Traveling to Peru with Children
Tips and Activities

Preparing for a Family Trip

Health and Safety

• Vaccines: Yellow fever (mandatory for certain areas), hepatitis A, typhoid. Consult a doctor 2 months before departure.
• Altitude sickness: Plan for 2-3 days of acclimatization in Cusco (3,400m). Children are more sensitive - ask for "mate de coca" (local infusion) and hydrate them regularly.
• Medical kit: Add rehydration solutions, digital thermometer, sunscreen with SPF 50+, insect repellent (DEET 30%).

Practical Organization

• Documents: Passports valid 6 months after return. Parental authorization if one parent travels alone.
• Luggage: Pack clothes for all temperatures (hot during the day, cold at night in altitude). Diapers and formula are hard to find outside major cities.
• Transport: Car seats are rare - bring a portable booster seat if necessary.

During the Trip

Food

• For young children: Restaurants often offer simple "menús" (rice, chicken, plantain). Peeled fruits (bananas, mangoes) are safe.
• To avoid: Tap water (even for brushing teeth), artisanal ice cream, raw vegetables outside tourist restaurants.
• Tip: "Arroz con pollo" (chicken and rice) is a popular dish and generally enjoyed by children.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Safety

• Transport: Avoid unofficial taxis. Prefer apps (Uber, Beat) or radio-taxis.
• In the city: Do not display valuables. Baby carriers are safer than strollers in historic centers (cobblestones).
• At altitude: Do not underestimate altitude sickness. Symptoms in children: extreme fatigue, vomiting, persistent headaches.

Local Culture

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

Tips by Age

0-3 years

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

4-10 years

• Ideal for activities like pottery workshops in Pisac or moderate horseback riding
• Plan games for bus trips (some trips can last 4-5 hours)
• Machu Picchu is accessible but plan for train + bus (avoid the Huayna Picchu hike)

Teenagers

• Surfing initiation in Mancora or sandboarding in Ica dunes
• Moderate hikes like the 2-day trek to Machu Picchu
• Interactive visits like chocolate or pisco museums in Lima

Useful Information

• Hours: Peruvians dine around 8-9 pm. Tourist restaurants serve earlier.
• Toilets: Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer (often not provided).
• Currency: Always have small soles for tips and small purchases.
• Emergencies: Fire department (116), tourist police (01 574 8000).

Peru is full of unique experiences suitable for families. Here's our selection organized by region and type of activity, with recommended age indications for each suggestion.

Lima and the Coast

💦 Magic Water Circuit All ages

Park with 13 interactive fountains and a breathtaking nighttime light and sound show. Open every day.

🐧 Ballestas Islands in Paracas 5+ years

Nicknamed "the Galapagos of Peru", this 2-hour boat tour allows you to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, seabirds, and sometimes dolphins, as well as the mysterious "Candelabro", a pre-Inca geoglyph visible from the sea. Bring windbreaker and sun protection. Departures at 8am and 10am. No landing on the islands.

🦁 Parque de las Leyendas (Legends Park) 2-12 years

This unique zoo combines animals (over 200 species), pre-Inca archaeological site, and botanical garden. Don't miss the coastal area with sea lions and the Andean area with condors.

🏖️ Beaches of Miraflores and Barranco 4+ years

Secure urban beaches with bike rentals and umbrellas. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon after cultural visits. The Costa Verde offers beautiful seaside walks.

🦖 Natural History Museum 6+ years

Fascinating exhibition on Peruvian biodiversity with whale skeletons and an impressive collection of minerals. Educational workshops on weekends.

Sacred Valley and Cusco

🦙 Alpaca farms in Pisac 3+ years

Meet Andean camelids, learn to spin wool, and participate in natural dye workshops. Some farms offer traditional weaving demonstrations.

🏰 Moray Archaeological Park 5+ years

These circular Inca terraces will fascinate children with their strange shape. Simple explanation of the Inca "agricultural laboratory" with tasting of different varieties of Peruvian corn.

♨️ Lares Hot Springs 6+ years

Relaxing bath in natural pools at 3,200m altitude, surrounded by mountains. Perfect after a day of sightseeing. Water temperature between 38°C and 44°C.

Peruvian Amazon

🐬 Pink dolphin watching 5+ years

Boat tour on the Amazon River departing from Iquitos. Best time from June to November when waters are low. Possibility to swim with dolphins (under supervision).

🦋 Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm 3+ years

Over 40 species of Amazonian butterflies in a tropical garden, with a wildlife refuge (jaguars, monkeys, sloths). Very educational guided tour.

🌿 Canopy walks and suspension bridges 8+ years

Several lodges near Puerto Maldonado offer secure canopy walks with naturalist guides. Birdwatching and medicinal plant demonstrations.

Outdoor Adventures

🚴 Mountain biking in the Sacred Valley 10+ years

Family-friendly routes between Maras and Moray (gentle descents, spectacular landscapes). Bike rentals and helmets available in Ollantaytambo.

🪂 Paragliding in Miraflores 12+ years

Tandem flight over Lima's cliffs with ocean views. Minimum weight required (around 30kg). Recommended to book early in the morning when winds are optimal.

🛶 Kayaking on Lake Titicaca 8+ years

Stable kayak rentals to explore the shores near Puno. Short version (1h) possible for children. Avoid high season (July-August) when winds are strong.

Unique Cultural Experiences

🎨 Pottery workshops in Chulucanas 6+ years

Discover ancestral pottery techniques with local artisans. Children can create their own small pot to take home (drying time required).

🍫 Chocolate workshop in Cusco 5+ years

Several chocolate shops offer family-friendly workshops to make chocolate from cocoa beans. Tasting included, of course! Average duration: 1h30.

🎭 Folkloric dance show All ages

Several restaurants in Cusco and Lima offer dinner shows with colorful traditional dances. Short version (1h) available for younger children.

Practical Tips

• Booking: Book in advance for Machu Picchu (limited access) and trains
• Altitude: Plan 2-3 days of acclimatization in Cusco before any physical activity
• Equipment: Bring closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites and warm clothing for evenings
• Hours: Museums often close between 1pm and 3pm - check hours

Peru is a country that offers a wide variety of activities and visits for families. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, Peru is an ideal destination for families looking to explore new horizons. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your family trip to Peru and that you will have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful country.