For those planning the perfect family vacation, Peru should be on your bucket list, especially if traveling with kids. The ancient country of the Incas holds an extensive history and impressive natural wonders that will surely leave everyone captivated and fully immersed in the attractions you choose to visit.
Yes, we know, putting together the best family trip itinerary can get a bit tricky since everyone’s tastes are so different and some activities may not be the most suitable for all of them. So, it’s best to be informed about the different things to do in Peru to later decide which places to include in your travel plan.
Peru is a family-oriented country with destinations and adventures for all ages and sizes and here we’ll tell you everything about them. Also, we have gathered some recommendations about places to visit and some safety tips in case you’re visiting the Peruvian highlands.
There’s so much to know in our country that you’d wish to have some spare time to continue discovering more. Peru is undoubtedly one of the most complete travel destinations in South America.
From its vast and mysterious deserts to the dream-like scenery of the Andes and the lush Amazon rainforest, you and your family will surely get on a magical journey!
Attractions to Visit in Peru with Kids
As you know your children, the idea here is to find the most exciting adventures and the most interesting attractions so their imagination just flies away as if they were visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Luckily for you, Peru has all of that and much more! Our country is widely diverse in culture, nature and history, which is why there’s a bit of everything for those little ones that crave something new for their next family vacation.
Therefore, we’ve taken into consideration some of the personalized family itineraries our passengers have designed along with our travel experts, as well as our top picks of the best places to visit in Peru with children.
1. Lima
If flying from abroad, Lima will be the starting point of your trip and though many travelers tend to jump right into Cusco afterwards, we recommend spending at least 24 hours here so you and your family can have some rest and experience some of the most exciting attractions in our marvellous capital.
Lima holds many attractions and here we have gathered some of the most exciting things to do in Lima in one day:
- Magic Water Fountain Circuit
This famous attraction gathers the world’s largest water fountain circuit, where lights, movement, music, and digital visuals take part to create a visually striking scenery. - Historic Center of Lima
In this area of the city, you’ll be able to appreciate the contrast between the modern and colonial era. Lima’s historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. - Miraflores District
It’s known as the tourist district in Lima. Here you’ll find the most recognized restaurants worldwide, as well as having a spectacular sea view and the opportunity of renting bikes to go around this beautiful neighborhood. - Barranco District
This Lima’s bohemian district, known for its picturesque streets, live street music, craft markets, galleries, and restaurants.
For us grown-ups: Lima offers the best opportunity to sample the Peruvian gastronomy since it holds different restaurants that offer dishes from all over the country, including some of the most renowned dining spots in the entire world.
2. Ica
If you’re planning a long itinerary through Peru, then you may be thinking of going south of Lima. If you aren’t then let us tell you why you should! Ica is one of the most important regions of Peru and one of the most visited as well since it gathers the most important attractions outside of the bustling capital of Peru.
The region of Ica comprises a great part of the Peruvian desert and the beautiful coastside of Peru. Here you’ll get to experience some of the funniest yet interesting sites on this part of the country. Likewise, once your kids know what to expect from this region, you’ll definitely think about including at least one of the destinations we’ll mention below.
- Paracas National Reserve
This protected area is home to over 400 species of flora and fauna and comprises one of the most visually striking sceneries in the southern coast of Peru, a magical place where the desert meets the sea.
The Paracas National Reserve is located in Paracas, a beautiful town located a few hours away from Lima, considered the perfect getaway destination from this busy capital. - Ballestas Islands
This will surely be your kid’s favorite attraction since it will allow them to meet the largest colony of sea lions in the Pacific coast.
This national reserve comprises a group of islands and rock formations that are home to humboldt penguins, exotic birds and much more. You can easily visit them on a 2-hour boat tour, where you and your kids will be able to get to know the marine fauna of the region. - Huacachina
It is the only natural oasis in the continent, known for its remote location in the middle of the desert, and its unique landscapes. Here you’ll be able to do activities such as the Dune Buggy and Sandboarding Tour.
For us grown-ups: Ica is known for being the main producer of Pisco, the national drink of Peru. If you have the spare time, here you’ll be able to know some of the oldest wineries in the entire continent, as well as sampling some of their drinks and learning about their distillery processes.
3. Puno
Here’s when the cultural journey starts! Puno is known as the Folkloric Capital of Peru since it comprises a great cultural expression and one of the oldest civilizations in Peru.
However, we know that kids can get a bit overwhelmed with complex historical subjects, which is why the main reason for visiting this region is because of the highest navigable lake in the world.
- Lake Titicaca
This is a massive water body located over 3,800 meters above sea level and comprises a magical natural scenery as well as an extensive cultural heritage. Here you and your family will be able to get fully immersed in the local daily lives of its inhabitants, while also getting to know the oldest floating utopy in the world.
There are several islands on Lake Titicaca and only a few are open to tourism, as is the case of the Floating Islands of Uros, Taquile Island and Amantani Island, this last one being the perfect destination for a homestay experience.
Lake Titicaca offers an experience for all ages and sizes! It’s awe-inspiring landscapes will captivate everyone, without forgetting about the ancestral mysticism deeply-rooted in these lands.
4. Cusco
The Imperial City of Cusco is the main travel destination for most travelers in South America. Here’s where the main Inca settlements and the most iconic natural scenery of the Peruvian Andes lie. Your kids will be amazed by the natural beauty of this place, without leaving behind the opportunity of meeting the famous llamas and alpacas!
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
This is an archeological circuit that takes you to the most significant Inca ruins, known for their cultural, religious, and military purposes. Your kids will be able to imagine how life was like during Inca times, while also getting to experience the outstanding landscapes of the region. - Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel awaits to be discovered, where its remote location, structure, and natural scenery will impress even its younger visitors. Learning about the Inca culture couldn’t be easier than visiting and living it from up close. Besides, who wouldn’t be excited to visit one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Cusco certainly holds many attractions and activities, which is why we have prepared a blog about the best day trips from Cusco so you can know which will be the most suitable activities to do with your family and kids.
Tips for Parents
We know how important it is to have a safe travel experience, especially while traveling with family. Here are some important travel tips so you can experience Peru stress-free.
- Before venturing abroad, check medicines for common flu, fever, and diarrhea with a trusted pediatrician.
- Make sure to have enough cash while traveling to Peru, as well as buying wipes, diapers, and all the essentials for your child before every excursion.
- Backpacks are going to be your new best friend, easy to carry everything while still keeping an eye on your little ones.
- Protect your skin with sunscreen and insect repellent, especially if you’re traveling to the Andean highlands or the jungle.
- If traveling to high altitude locations, make sure to check with your pediatrician about how to prevent and deal with altitude sickness symptoms.
- Try to avoid long and exhausting walks during your stay in the Peruvian highlands on the first day. Make sure everyone is acclimatized before committing to such activities.
- Make sure to pack according to the current weather in Peru.
And last but not least, have fun! Peru will provide an unforgettable experience for you and your family, no matter the time or the regions you visit. Remember, families that travel together, stay together!