Traveling to Peru with Kids: A Family Guide

Peru is a destination where adventure, history, and culture blend seamlessly, offering a meaningful experience for the whole family. Traveling there with my 7-year-old son revealed how captivating the country can be for children, from meeting llamas and exploring ancient Incan sites to taking a train ride through the Andes. With careful planning and a relaxed pace, Peru provides families with an unforgettable opportunity to learn, connect, and share a unique experience.

Things to do in Peru

Explore Machu Picchu with a private guide

A knowledgeable guide can bring the ancient citadel to life with stories and details that keep children interested. For younger kids, consider hiring a separate guide who can customize the experience to suit their interests and attention span.

Ride the train through the Andes

The scenic journey to Machu Picchu is an experience in itself, offering dramatic views of mountains and rivers. Families can choose from comfortable sightseeing trains or the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham.

Meet llamas & alpacas

A private llama or alpaca experience is especially memorable for children, allowing them to interact with the animals while learning about their significance in Andean culture.

Explore the agricultural terraces at Moray

These vast circular terraces are visually striking and offer an intriguing introduction to Incan innovation. A family-friendly guide can explain how the Incas may have used the terraces to experiment with different growing conditions.

Visit the Maras salt ponds

Thousands of cascading salt pools create one of the Sacred Valley’s most unique landscapes. Children will enjoy seeing how salt has been harvested here using traditional methods for generations.

Discover Ollantaytambo

This historic Incan town boasts impressive ruins, cobblestone streets, and water channels that still flow through the village. The climb can be challenging, so take it slowly and take time to enjoy the surrounding mountain vistas.

Wander through Cusco

Spend time exploring Cusco’s courtyards, artisan shops, historic streets, and colorful markets without a rigid schedule. Be sure to allow time for hot chocolate, souvenirs, and a relaxed afternoon at the hotel.

Visit the ChocoMuseum

Take a delicious break from sightseeing to learn about Peru’s cacao and sample some chocolate. It’s an easy, fun stop for the whole family while exploring Cusco.

Experience Lima’s culinary scene

Lima is one of the world’s great food destinations, with options ranging from approachable Peruvian classics to internationally acclaimed tasting menus. Families can try ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, empanadas, and Peru’s amazing avocados.

Places to eat & drink in Peru

El Huacatay (Urubamba)

Hidden behind an unassuming entrance, El Huacatay features a charming garden setting and serves creative Peruvian cuisine using ingredients from the Sacred Valley. The relaxed atmosphere and children’s options make it an excellent choice for families.

Hacienda Sarapampa (Sacred Valley)

More than just a restaurant, Hacienda Sarapampa offers a delightful farm-to-table lunch on a family-owned corn farm. The experience combines wonderful food with an introduction to Peruvian agriculture and culture, making it one of our favorite meals of the trip. Kids can visit with baby alpacas while parents are enjoying a beautiful meal.

Mauka at Palacio Nazarenas (Cusco)

Created by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pía León, Mauka celebrates ingredients and culinary traditions from across the Andes. The setting within the serene Palacio Nazarenas is beautiful, and the ceviche was one of my favorite dishes of the trip.

Pachapapa (Cusco)

Located in a colonial courtyard in the San Blas neighborhood, Pachapapa is a welcoming place to try traditional Cusqueñan and Peruvian specialties. Its comfortable outdoor setting and varied menu make it approachable for families.

Maido (Lima)

Maido offers an innovative Nikkei dining experience that blends Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. It is a longer, more elevated meal, but adventurous older children and food-focused families may find it to be one of the highlights of their time in Lima.

Mountain View Experience (Maras)

Enjoy a meal or private picnic surrounded by sweeping views of the Andes, with friendly llamas and alpacas often nearby. The combination of beautiful scenery, local Peruvian food, and animal encounters makes this an especially memorable experience for families.

Need to know

Start in the Sacred Valley before staying in Cusco, as its lower elevation gives families more time to acclimate. Keep the first day light, and stay hydrated to help with acclimatization.

Machu Picchu tickets, train reservations, and guides should be arranged well in advance.

Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain protection, and a small day bag, as luggage allowances on the trains may be limited. Build flexibility into the itinerary because weather, landslides, or railway disruptions can occasionally affect travel to Machu Picchu (this happened to us)!

Travel insurance and a reliable local partner are especially important, and I recommend leaving some unscheduled time rather than planning full touring days back-to-back. Private guides and transfers are well worth the investment for families, allowing the pace and storytelling to be tailored to the children. Most importantly, do not try to see everything. Peru is best enjoyed slowly.