Traveling to Peru with Children
Tips and Activities

Preparing a Family Trip to Peru

Children's Health and Safety When Traveling to Peru

• Vaccines for Peru: Yellow fever (required for certain areas), hepatitis A, typhoid. Consult a doctor 2 months before departure.
• Altitude Sickness in Children: Plan 2-3 days of acclimatization in Cusco (3,400m). Children are more sensitive - ask for "mate de coca" (local infusion) and keep them well hydrated.
• Baby and Child Medical Kit: Include rehydration solutions, digital thermometer, SPF 50+ sunscreen, mosquito repellent (with 30% DEET).

Practical Organization for a Family Trip to Peru

• Documents for Traveling with Children: Passports valid for 6 months after return. Parental authorization if only one parent is traveling.
• Luggage for Traveling with a Baby: Bring clothing for all temperatures (warm during the day, cold at night in altitude). Diapers and formula powder are hard to find outside major cities.
• Transport with Children in Peru: Car seats are rare - bring your own portable booster seat if needed.

Tips During Your Family Trip to Peru

Food During a Family Trip to Peru

• Food for Toddlers: Restaurants often offer simple "menús" (rice, chicken, plantain). Peeled fruits (bananas, mangos) are safe.
• Food Precautions: Tap water (even for brushing teeth), artisanal ice creams, raw vegetables outside tourist restaurants.
• Peruvian Dishes for Children: "Arroz con pollo" (rice with chicken) is a popular dish generally liked by children.

Precautions When Traveling with Children

Children's Safety in Peru

• Safe Transport with Children: Avoid unofficial taxis. Prefer apps (Uber, Beat) or radio-taxis.
• Visiting Cities with Children: Don't display valuables. Back carriers are safer than strollers in historic centers (cobblestones).
• Symptoms of Altitude Sickness in Children: Extreme fatigue, vomiting, persistent headaches. Descend immediately if these symptoms appear.

Respecting Local Culture When Traveling as a Family

• Photographing Respectfully: Always ask for permission before photographing locals, especially in Andean communities.
• Bargaining in Peru: Common practice in markets, but remain polite. Learn "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (how much does it cost) and "Gracias" (thank you).

Traveling with Children According to Their Age

Traveling to Peru with a Baby (0-3 years)

• Prefer lodges with kitchen to prepare meals
• Avoid high altitude areas (above 3,000m)
• Bring an ergonomic baby carrier (strollers are difficult to use)

Traveling to Peru with Children Aged 4 to 10

• Activities Suitable for Children: Pottery workshops in Pisac, gentle horseback rides in the Sacred Valley, discovery of llamas and alpacas.
• Managing Long Journeys: Bring games, books, and tablets for bus trips (some can last 4-5 hours).
• Visiting Machu Picchu with Children: Accessible via train + bus. Avoid the difficult Huayna Picchu hike before age 12.
• Recommended Altitudes: Monitor acclimatization carefully. Prefer overnight stays at altitudes below 3,000m when possible.

Traveling to Peru with Teenagers

• Adventure Activities for Teens: Surf initiation in Mancora, sandboarding in Ica's dunes, mountain biking in the Sacred Valley.
• Hikes Suitable for Teenagers: 2-day trek to Machu Picchu (short Inca Trail), hike in Colca Canyon.
• Interactive Cultural Visits: Chocolate or pisco museums in Lima, Peruvian cooking workshops, discovery of pre-Columbian civilizations.
• Engagement and Responsibility: Involve them in planning and allow them some autonomy in safe areas.

Practical Information for a Family Trip to Peru

• Meal Times in Peru: Peruvians dine around 8-9 PM. Tourist restaurants serve earlier, suitable for families.
• Toilets and Hygiene: Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer (often not provided). Public toilets are rare outside tourist sites.
• Money Management with Children: Always have small soles for tips, paid toilets, and small purchases.
• Emergency Numbers in Peru: Firefighters (116), tourist police (01 574 8000), ambulance (106). Register with your country's embassy in Lima.
• Time Difference and Fatigue: The time difference with Europe is significant (5-7 hours). Plan quiet days at the beginning for adaptation.

Peru is an exceptional destination for family travel, offering experiences suitable for all ages. This independent guide presents the best family activities in Peru, organized by region with age indications, duration, and seasonality.

Family Activities in Lima and the Peruvian Coast

💦 The Magic Water Circuit in Lima All ages 1-2h Easy

Listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest fountain complex in the world. 13 interactive fountains and a stunning nighttime sound and light show. Open daily from 3pm to 10:30pm (show at 7:15pm, 8:15pm and 9:30pm).

💰 Moderate price - Family ticket available

🐧 Ballestas Islands Excursion from Paracas 5+ years 2-3h All year Easy

Nicknamed "the Galapagos of Peru," this 2-hour boat excursion allows you to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and dolphins. Highlight: the mysterious "Candelabro," a pre-Inca geoglyph visible from the sea. Practical tip: Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and motion sickness medication if sensitive.

💰 Average price - Departures at 8am and 10am

🦁 Park of Legends (Parque de las Leyendas) in Lima 2-12 years 3-4h Easy

This unique zoo in the world combines 200 animal species, a pre-Inca archaeological site, and a botanical garden. Don't miss the coastal area with sea lions and the Andean area with condors. Educational workshops for children on weekends.

🏖️ Family Beaches of Miraflores and Barranco 4+ years 2-4h Dec-Apr Easy

Supervised urban beaches with bike rental, umbrellas, and showers. Perfect for a relaxing break between cultural visits. The Costa Verde offers safe seaside walks. Avoid strong currents in winter (June-Sept).

🦖 Natural History Museum of Lima 6+ years 1-2h Easy

Fascinating exhibition on Peruvian biodiversity with whale skeletons and mineral collection. Family guided tours available by reservation. Closed on Mondays.

Family Activities in the Sacred Valley and Cusco

🦙 Meeting Alpacas at Pisac Farms 3+ years 2h Easy

Immersive experience with Andean camelids. Children learn to spin wool and participate in natural dyeing workshops. Some farms offer traditional weaving demonstrations. Souvenir photos included with the alpacas.

🏰 Moray Archaeological Site: The Inca Agricultural Laboratory 5+ years 1h Easy

These circular terraces will fascinate children. Simple explanation of the Inca agricultural system. Combine with the visit to the Maras salt mines (same area).

♨️ Lares Hot Springs in the Andes 6+ years 2-3h Apr-Oct Easy

Relaxing swim in natural pools at 3,200m altitude. Ideal temperature for children (38°C-44°C). Perfect after a day of sightseeing. Bring towels and swimsuit.

Unique Experiences in the Peruvian Amazon with Children

🐬 Pink Amazon River Dolphin Watching in Iquitos 5+ years 3-4h June-Nov Medium

Boat excursion on the Amazon River. Best period during the dry season (June to November). Possibility to swim with dolphins under supervision (not recommended for children under 8).

🦋 Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm near Iquitos 3+ years 1h30 Easy

40 species of Amazonian butterflies in a tropical garden, with a wildlife refuge (jaguars, monkeys, sloths). Educational guided tour by the founder.

🌿 Canopy Trails and Suspension Bridges in the Amazon 8+ years 1-2h Medium

Secure trails in the treetops with naturalist guides. Bird watching and demonstration of Amazonian medicinal plants.

Outdoor Adventures Suitable for Families

🚴 Family Mountain Biking in the Sacred Valley of the Incas 10+ years 3-4h Apr-Oct Medium

Routes adapted for families between Maras and Moray (gentle descents, spectacular landscapes). Children's bike rental (size 20" and 24") and helmets in Ollantaytambo. Guide recommended.

🪂 Tandem Paragliding in Miraflores, Lima 12+ years 1h Oct-Apr Medium

Secure tandem experience above Lima's cliffs. Minimum weight: 30kg. Reservation recommended early in the morning. Medical certificate required for minors.

🛶 Kayaking on Lake Titicaca with Children 8+ years 1-2h Sept-Nov Easy

Stable kayak rental to explore the shores near Puno. Short version (1h) available for children. Avoid July-August (strong winds). Combine with visit to Uros Islands.

Cultural Experiences and Workshops for Families

🎨 Traditional Pottery Workshop in Chulucanas 6+ years 2h Easy

Discovery of ancestral techniques of ceramics with local artisans. Children create their own pot to take home (48-hour drying). Workshops available in Northern Peru.

🍫 Chocolate Making Workshop in Cusco 5+ years 1h30 Easy

Several chocolate shops offer family workshops to make your own chocolate from cocoa beans. Reservation recommended.

🎭 Peruvian Folk Dance Show All ages 1-2h Easy

Dinner shows in restaurants in Cusco and Lima. Short version (1h) for young children. Show usually starts at 7pm.

Special Recommended Activities

🚂 PeruRail Expedition Train to Machu Picchu 4+ years 4h Easy

Spectacular railway experience with family-adapted cars, large windows, and onboard entertainment. Departure from Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Book at least 3 months in advance.

🌾 Agricultural Experience in an Andean Community 7+ years Half-day Medium

Participation in traditional agricultural activities: planting, harvesting, animal care. Authentic encounter with a local family. Offered by some communities.

🔭 Stargazing in the Andes 8+ years 1h30 Apr-Sept Easy

Astronomy session with professional telescope. Child-friendly explanation of southern hemisphere constellations. Offered by several lodges in the Sacred Valley.

🏔️ Visiting Machu Picchu with Children 6+ years 4-6h Medium

Access is possible for children but requires good preparation. Limited tickets - book well in advance. Take the bus from Aguas Calientes. Guide recommended for adapted explanations.

Practical Tips for Organizing Your Family Activities in Peru

• Early reservations: Machu Picchu (limited to 2500 visitors/day), trains, popular workshops - book 3-6 months in advance
• Altitude acclimatization: 2-3 days in Cusco before physical activities, avoid aspirin for children, prefer paracetamol
• Suitable equipment: Closed shoes for archaeological sites, warm clothes for evenings, SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory
• Local schedules: Museums often closed 1pm-3pm, check opening hours before going
• Age restrictions: Some activities (Inca Trail trek, climbing) have restrictions - check with providers
• Activity insurance: Check that your travel insurance covers adventure activities
• Children's rates: Often discounts for under 12s, sometimes free for under 5s
• Meals and breaks: Plan snacks and rest time between activities

Useful Resources for Families Traveling to Peru

• Official Machu Picchu website: For reservations and up-to-date information
• Mobile applications: "Perú Travel" (official), "iPerú" (tourist information)
• Specialized guides: Some guides specialize in family visits

Peru proves to be an ideal destination for family travel, combining spectacular landscapes, cultural richness, and activities suitable for all ages. From the Andean peaks to the Amazon, through the Inca sites, each region offers unique experiences to share with your children.

By following these tips and adapting the pace to your children's rhythm, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience in Peru. Remember that flexibility and curiosity are your best allies to discover this fascinating country as a family.

✨ Happy family travels in Peru! ✨