is reserved for exploring Machu Picchu by taking a train from Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes). En-route you get to see unique fauna and flora, pass incredible archeological sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before arriving at Machu Picchu.
• 5-Day Inca Trail:– This is the extended version of the famous 4-Day Classic Inca Trail. It´s an amazing adventure full of stunning Inca sites and breath taking mountain vistas. What makes this better is that the trek actually gives trekkers an extra day to adjust and acclimate to the new altitude before taking on the extremely steep and challenging incline to Dead Women pass at 4 215m/ 13 907ft. This is one of the most sort after treks in the world and your children will forever be grateful for being part of this once in a lifetime experience. It´s an adventure they won´t soon forget.
• Adrenaline packed adventures:– Cusco is not known for its high energy, adventure packed activities. However, the reality is that it has tons of activities that are perfect for those antsy teenagers looking for a thrilling day of adventure.
  • Horseback riding– there are a multitude of tours that on horseback and visit archeological sites close to Cusco. Horse-riding also permits small children to participate whenever they have smaller and well behaved horses available.
  • Sacred Valley + ATV tour– Orange Nation provides an adventure packed tour that takes you through the best highlights of the Sacred Valley. The ultimate high point being the riveting and enchanting ride on our ATV´s through quaint and delightful villages. The final destination is the Salt Mines of Maras and the experimental farming site of Moray.
  • Mountain biking– Perfect adventure trail for bored teenagers. You need to be at least 12 years old to join this biking tour. Enjoy an exhilarating ride through lush green mountain side farmlands and incredible Andean landscapes to the agricultural experimental site of Moray. Next is a downhill trek to the Salt Mines of Maras.
  • Rafting and Ziplining– You can canoe along the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas. The intensity of the rapids does depend on the time of the year. The thrilling downstream ride culminates with an even more enthralling zipline ride over the Urubamba River.

Fun, Interactive and Non-Strenuous Activities for Kids and Teens in Cusco:

• Volunteer in a small village community or at an animal rescue center
• Join a Cusco cooking class with the whole family, or have the kids do a cooking class for kids
• Visit some of the local markets. Take a break from sightseeing, visit the Mercado Central de San Pedro, or Cusco market, intermingle with the locals, and try the lovely fruit juices at the ‘sección de jugos’.
• Join a chocolate workshop in the Museo del Chocolate (ChocoMuseo) and learn how to make Peruvian chocolate ‘from bean to bar’. This hands-on exhibit is always a hit with children.
• A one-day Introduction to Spanish or a short Spanish Immersion for Kids course
• Paint your own souvenir, like the traditional Torito de Pucara

Machu Picchu with Kids:

Cusco is the gateway to the Seventh New World Wonder and the Inca Citadel Machu Picchu. “Are there things to do in Machu Picchu for kids?” “Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu with kids?”, ”How do I get to Machu Picchu?” These are just some of the few questions you will have when planning your trip to Peru.

How to travel to Machu Picchu with kids
First of all, Machu Picchu is epic and is interesting for all ages. If your kids (8+) are very active and love to be outside, we can recommend a trek to Machu Picchu, such as The 5-Day Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail.

If hiking is not possible for your family then a train tour to Machu Picchu might be a better option. We recommend taking seats on the left side of the train when possible for the best views of the constantly changing landscapes, from the Andes to the high jungle.

There is no age restriction in Machu Picchu. The entire complex is built out of hand-carved stone, the steps are huge, and there is a lot of walking. Children under 8 are free.

What to do in Machu Picchu?

Since 2019 no one is allowed to enter Machu Picchu without a guide. So if you have booked a guided tour, the guide has to come inside with you. However, if you didn´t, you will have to hire one of the guides at the entrance. We highly recommend booking a guided tour in Cusco, the most experienced and knowledgeable tour agencies operate from Cusco. One of the coolest things about Machu Picchu for kids is the llamas and alpacas found all over, grazing freely.

Additional tips:

• Important note: there are no toilets within Machu Picchu
• Take enough water and make sure you (and the kids) stay hydrated
• It’s not allowed to take bags into the ruins; there is storage near the entrance for a fee

Extra hike in Machu Picchu: visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Would you like to go on an extra hike with your older kids?

If you haven’t done enough hiking yet, there are a few additional hikes you can do within the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The most popular is a hike to the top of Huayna Picchu. Although this is not a very long hike (approx. 45 min to the top), you cannot do the Huayna Picchu hike with small children (minimum age: 8 years).

Even though your kids meet the age requirement, we recommend you evaluate your kids fitness level and their fear for heights. The climb is steep with narrow steps, and there are dizzyingly sheer drops on either side of the trail. However, once at the top, the views are amazing. Tip: you will need to reserve Huayna Picchu tickets several months before your arrival in Peru.

Another alternative if you are interested in hiking with kids is Machu Picchu Mountain. This trail is more extended than Huayna Picchu (3-hours round trip), but it is less steep. It takes you in the direction of Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Still, it is not an easy-going walk.

Where to stay in Cusco with kids

There are essentially two popular spots to choose from, namely, the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and the Historical Center close to the Plaza De Armas. Both are centrally located and an easy walking distance to great restaurants, museums, street markets and some of the most popular historical sites like Qoricancha.

Most hotels in San Blas have stunning views of the city and it has an artsy street vibe to it. Whereas the historical center is centrally located and most places are only a stroll away. You can also spend your evenings in Plaza De Armas, watching the city come alive with music and dance.

2) Lima with Kids

All International flights land in Lima, the capital city of Peru. The most populated city in the country is famous for its thriving culinary creations. It’s also a major transit hub, domestic flights to other parts of the country usually do short layovers in Lima.

It is the one of the leading culinary destinations and you will be delighted by a burst of flavors stemming from the various cultures that have influenced the food. The food culture is an eclectic mix of flavors from Asian, African and European gastronomy.

It has museums that display modern and ancient art, adventure sports like paragliding and surfing, swimming beaches only a short driving distance, archeological sites, a boardwalk, modern shopping malls, world class restaurants and a buzzing nightlife.

A few must-try dishes include Arroz con Mariscos, Lomo Saltado and anything with fresh seafood like Ceviche. You can also try out a dish from the Chifa menu, a Peruvian and Chinese fusion style of cooking.

Lima can be a good break from nature and the countryside. Visiting Lima allows you to show your kids a view of modern-day Peru, with cultural and historical influences.

Best Family-Friendly Tours in Lima

• Parque de la Reserva (Circuito Mágico Agua): This is the magic water circuit light and folklore show. The show is a dazzling show piece of water fountains projecting different colors with images of local animals like llamas, alpacas and other important works of art of Peru.
• Culinary tour of Lima: This one is pretty obvious. With the amount of great food on offer in Peru, you can enjoy some tantalizing bites through the streets of Lima. This can be combined with a kid friendly cooking demonstration and cooking class.
• Book a surfing lesson: Lima is a great spot to pick up some beginner surfer skills. The schools are all reasonably priced and the waves are small enough for beginners and small children.
• Take a taxi to the Zoo “Parque de las Leyendas” with every imaginable animal from the coast, jungle and the Andes of Peru, as well as other international animals, a botanical garden, multiple habitats, museums and archaeological sites.
• Visit the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco and admire the creative graffiti and boho chic stores.
• Take the Lima City Tour to see the highlights of the Peruvian Capital in an easy, enjoyable 4-5 hour tour.
• Bike tour– Ride your bikes through Barranco and Miraflores, along the coast line.

Where to Stay in Lima with Children

Now it’s super important to be aware that Lima is a big city and some areas are not as safe as others. So, selecting your accommodation location carefully is crucial. The safest and most well established neighborhoods are Miraflores and Barranco respectively.

Miraflores is a trendy neighborhood close to the coast line with streets that stretch for miles with shopping and restaurants. The area is home to many expats and most tourists choose to stay here. The stand out feature is the stunning Larcomar shopping center which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

Barranco is an artsy, bohemian neighborhood. It has stops close to the metro line, which makes exploring the city pretty easy and accessible. There is a slew of art galleries in the area. The buildings are colorful, have walkable sidewalks, cute cafes and great stores to purchase souvenirs and trendy outfits.

It is a chilled area with a great vibe. There is an abundance of hotels in both areas to accommodate different budgets. They generally offer basic modern amenities like hot showers, a continental breakfast and Wi-Fi.

3) Arequipa with Kids

A personal favorite. If your trip takes you to the White City of Arequipa in Southern Peru, do not miss out on the opportunity to visit the Colca Canyon, located about 4 hours from Arequipa. The Colca Canyon is Peru’s third most visited tourist destination and the third deepest Canyon in the world. The views are stunning, the villagers friendly and the landscape other worldly.

The Colca Canyon is the best place in South America to see the Andean Condor with its impressive 3-meter wingspan and an average weight of 10- 12 kilos. Apart from the condor, the canyon is home to over 100 kinds of birds, more than 30 types of cactus and 300 types of plants. The highest point of the Canyon is Ampato, at 6388 meters above sea level.

Recommended tours in Arequipa:

• Join the 2 or 3 day Colca Canyon Trek to the lookout point called Cruz Del Condor. When arriving at dawn or dusk you will be privy to stunning views of the great Andean condor soaring very close to the lookout point. Peak season is between March and June. It’s an unbelievable experience watching these huge birds soar.
• Trek to the active volcano of Misti (5 820m/ 19 095ft). The trek takes about 2 and half hours depending on pace and fitness levels. Its best enjoyed in the afternoon between the months of April to December for the most beautiful sunsets over the white stone.
• Try the homemade cookies in the quiet, impressive Santa Catalina Convent. This incomparable colonial district is a small city within a city. There are opportunities for river rafting or biking near Arequipa for the older kids.

4) Puno with kids

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, the largest in South America and borders Peru and Bolivia. The lake is located at approximately 3,810 meters or 12,500 feet above sea level and covers 8,600 square kilometers or 3,320.50 square miles. The climate is cold and semi-dry, with an intense sun during the day. The Peruvian portion of the lake is considered a wetland of international importance and was recognized by the Ramsar Convention on January 20th, 1997.

Recommended tour in Puno:

• Go on a full day boat tour visiting some of the islands that are home to some of the oldest and most culturally authentic communities in Peru, including the incomparable Uros floating islands.
• Enjoy an in-depth and interactive experience with a homestay in one of the island communities. You and the kids will learn about typical clothing, native languages, food, and the hosts’ lives.

5) Rainforest with Kids

The Peruvian Amazon is the second-largest expansion of the Amazon after Brazil. 60% of the Peruvian territory is covered by the Amazon rainforest, but only 5% of its inhabitants call it home. It’s currently considered the most Bio-diverse area on the planet earth and is home to over 12 810 species. Out of the 5 departments that make up the Amazon Jungle, the two main tourism capitals are Iquitos in Loreta and Puerto Maldonado in Madre De Dios.

After trekking through ragged terrain and breathtaking snow-capped mountain vistas and lagoons, the Amazon welcomes you with its own very unique and different landscape and is a show stealer in its own right.

Whether you choose to cruise down the Sandoval Lake or Amazon River you are guaranteed to spot out of this world Amazonian flora and fauna. Spend your nights in an eco-lodge in the middle of the jungle and wake up to the soothing sounds of birds chirping and enjoy unforgettable night excursions to see jungle nocturnal animals. Also visit indigenous Amazonian tribes that have had very little contact with the modern world.

The Amazon is a great destination for a family vacation. Children can also learn from an early age the importance environmental conservation and keeping the eco-system in balance. It enhances their view on things and gives them a more global mindset. Studies have repeatedly shown that there are countless benefits to be had from environmental awareness and education.

Recommended tours in the rainforest:

Iquitos

• All-inclusive jungle tours – This is the main reason anyone goes to the jungle. Generally, these tours include an airport pick-up, which is followed by a short drive to the small town of Iquitos. Next, is a boat ride to your designated eco-lodge in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest. Along the way you have the possibility of having your first sighting of caimans, turtles, herons, pink river dolphins, snakes and so much more. May tours include a day visit to the unique and wonderful monkey island. Monkey island is home to an incredibly diverse collection of monkeys and other animals like macaws, parrots and allegators. Finally, enjoy up and close views of the pink freshwater dolphin. From your lodge, you can join night walks to spot nocturnal creatures of the jungle like lizards. spiders and monkeys.

Early mornings are the norm, with mesmerizing orange sunrises. The food is often excellent because the ingredients are organic and sourced from the nearby jungle. Also, take some time to go fishing for unusual fish species like Piranhas, catfish and many others. The tour culminates with an enriching visit to a local native tribe where you can learn and observe their indigenous traditions and customs.

• Belen Market and floating City – Belen Market can be done alone, but we highly discourage this. Belen is an area whose residence generally live below the poverty line and is therefore a little unsafe, especially if you look like a typical tourist. Best way to describe this market is unequivocal, in your face culture shock. The market pretty much sells everything that is legal to sell from the jungle. There are thousands of fishes, different fruits, roots and vegetables, the spices and herbs would make any chef worth his salt feel like a kid in a candy store and to round things off, enjoy an open display of snakes, allegators and so many scary animals that don´t look like they should be eaten.

Puerto Maldonado

The best thing about Puerto Maldonado besides its incredible bio-diversity is its accessibility compared to Iquitos. This part of the jungle is suitable for family travel, whether it be teenagers or small children. The hikes are pretty relaxing and you do not need to many vaccinations. You need to check your physician back home about required vaccinations to travel to the Peruvian Amazon.

• Lake Sandoval and Tambopata National Reserve – It can be done as a full-day tour or you could spend a few days in an eco-lodge discovering the wonderful creatures at your leisure. The tour starts with a peaceful canoe trip down the Madre De Dios River, taking you to the pristine and protected reservation of Tambopata. Highlights include the spotting of multiple different species of monkeys, giant river otters, black caimans and a slew of different birds and butterflies. Also, feast your eyes on a spectacular nature show, where hundreds of brightly colored macaws gather on the side of a cliff at the Macaw Clay Lick.
• Kayaking, canopy bridge and zipline – You ride the kayak down the river and enjoy copious amounts of unique Amazonian flora and fauna. The trip stops at a suspension bridge which takes you to the ziplining site. This activity is jam packed with thrilling adventure that does not require a lot of physical fitness.

6) Ica/Pisco/Nazca/Paracas with kids

Despite the barren landscapes of this area of Peru, the coast of the Paracas Peninsula and the nearby Ballestas Islands are havens for an abundance of Pacific marine life. The Ballestas Islands are alive with noisy colonies of sea lions and vast numbers of birds that are sustained by the food-rich waters of this stretch of the Pacific. The Paracas National Reserve, of which the Ballestas Islands are part of, works hard on the conservation efforts of its marine biodiversity.

Where to stay in Ica/Pisco/Nazca/Paracas with children

Besides Ica, all the other towns are relatively small. You will find accommodation establishments centered around the same street or area. When staying with children in Huacachina or Paracas we highly recommend choosing accommodation that is a healthy distance from popular backpackers like Kokopeli, Wild Rover or Loki. They tend to host parties that go on to the wee hours of the morning, with music blaring from the speakers. Family options include reasonably priced 3 star hotels, Airbnb’s and even luxurious hotels at the foot of the towns.

Recommended Tour with kids:

Nazca

• Flight over the World Heritage Site of the Nazca Lines – From the local airdrome you take a small Cessna plane for an arial view of Nazca Lines. Nazca Lines are geometric shapes that the ancient Paracas culture carved into the desert floor for reasons that are still unknown. Each single-engine Cessna can take a maximum of 5 people comfortably. Whilst airborne you have a great view of gigantic and clear impressions of a hummingbird, lizard, dog, local flora and so much more. In total, there are over 800 straight lines, 300 geometric figures and 70 plant and animal designs.

Huacachina/Ica

• Pisco and Wine tour in Ica – You might be wondering why we would recommend a drinking tour when you are traveling with your precious gems. Well, firstly its a day tour that requires no walking at all. Also, you only consume enough wine to get a little tipsy and not to get full on drunk. The food served in Bodega´s is actually not bad and its also a great location to get a local pisco as a souvenir.
• Dune bugging and sandboarding – This is a belter of an activity. Its a complete thrilling and epic adventure. Your kids will love you forever after doing this tour. They may even forgive you for any possibly disappointing Christmas gifts in the future. The dune bugging takes place over massive dunes, inducing hysterical screams and concludes with an even better sandboarding experience. If you do this tour in the afternoon or early morning, you can enjoy a stunning sunset or sunrise, whilst perched atop the dunes and sipping on sundowners.

Paracas

• Visit a seafood restaurant – Paracas is a small fishing village. Which means you can be treated to some of the decant and fresh fish dishes the north is so popular for.
• Boat ride to the protected Islas Ballestas!- The boat journey lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours. If you book a tour, you can leave at either 8:00 or 10:00. Your kids will also have the opportunity to visit a collection of rocky islands, home to seals, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and many other types of birds.

Hopefully, this article has given you many excellent reasons for Traveling to Peru with Kids or Teens and ideas on where to go in Peru and places to see. Peru is a safe, enjoyable and thoroughly interesting destination. There is something for everyone in Peru, and offers a spectacular family-friendly vacation for those with children of all ages.

BONUS: How to Prepare a Family Vacation to Peru

Below we’ll give you tips on how to prepare for your family vacation to Peru. Travelling to Peru with Kids or Teens is different than travelling by yourself and with good preparation you can make the most of your family vacation in Peru.

If you have any questions about our tours, prices or itineraries, you can always contact a sales representative from Orange Nation!