Peru: a family destination

Peru is an ideal destination for family travel, thanks to its cultural diversity, varied landscapes and activities for all ages.

Here are a few suggestions for enjoying a family trip to Peru:

• Visit historical sites:

  • Explore the city of Cusco and discover historic sites such as the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and the fortress of Sacsayhuamán.

  • Visit the sacred city of Machu Picchu and discover the mysteries of this ancient Inca city.

• Outdoor adventure:

  • Take a family hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Be sure to choose an itinerary suited to the age and physical condition of all family members.

  • Take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and visit the floating islands of the Uros.

• Nature discovery:

  • Take a trip into the Amazon rainforest and discover its unique flora and fauna on a boat trip or jungle hike.

  • Explore the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands to see a variety of seabirds, sea lions and maybe even dolphins.

• Peruvian cuisine:

  • Introduce yourself to Peruvian cuisine by taking a family cooking class where you'll learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado and pisco sour.

  • Don't miss out on sweet Peruvian delights such as alfajores, picarones and churros.

• Festivals and traditions:

  • Attend local festivals such as the Inti Raymi in Cusco, an Inca celebration of the winter solstice, or the carnival festival in Puno, with colorful parades and traditional dances.

• Cultural awareness:

  • Visit traditional Andean villages to meet the locals, discover their traditions and learn more about their way of life.

  • Explore local markets like Cusco's San Pedro market to discover local handicrafts and traditional foods.

Be sure to plan your trip with the interests and needs of each family member in mind, and don't hesitate to include a variety of activities to make the most of your stay in Peru as a family.

Kids-friendly Peru:

Here are a few suggestions to make your trip to Peru more kid-friendly:

• Visit Machu Picchu:

  • A trip to Machu Picchu can be an incredible experience for the whole family. Be sure to choose an age-appropriate tour, with guides who can make the visit informative and entertaining for them.

• Exploring the Sacred Valley:

  • The Sacred Valley offers many family activities, including visits to the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, bike rides along the Urubamba River, and even family rafting on the river.

• Wildlife watching at Lake Titicaca:

  • A boat trip on Lake Titicaca can be exciting for children, especially a visit to the floating islands of the Uros, where they can discover life on islands built of reeds.

• Visit the Huachipa zoo in Lima:

  • The Huachipa Zoo in Lima is an ideal place for a family day out, where children can observe a variety of native and exotic animals in a safe and educational environment.

• Exploring local markets:

  • Local markets like Cusco's San Pedro market or Lima's Surquillo market are fantastic places to introduce children to the flavors and colors of Peruvian cuisine. They can also be great places to learn about exotic fruits and local produce.

• Cooking classes for children:

  • Many restaurants and cooking schools offer child-friendly cooking classes, where children can learn to prepare Peruvian dishes such as ceviche or empanadas. It's a fun and educational activity for the whole family.

• Local festivals and events:

  • If your trip coincides with a local festival or event, be sure to join in with your family to discover Peruvian culture and traditions in an interactive and entertaining way.

• Easy hiking and outdoor activities:

  • Choose easy, child-friendly hikes in mountainous regions or in the Amazon rainforest, where they can discover nature and wildlife while having fun.

• Visiting the Peruvian Amazon with children can be an incredible and educational experience.

  • Choose family-friendly accommodation: Opt for lodges or eco-lodges that offer family-friendly accommodation with child-friendly facilities, such as family rooms, play areas and activities specially designed for children.

  • Consult a doctor and take health precautions: Before your trip, make sure you and your children are up to date with vaccinations, and consult a doctor for advice on health precautions to take in the Amazon region, such as prevention against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.

  • Plan kid-friendly activities: Choose excursions and activities that are tailored to your children's ages and interests, such as boat trips to observe wildlife, visits to native villages to learn more about the local culture, and guided hikes on family-friendly trails.

  • Raise children's environmental awareness: Take advantage of this opportunity to raise your children's awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and biodiversity of the Amazon. Involve them in educational activities such as visits to conservation research centers, workshops on local flora and fauna, and reforestation projects.

  • Bring appropriate supplies and equipment: Be sure to pack supplies and equipment appropriate for traveling with children in the jungle, such as lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable hiking boots, hats and mosquito repellent, sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as sufficient snacks and drinking water.

  • Respect safety rules: Because of the wild nature of the Amazon, it's important to respect safety rules, such as staying on marked trails when hiking, following the instructions of local guides, avoiding swimming in unfamiliar waters and being vigilant for the presence of wildlife.