For those who are planning the perfect family vacation, sometimes finding the right destination can be a difficult process, so to help, we’ve come up with an article to tell you why Peru should be on your bucket list, especially if you’re traveling with kids! The ancient country of the Incas has an endless history and natural wonders that cannot be found anywhere and that certainly leaves everyone enchanted.
Preparing a family travel itinerary can be quite difficult, and we know that, as everyone’s interests and tastes can be different and need to be part of the itinerary, and some activities may not be right for everyone. So, it is better to be informed about things to do in Peru and then choose which places and attractions to visit.
The types of activities found in the lands of the Incas are numerous and very varied, there are options for history lovers, which is one of the main attractions for many travelers arriving in Peru; various adventures full of adrenaline, such as buggy rides, paragliding or trekking; There are tours for those who love nature and want to see animals and plant species up close… Among all the possibilities, certainly, the culture of the Peruvian people will always be present.
Peru is a family-oriented country with cities and adventures that suit different profiles, ages, and sizes, and here we will tell you all about each of them. In addition, here we have also brought you some recommendations on which places to visit and some tips to make your trip safer for you and your family while visiting the highlands of Peru.
There is a lot to discover in our country, and you will certainly want to extend your trip to explore more and more, with Peru being one of the most complete destinations in all of South America. So, believe me, from the mysteries of the desert to the Peruvian Amazon, your family will make a magical and unforgettable trip!
Attractions to Visit in Peru with Children
Knowing your children or nephews, we know that you want to find the most exciting and interesting adventures so that their imaginations can take flight and that they have as much fun as if they were in an amusement park. Fortunately, Peru has it all and more!
Our country is extremely diverse when it comes to culture, nature, and history, and there is a little bit of everything so little ones can make the most of it and look forward to their next family vacation.
That’s why we use some personalized family itineraries created together with our travelers and our travel experts, as well as our top recommendations for the best places to visit in Peru with kids.
1. Lima
If you are coming from another country, Lima is where your great adventure in Peru will begin. Many travelers choose to “skip” this destination and go directly to Cusco, however, staying in Lima and enjoying some of the attractions (which are not few) it has to offer means starting your family trip on the right foot.
We recommend that it is worth staying at least one day in the Peruvian capital for everyone to rest and, above all, to get to know some of the most exciting attractions in the city.
The city has many attractions and here we bring you some of the most interesting ones as tips on what to do in Lima in a day with your family:
- Parque de la Reserva – Magic Water Circuit
This is one of the most famous attractions in Lima and has the largest circuit of water fountains in the world, where lights, movement, music, and digital visual stimuli come together to create a fascinating scene.
- Historic Center of Lima
In this area of the city, you will be able to appreciate the contrast between the modern and the colonial, two eras that mark the history of the city. The Historic Center of Lima was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991.
- Miraflores District
It is known as the tourist district of Lima, where you can find the most recognized and important restaurants in the world, as well as have the spectacular experience of observing the Pacific Ocean from fascinating places or renting bicycles to cycle throughout the neighborhood.
- Barranco District
This is the bohemian district of Lima, known for its quaint and colorful streets, the live music that fills the streets, craft markets, galleries, and restaurants.
For the elderly: Lima offers the best opportunity to taste Peruvian cuisine, as it has different restaurants with dishes from all over the country, including some of the most renowned restaurants in the world. It is worth mentioning that the gastronomic experience in Lima is sensational, especially when you consider that it is in this capital that you can find some of the best restaurants in South America and even in the world.
2. Ica
If you are planning to take a longer tour of Peru, then it is interesting to include the southern region of Lima. But in case you haven’t been thinking about it, we’ll show you some reasons why you should consider this idea!
Ica is one of the most important regions in Peru and one of the most visited as well, as it has some of the most interesting attractions outside the bustling capital of Peru. The Ica region comprises a large part of the Peruvian desert and the country’s beautiful coastline.
Here you can experience some of the most interesting and fun places in this part of Peru. And when the kids discover all they can do in this destination, you will consider adding Ica to your trip!
- Paracas National Reserve
This is one of the first protected areas in all of Peru, created in. This conservation unit is home to around 400 species of fauna and flora and comprises one of the most fascinating scenarios on the entire southern Peruvian coast, a truly magical place where the desert meets the sea. It fills the eyes of children and adults alike, isn’t it? In addition to the natural beauties, the National Reserve still harbors some enigmas that have been around for a long time, but have not yet been unraveled, such as the existence of “El Candelabro”, a giant glyph that is believed to be linked to the Nazca Lines. The Paracas National Reserve is located in Paracas, a beautiful beach town located just a few hours from Lima, considered the perfect escape destination from this bustling capital. This conservation area is the perfect place for children and adults to learn to love nature even more!
- Ballestas Islands
This is sure to be the kids’ favorite attraction as it’s where they’ll meet the largest colony of sea lions on the Pacific coast. This nature reserve comprises a group of islands and rock formations that are home to Humboldt penguins, exotic birds, and a lot more. You can easily visit them on a 2-hour boat trip, where you and your children can get to know the region’s marine fauna up close.
- huacachina
It is the only natural oasis on the continent, known for its remote location in the middle of the desert, and for its unique landscapes, in addition to other adventure activities such as the Sandboard & Buggy Tour in the Dunes, where you can enjoy a new sport, have fun on the dunes as if it were a roller coaster and you will be able to enjoy a beautiful sunset in the desert (depending on the tour time).
For adults: Ica is known as the biggest producer of Pisco in Peru, and this is the country’s national drink. If you have free time, here you can visit some of the oldest wineries on the entire continent, as well as taste some of their drinks, and learn all about the distillation processes.
3. Puno
If in your itinerary you want less adventure and more culture, then this is where it all starts! Puno is known as the Folkloric Capital of Peru, as it comprises a very strong cultural expression and is one of the oldest civilizations in Peru.
However, we know that children can’t always get excited about the theme of the story, which can bore them, so we thought of a great reason to visit this region. And the main reason to include this destination in the family itinerary is to visit the highest navigable lake in the world!
- Lake Titicaca
This is a giant body of water, located 3,800 meters above sea level, and comprises a magical natural setting, which does not leave cultural heritage aside, as its people carry an ancient culture. Here, you and your family will be able to immerse yourself in the routine of its inhabitants, while discovering the oldest floating utopia in the world. There are several islands in Lake Titicaca and only a few are open to tourism, such as the Floating Islands of Uros, Taquile Island, and Amantani Island, the last being the most interesting to have a lodging experience. Lake Titicaca offers an experience for all ages and sizes! Its inspiring landscapes will captivate everyone, with all their ancestral mysticism and the deep roots of the culture of these peoples. And the Puno region is also marked by local festivities, so it can be more fun for the trip and your family.
4. Cusco
The Imperial City of Cusco is the big star for many travelers who come to South America. This is where the main Inca settlements and the most iconic natural settings that are part of the Peruvian Andes are located. And don’t worry, kids will be awed and amazed every step of the way by the natural beauty of this place, without leaving behind the chance of the long-awaited encounter with llamas and alpacas.
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
This is an archaeological circuit that will take you to the most important Inca ruins in the region, known for their cultural, religious, and military purposes. Knowing these places, children and adults will give free rein to their imagination, thinking about what life was like during Inca times, while also enjoying the most beautiful landscapes!
- Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel awaits discovery, where its remote location at the top of Hot Springs city, structure, and natural setting will impress even the youngest of visitors. Learning about the Inca culture couldn’t be easier than on this occasion, visiting and experiencing up close where they lived. Also, this is one of the 7 wonders of the world!!!
Cusco certainly has many attractions and activities, so we have prepared a special article about the best tours departing from Cusco so that you can analyze which activities will be most suitable for you and your family!
5. Amazon Rainforest
Taking your family through the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world would be an unforgettable experience, you and your kids will love to live that adventure, and remember for the rest of their lives those vacations in South America.
- Nauta
Navy on a luxury ship through the Amazonas river would be hard to believe. However, with Delfin III, everything is possible. The tour takes around a 4 – 5 day trip, which crosses 2 national park reserves. Before starting the trip, you need to land at Iquitos airport and a private cab will pick you up at Nauta, where the navigation starts.
This tour offers their guests different activities, like visiting the communities, fishing, feeding the manatees, cooking lessons, etc. A great experience, which shows how family-friendly can be the Amazon Rainforest, and at the same time your kids are amazed by this immense jungle.
Tips for Parents
We know how important it is that travel is done safely and without incident, especially when traveling with our families. Here are some of the important tips to make your trip go as smoothly as possible!
- Before venturing abroad, check with your pediatrician about what medications to take for the flu, fever, diarrhea, and other possible health issues.
- Be sure to bring enough cash for your trip to Peru, as well as purchase baby wipes, diapers, and other essentials for your child before each excursion.
- Backpacks will be your best friend, easy to carry everything, and keep an eye on the kids.
- Protect yourself from the sun and insects, especially if you are going to travel to the jungle.
- If you’re traveling to high-altitude locations, be sure to check with your pediatrician about remedies to prevent and manage altitude symptoms.
- Try to avoid long and exhausting hikes during your passage through the Peruvian plateau for the first few days. Make sure everyone is acclimatized before committing to these activities.
- Be sure to pack according to the weather in Peru.
And last but not least, have fun! Peru guarantees an unforgettable experience for you and your family, no matter how long you stay here or which regions you visit. Remember, a family that travels together stays together!
Viagens Machu Picchu is concerned with ensuring that you have quality services and always have a team ready to assist you in any situation. If you are interested, contact us and get to know our packages to Machu Picchu and many other destinations in Peru, or come build a tailor-made and quality itinerary for you!