If your family loves adventure, culture and a good dose of the unexpected, Peru should be
high on your travel list. From ancient ruins to jungle wildlife and colourful markets, this South
American gem offers so many unforgettable experiences — and yes, it’s absolutely possible
to do Peru with Kids.
When we were planning our own trip to Peru, we wondered: would it really work for a family
holiday? Would it be too tiring, too challenging? The answer: with the right planning and
pacing, it was one of the best adventures we’ve ever had.
A Peru tour is a brilliant way to see the country with kids in tow — the logistics are sorted for
you, leaving more time to explore and enjoy. Here are our top family‑friendly experiences to
inspire your own Peruvian journey.
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Discover the magic of Machu Picchu
Of course, no trip to Peru with kids would be complete without seeing the lost city of the Incas. I’ll be honest: I wondered how our children would handle the early start and the journey up the
mountain. But from the moment we caught our first glimpse of those iconic stone terraces,
they were as mesmerised as we were.
You can reach Machu Picchu via the scenic train from Ollantaytambo (our kids loved this
part — spotting llamas and waterfalls along the way), followed by a short bus ride to the
entrance. Once inside, take it at your family’s pace: there’s plenty of space for little legs to
explore safely, and the stories of ancient Inca life will capture their imaginations.
Top tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks. The altitude can be tiring for children, so plan
regular rest stops.
Explore the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy Peruvian life between
sightseeing adventures. We spent several days here and found it one of the most family-
friendly parts of the trip.
Highlights for us included visiting the colourful Pisac market (great for finding souvenirs and
sampling local treats), exploring the ancient salt pans of Maras, and taking a short,
manageable hike to the Ollantaytambo ruins. Our youngest particularly loved meeting the
alpacas and learning about traditional weaving in the local villages.
Many Peru tours include time in the Sacred Valley — and we’d highly recommend adding an
extra night or two if you can.
Go Sandboarding at Huacachina
This was one of those unexpected highlights that became a firm family favourite! The oasis
of Huacachina is surrounded by towering sand dunes — and the best way to experience
them is by hopping in a dune buggy and trying a spot of sandboarding.
Don’t worry if your children aren’t natural thrill-seekers: you can also just ride down the
dunes sitting on the board, which ours found hilarious fun. It’s a brilliant, active way to break
up the more cultural parts of the trip.
Note: This activity is best suited to older children (8+), as the dune buggies can be quite
bumpy.
Spot wildlife in the Amazon jungle
For nature-loving families, a visit to Peru’s Amazon region is unforgettable. We headed to
the Tambopata National Reserve, staying in an eco‑lodge where we were surrounded by
the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Our days were filled with gentle hikes (perfect for kids), boat trips spotting caimans and river
otters, and early-morning birdwatching. One of the biggest hits? A nighttime jungle walk with
our guide, searching for frogs, insects and even the occasional snake (don’t worry, the
guides are brilliant at keeping everyone safe).
The sense of adventure here is unbeatable, and our children still talk about their time in the
jungle.
Take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines
Older children and teens will be fascinated by the mysterious Nazca Lines — huge ancient
geoglyphs best viewed from the air. We booked a short scenic flight from Nazca and were
amazed by the clarity of the giant designs, from monkeys to hummingbirds.
A word of caution: The small planes can be a bit bumpy, so if anyone in your family is
prone to motion sickness, it may not be for you. That said, it was one of the most memorable
parts of the trip for our eldest.
Practical planning tips for family trips to Peru
When to go: The dry season (May to September) is generally best for family travel, with
sunny days and cooler nights. Avoid the rainy season if you want to hike or explore the
Sacred Valley.
Health & safety:
● Make sure everyone is fully vaccinated before travel.
● Take time to acclimatise to higher altitudes — the Sacred Valley is a great place to
adjust gradually.
● Use good insect repellent, especially if visiting the jungle.
Packing essentials:
● Layers — temperatures vary greatly between day and night.
● Comfortable walking shoes for all ages.
● Reusable water bottles and plenty of snacks.
● Travel games or books for downtime and long journeys.
Choosing a tour: Opting for an organised Peru tour made our trip so much easier. With
transport, accommodation and local guides included, we could relax and focus on enjoying
the experience with our children. Look for family‑friendly itineraries that allow for flexible
pacing.
Frequently asked questions about taking children to Peru
Is Peru safe for children?
In general, yes — though as with any destination, it pays to be aware and take sensible
precautions. We found Peruvians incredibly welcoming to families, and our children were
greeted warmly everywhere we went.
What ages is Peru best suited for?
We’d recommend it for ages 6 and up. Younger children may struggle with the altitude and
some of the longer journeys. For older kids and teens, it’s a brilliant blend of history,
adventure and wildlife.
Can you take a baby or toddler to Machu Picchu?
It’s possible, but be prepared for some challenges (lots of steps and uneven ground). A good
child carrier is essential if you’re travelling with little ones.
Our verdict: Peru with kids? Absolutely!
Our family trip to Peru was truly unforgettable. The country’s rich history, stunning
landscapes and warm, welcoming people made it a joy to explore together. Yes, it takes
some planning — but with the right approach, it’s an incredible family adventure.
