Peru captivates travelers with its ancient Incan heritage, including the iconic Machu Picchu, diverse landscapes from Amazon rainforest to Andean peaks, and vibrant culinary scene. This South American gem offers world-class hiking, rich indigenous cultures, and colonial architecture in cities like Cusco and Lima.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Boat tour from Paracas to penguin and sea lion colonies on the Ballestas Islands is one of Peru's best family experiences. Children love seeing Humboldt penguins, sea lions barking, and pelicans diving — the 'Poor Man's Galapagos' accessible from Lima in a day trip.
Duration: 2-3 hours
ChocoMuseo Chocolate Making Workshop
Hands-on chocolate workshop in Cusco or Lima taking families through bean-to-bar chocolate making. Children grind cacao, add flavors, and mold their own chocolate bars to take home. Excellent wet-weather activity in Cusco.
Duration: 2 hours
Huacachina Sandboarding and Dune Buggies
Dune buggy rides over massive sand dunes near the desert oasis of Huacachina followed by sandboarding down 100m sand faces. Kids 8+ love the adrenaline — boards and basic instruction provided. Spectacular at sunset.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Sacred Valley Llama and Alpaca Farm Visit
Multiple farms and communities in the Sacred Valley offer encounters with llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs with feeding, petting, and watching traditional weaving demonstrations. Children adore the gentle alpacas and vibrant textiles.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Parque de las Leyendas Lima
Lima's zoo and archaeological park combines pre-Columbian Huantille pyramid ruins with animals from Peru's three regions (coast, Andes, Amazon) including condors, ocelots, and Amazon birds. Educational and entertaining for school-age children.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Amazon Wildlife Expedition (Puerto Maldonado)
Family-friendly Amazon lodge packages from Puerto Maldonado include guided wildlife walks, river boat excursions, macaw clay lick visits, and night jungle walks. Expert naturalists explain biodiversity at child-friendly level. Some lodges have family-specific programs.
Duration: 3-5 days
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Tambo del Inka Sacred Valley
Contemporary luxury resort in Sacred Valley at 2,800m altitude (easier than Cusco) features large pool, spacious grounds, kids' activities, and family suites with mountain views. Private train station for Machu Picchu makes logistics easy.
Family features: Family suites, large indoor and outdoor pools, kids' activities program, lower altitude than Cusco
Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica
Award-winning Amazon eco-lodge near Puerto Maldonado offers family cabanas with naturalist-guided excursions tailored for children. All-inclusive packages include meals, guides, and transfers making family logistics easy in the jungle.
Family features: Family cabanas, child-friendly naturalist guides, all-inclusive packages, shallow river access
Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco
Reliable mid-range Cusco hotel with family rooms, oxygen-enriched air for altitude, good breakfast buffet, and central location making exploration easy. Chain hotel consistency families appreciate.
Family features: Family rooms for 4, oxygen enrichment, excellent breakfast, central location
Belmond Miraflores Park Lima
Luxury Lima hotel in safe Miraflores district with rooftop pool overlooking the Pacific, family rooms, and proximity to Kennedy Park and the Parque del Amor. Walking distance from safe shopping and dining for families.
Family features: Rooftop pool, family rooms, safe neighbourhood, near parks and beaches
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Peruvian restaurants welcome children warmly — Peruvians love kids and service is usually accommodating
Jack's Café in Cusco and Tanta in Lima both have children's menus with familiar foods like pasta, chicken, and sandwiches
Menu del día set lunches at S/15-25 include kid-sized portions of Peruvian classics — excellent value for family lunches
Fruit juices (chicha morada, maracuyá, pineapple) are safe and delicious alternatives to tap water for kids
Rotisserie chicken restaurants (pollerías) are found everywhere and kids universally enjoy the simple fried chicken and fries
At altitude in Cusco, children may have reduced appetite the first day — offer light foods and keep them hydrated
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Acclimatize children gradually: 2 days in Lima or Sacred Valley (2,800m) before ascending to Cusco (3,400m)
Consult a pediatrician about altitude medication for children before traveling to high-altitude destinations
Strollers are impractical on Cusco cobblestone streets and Inca ruins — use a baby carrier or child backpack carrier instead
Sun protection is critical: UV radiation at 3,400m is significantly stronger than at sea level; apply SPF 50+ every 2 hours