Peru Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Peru with kids.
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.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Peru.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Complete Family Travel Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
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
Make traveling with kids easier.
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
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.
Download Family Guide