Have you been dreaming of going to Peru with kids, but worried it might be too risky or too hard to plan? You do not need to put your Peru travel plans on hold! With our helpful advice, you can start planning your visit to Peru with your kids today!
After reading this post, you’ll have a good idea of why you should visit this amazing country, when to visit Peru, where to visit (plus plenty of tips), whether it’s best for you to travel or not to travel with a tour company, safety tips, accommodation, food, and so much more!
I lived in Peru for over a decade, and I know the country like the back of my hand. Not only was my first child (now 15 years old!) born in Peru, but I have also done multi-generational trips to Peru with three of my kids and their grandmother.
I’ve got amazing tips for travelling to Peru with kids of all ages. In my opinion, Peru is the top destination inSouth America for kids. Check out our guide about the best South America travel tips.
This post may contain affiliate links, from which we would earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More info in my disclaimer.
When it comes to planning family holidays in Peru – dare I say it? I’m an even better resource than the Lonely Planet! That’s why I’ve put together this Peru destination guide to help with all your trip planning needs.
1. Why Visit Peru with Kids?
Not only is travelling to Peru with kids feasible, but we highly recommend it. With a bit of preparation and our top Peru travel tips, you can plan an amazing Peru vacation.
There are not many places in the world that ignite the imagination quite like Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the fabled lost city of the Incas, located high in the Andes mountains.
In recent years, Peru – and Peruvians – have gone to great lengths to ensure that a trip to Peru is a safe, enjoyable, and thoroughly interesting experience, including for families. There is something for everyone in Peru.
Peru is the third-largest country in South America by size (read more Facts about Peru here). It is incredibly diverse, with coastal deserts, tropical jungles, and soaring mountains.
With great food, great tourist infrastructure, and truly friendly people, Peru is a wonderful place to travel to for a family holiday.
Is Peru Good for Kids?
Peruvians love kids, full stop. Everywhere in Peru, people will likely be interested in your kiddos and want to know more. It is a great way to get to know the locals, and you will find that people are generally warm and welcoming.
And, Peru is an easy sell for kids! From the adorable fuzzy alpacas to the tales of mysterious lost cities, learning about the Inca Empire and discovering ancient Incan ruins, plus plenty more archaeological sites, Peru is sure to capture the imagination of kids of all ages.
2. The Best Time to Travel to Peru: The Machu Picchu Area Vs Coastal Peru
First things first: Peru is located in the southern hemisphere. If you are accustomed to the seasonal calendar of the Northern Hemisphere, Peru will seem backwards to you. When it is summer in the north, it’s winter in Peru; winter in the north is summer in Peru.
When is the best time to visit Peru with kids? It really depends on what you most want to do:
- Do you want to visit Machu Picchu, the mountains or go trekking with the kids?
- Do you plan to hit the coastal beaches?
- Do you want to avoid as many tourists as possible?
Here are the best months to visit Peru based on where you want to visit:
The Inca Trail. Machu Picchu Site, the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca
You really can visit Peru with kids at any time of the year, BUT there are advantages and disadvantages to the month you choose.
May – August
This is known as “dry season” in the Andes and is the peak period for tourism. In terms of conditions, it is the best time to go hiking in Peru. With clear, sunny days and cold (often below freezing!) nights, this time of year is optimal for visiting the main tourist attractions around Cusco.
That also means it’s the busiest time of year – you can expect lots of crowds, especially when visiting Machu Picchu.
June and July
These are usually very busy months in Cusco – June is busy around the Fiestas of Cusco held on the 23rd June, and Inti Raymi on the 24th June. Inti Raymi is a re-enactment of an Incan ceremony and is popular with tour groups.
The 27th – 29th July are Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day) celebrations in Peru and are possibly the most popular dates for Peruvians to travel – expect full airports, full flights, and limited availability. If you are in Peru around this time, try to stay in one place … it’s much easier!
April, September or October
These are the “shoulder months” between the dry season and the onset of the rainy season in the mountains. April is often very beautiful with the mountains still an emerald green, but the chance of rain showers is considerably less.
September and October are usually less touristed and, depending on your luck, relatively dry. It also starts to warm up in September and October, making them, generally speaking, great months weather-wise.
Keep in mind that the Easter holiday usually falls in late March or April and is typically a very busy period for tourism in Peru, with many Peruvians taking a holiday.
November – March
This is the full-on rainy season, and also the low season in Cusco. This is the season of discounts and nearly empty sights, but you might get wet!
If you travel to Peru with kids in the wet season, make sure you’re properly prepared for wet weather with full rain gear, umbrellas, and a backup plan: as weather is unpredictable, unexpected or prolonged heavy rains can cause mudslides and road closures…
This is where booking with a reputable travel agency like Apus Peru can be your best friend, as they will have contingency plans in place.
If you are in Cusco around Christmas and New Year’s, there are some wonderful traditions that you can experience. Make sure you also read our guides to Christmas in Peru and New Years in Peru!
Note About Inca Trail Closures & When to Plan Your Trip to Peru with Kids – If hiking the Inca Trail with your kids is your goal, keep in mind that it is closed in February for regular maintenance. Although the Inca Trail is usually open in January and March, we don’t recommend trekking in those months as certain parts of the trail are prone to landslides. Extreme weather can also cause closures in late January or early March as well.
Coastal Peru – Lima, Nazca, Paracas, Trujillo
To complicate your life, coastal Peru has completely opposite weather compared to the Andes. It’s almost like they did it on purpose to guarantee you’ll make a second trip. Of course, you’ll want to anyway!
May – August
While it’s nice and sunny and clear in Cusco, in Peru’s capital city, Lima, it will be cool, grey, and overcast. There is also the chance of some drizzle.
December – February
This is the best time to visit Lima and the South Coast of Peru. While it’s raining in the mountains, it’s full-on summer in Lima: hot and sunny. Lima can get pretty humid, so be prepared to feel sticky most of the time.
Planning Around The Festival Calendar
Another way to plan your trip is around Peru’s festival calendar. Peru has a rich culture with fascinating festivals happening nearly every month. You can plan a really interesting culture-based family trip to Peru around these festivals.
Festivals in Peru include a lot of music, dancing, and colourful costumes, and can be an incredible delight to watch. They also tend to involve a lot of drinking, so it’s better to stick to daytime events with the kiddos.
Small children can also find some of the costumes a bit scary, and my neurodivergent boy can find the whole thing totally overwhelming.
So like anything – do some research, watch some YouTube with the kids – and work out whether its going to be a family bonding experience or semi traumatic!
The Worst Time to Visit Peru
Again, it really depends on what you want to do. If you want to avoid tourists, you’re better to go during the off-season (Nov-Mar).
If you really want to hike the Inca Trail, then maybe brave the crowds and book your family trip to Peru between May and September.
Note – Inca trail Permits for May sell out very fast, so if you want to trek the Inca trail in May have your passports and dates confirmed by October of the year before.
I’d personally recommend avoiding times when Peruvians are travelling like Easter and Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day) as the airports can be full, flights jam packed, and there is generally less availability.
3. Where to Visit in Peru
Peru is a very diverse country with so much to see and do for kids…and for you! Peru is a great destination for kids because you can adapt your holiday to your family’s ages and abilities.
There is so much to do and see in Peru with your family. There really is something for everyone! We have location guides with tips on how to visit and what to do in each of these great Peru destinations:
Lima
Peru’s capital is a great place to stop and get your travelling feet before continuing on the rest of your Peru journey, especially if you’re coming from a long way away!
Make sure you visit the historic center, Barranco, and Miraflores. The latter two both have stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
We have a great guide for visiting Lima with kids. Make sure you also read our guide to the top family hotels in Lima.
South Coast: The Desert Oasis of Huacachina, Nazca Lines, Ica, Pachacamac, Paracas and more
Peru’s south coast is a destination in its own right and should not be missed.
A visit to the south coast of Peru connects you to some lesser-known pre-Columbian cultures as well as the contemporary Afro Peruvian and Latino culture.
We love a visit to the South Coast for a getaway. Plus, it has lots to do and see that kids will enjoy! For more, check out our Guide to Peru’s South Coast with Kids. You can also read our guide to the top hotels on Peru’s South Coast.
Visiting Cusco with Kids
We have gathered together a list of fantastic tips for a trip to Cusco. Many view Cusco as merely the departure point for a visit to see Machu Picchu. However, it has so much more to offer – especially for families travelling with children!
For the history buffs out there, there are lots of Inca ruins to check out, too. Read our tips for a trip to Cusco with Kids. You can also read our guide to the top Cusco family hotels.
If you’re planning a visit to the chocolate museum in Cusco, make sure you read our Choco Museo review.
Apus Peru runs plenty of child-friendly cultural tours from Cusco. From cooking classes to chocolate-making workshops and more! Discover your options here >>>
Sacred Valley
With towering mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and quaint villages, exploring the Sacred Valley is a great experience! There are lots of kid-friendly activities to do, but there is an eminently practical reason as well.
Spending time in the Sacred Valley when you first arrive in Cusco is a great way to help you and your family acclimatise to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
For information on where to stay, read our guide to the best Sacred Valley Hotels.
Machu Picchu
Taking the train to reach Machu Picchu was a real highlight for our kids. It’s a long way to Machu Picchu, and for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve compiled my top tips for visiting Machu Picchu with kids. Check it out!
Even if you have a baby or toddler in tow, Machu Picchu is still totally doable. If this is the case for you, make sure you read our Machu Picchu with a baby/toddler guide.
Trekking in Peru with Kids
For many people, the allure of Peru is the chance to hike the Inca Trail (make sure you read our guide to the Inca Trail with kids!). The good news is, if you’re planning to visit Peru with children, you might still be able to do some trekking!
There are many things to consider when deciding if a trekking holiday is right for you and your family. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve gone trekking in Peru with a baby and with a toddler, and then children, so we know what we’re talking about! Check out our helpful guide, Should I Take my Children Trekking in Peru?
This is just a taste. With the islands in Lake Titicaca and Puno, the Amazon, Arequipa, North Coast and more, the possibilities for visiting Peru with kids are positively endless. Make sure you also read our lodge to lodge Peru trekking guide.
I recommend this Lares Valley Cultural Trek (3 days/2 nights) if you are travelling with kids over 8. You can book the tour for groups of 2-12. You’ll pass local villages like Chaullacocha, have the chance to visit a local school, and even opt for a homestay on the second night. The trek has more gentle terrain and is a great way to immerse kids in the local culture. You will, of course, visit Machu Picchu too! Read more about this trek here >>>
Peru’s Amazonian Jungle
If your family loves wildlife and adventure, the Peruvian Amazon is an unforgettable experience. Peru is the best place to visit the Amazon because it covers 2/3 of the country and is well-protected, and easily accessible.
Some of our best spots are Iquitos, Manu, and Puerto Maldonado. If you’re visiting the Peruvian Amazon with kids, I highly recommend a jungle lodge such as Refugio Amazonas. You can read our full guide and review of this lodge in our Amazon with kids post.
4. How Many Days to Visit Peru
This is the $64,000 question: how long should you plan to go for? There are a lot of factors to consider when planning the length of your Peru family trip. These include how much time you have, your budget, and what you want to see.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of planning your Peru family travel itinerary with this post, Best Peru Itineraries for Kids where you can discover the best Peru itinerary for you.
5. How to Visit Peru: A Family Tour Company Vs On Your Own
Family Friendly Tours with Apus Peru
If you’re looking for a more guided experience, whether it’s a 1-day tour or a 3-day family-friendly hike. I highly recommend Apus Peru.
Yes, I am a Co-Founder of Apus Peru, and this is why I have travelled to Peru so much – both before kids and after kids. That said, I am proud that we have created a travel agency that “treats people right” in an industry that is still woefully lacking in regulation, and when prices are cut, it means the local people miss out. Plus, when we offer travel packages and tours for families, my experiences with my own children come into play.
There are plenty of family experiences available, from visiting remote villages like Chaullacocha to the Lares Valley Cultural Trek, which includes a visit to Machu Picchu.
If you’re visiting Cusco, there are lots of cultural day trips you could do, from cooking classes to chocolate workshops to a day trekking around the Paccoyo Mountain area or learning about Inca traditions.
Read More About the Apus Peru story or discover the most family-friendly tours.
On Your Own
If you are an experienced, independent traveler, you can definitely plan a trip to Peru with your kids on your own. Peru is a well-organized country, and it is not hard to get around. Speaking a little bit of Spanish also helps a ton!
Our How to Plan an Amazing Peru Family Holiday is a great resource as well. Wherever we travel with the kids, we always look for a local company so that we can work with them directly.
If you book through an agent in your home country, they will subcontract to someone in Peru (or maybe lots of people!). This can be the cause of miscommunications and mistakes. Also, instead of directly benefiting the local people, some of your hard-earned money will end up in the hands of middlemen, instead of in Peru.
Read our Peru family vacation guide to find out more about self-planning your Peru trip.
For the rest of us, it’s a good idea to look for a reputable, kid-friendly travel operator to help you plan everything. Especially if you’re a little nervous about traveling to Peru with your family for the first time. A good travel company will make sure you get from A to B with the least amount of hassle. After all, you want to enjoy your visit to Peru with kids, and having the logistics taken care of by someone else makes things way less stressful.
Pro Tip for Travelling in Peru with Kids: Peru has an amazing thing called ‘atención preferencial’ . This basically means that if you are traveling with children under 5 you can skip the queue. Better still, the locals know this and will usher you to the front of the line. Bonus points if you are pregnant. They always look after a pregnant woman in lines and public places!
6. Peru Family Travel Safety Tips
Peru is generally considered a safe place for family travel. There is great infrastructure, and it has cleaned up its act in recent years. Yes, in the past, Peru did have a pretty bad rep, but now things are much better. I’m told you can even walk the streets of Cusco late at night. I didn’t test that one personally!
There were pickpockets in the major tourist areas and other types of petty crime. Well, now that is rare. There has been a concerted effort to clean up and make things safe. Tourist police are everywhere, and you rarely hear of the type of crimes that made Peru known as a slightly dangerous destination.
Peru is generally a safe country to travel to. Accidents or crimes can happen anywhere in the world. However, in general, if you follow good common sense, stay in a mid-range accommodation or above, and acclimatise sensibly, you should encounter few problems.
Read about it in more depth in our guide to the safest countries in South America.
Road Safety in Peru
Road safety is an important consideration when you’re planning a trip to Peru with kids. It’s true: you can find irresponsible drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, and rundown equipment.
This is where budget can be an important consideration. Typically, the more you spend, the better services you receive. For example, if you hire a private car and driver, they will generally be better, more responsible drivers, and their cars will be well-maintained. However, accidents can happen anywhere.
You might want to bring your own baby capsule (for kids under 18 months) or your own car seat for children under 4 years old. These items are not commonly found in Peru. So, if you want to be sure of the maintenance and security of these items, bring your own.
No Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know About Altitude Acclimatization
One major and valid concern parents have is how to properly acclimate with their children when travelling to high altitude destinations in Peru.
I have done this many times with my family. You can read all my best advice here: Tips For Acclimating To Altitude With Kids. We have never taken Diamox (the altitude sickness prevention tablets). However, definitely ask your doctor about this and other options. Do what’s right for you and your family.
Sun Protection
You can get really sunburnt in Peru! Whether on the hot dry coast or in the Andean mountains, the sun in Peru really burns. If you’re thinking, “Oh, I’ll be fine, I never burn,” trust us: you will burn in Peru either from the sun or wind, which is very drying.
Particularly when you’re up in the mountains around Peru, it’s easy to forget just how high up you are. Even when it doesn’t feel that warm, the sun shines really intensely. Make sure you protect yourself and your little ones really well against the sun. We recommend a high SPF sunscreen AND a hat.
Malaria & Other Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
If you wish to travel to the jungle (for example, Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos), then mosquito-borne illnesses are of concern. Our full post Traveling and the Risk of Malaria in Kids explores these considerations.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is still a concern in Peru’s jungle and Amazon regions. If you are over 9 months of age, you should be vaccinated.
Peru does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination at entry. However, some countries do require you to show a valid vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a yellow fever–endemic country. For example, Australia requests a certificate for travellers over 1 year old entering within 6 days of leaving a yellow fever–risk country.
Our baby was denied boarding leaving Peru as she had not been vaccinated against Yellow Fever! In short, if you choose not to get the shots, make sure you will be allowed into your next destination country.
Dogs
Don’t let your kids pet dogs in Peru, or go anywhere near them. This is not Peru-specific advice, but advice to kids travelling in any developing country.
7. The Importance of Amazing Travel Insurance
Having good travel insurance is vital for us when planning a Peru family holiday. The peace of mind that it offers outweighs the cost of the policy.
Make sure you get a comprehensive travel policy that provides medical attention, evacuation from isolated places, as well as more standard features like covering you for cancellation of services or theft.
8. Where to Stay in Peru with Kids
Although Peru is a favourite destination among backpackers, you don’t have to stay in a dorm when you travel to Peru. There are plenty of upmarket hotels and resorts in Peru. Many of which cater to families. In fact, luxury hotels outnumber backpacker hostels in Cusco!
There are also plenty of high-quality, mid-range budget hotels. English is widely spoken; many hotels will provide heaters on request. Also, most have oxygen available if you need it. To get started, we’ve written some hotel guides by area, including:
- Hotels on Peru’s Southern Coast
- Where to stay in the Sacred Valley + top hotels
- Family-friendly hotels in Lima
- The top Cusco hotels for families
9. Food in Peru
Do you have a picky eater? Peruvian cuisine is famous worldwide, but there is also plenty of food for kids in Peru. In addition to some really yummy (but not so kid-oriented) Peruvian dishes like ceviche, the locals also routinely eat roasted chicken and a yummy Peruvian version of Chinese food called chifa (pronounced chee-fa…also fun to say!).
Spaghetti … there is plenty of Western food available for children in Peru, which makes it quite easy to travel with kids.
Pizza and pasta are also popular and easy to find. They also love a good guinea pig (known as cuy), but don’t tell your kiddos that one.
Read all our suggestions for the Best Places to Eat in Peru with Kids or discover more about food in Peru with these Peru food facts.
10. Packing for Peru with Kids
Have you thought about everything you’ll need for your family trip to Peru? From totable toys and books to snacks and clothes, our Peru Packing List: What to Pack for a Peru Family Holiday will help you make sure you are totally prepared.
11. Getting the Kids Excited about Your Family Trip to Peru
Half the fun of travel is the anticipation and learning about your destination. Weeks or even months in advance of your family trip to Peru, you can start to get the kids excited by learning about Peru together.
There are some amazing books about Peru out there – for kids and adults alike! Plus, reading is a great family activity. Sharing in the experience of learning about a new country, a new culture, and a new language is a great way to bond as a family. Check out our selection of the Best Peru Books for Kids.
Do you and your family like trivia? Learning some interesting or unique facts about a place can be another great way to get to know a destination before you arrive.
Also, if your kids are learning Spanish, Peru is a great place to practice. Peruvian Spanish tends to be easier to understand than that of some other Latin American countries, which speak very fast and in a garbled way. Here are some of the Most Common Spanish Phrases that you will find helpful!
There are some great children’s books about Peru that will get your kids excited about their family trip to Peru!
You DO Need to Plan
When it comes to family travel, you don’t want to wing it. In our post about Planning for a Peru Family Vacation we share some of our best advice for preparing for your trip.
Did you think about what it will be like to fly with your kids? Were you hoping to skip Lima and head straight to Cusco? We will tell you why that might not be the best idea!
I am already planning my next trip. There is so much to do and see. Plus, I am a firm believer that kids like going back to places they know and love. So I don’t see a problem if we go back to a place a second time.
Please, take a look around our website. We have many resources for when you’re planning a family trip to Peru. View the latest Peru posts here. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, please email us at worldoftravelswithkids@gmail.com
Make sure you also check out all the amazing tours Apus Peru has to offer. Every enquiry is answered by our in-house sales team, who will take the time to tailor a trip to your family’s interests. Whether it’s your family’s first taste of the Andes or a return to favourite trails, Apus Peru will help you discover authentic, sustainable travel. Discover Apus Peru here >>>
Peru with Kids FAQs
Yes, Peru is a fantastic destination to visit as a family. You’ll find incredible wildlife, culture, and plenty of adventure opportunities. From meeting llamas in the Sacred Valley to exploring ancient ruins in Cusco or sailing on Lake Titicaca, there are so many options!
Peru is considered safe for American visitors, especially in major tourist areas like Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. As with anywhere, it’s best to take precautions and read up on US travel advice.
In Peru, prams (strollers) are taken to the door of the plane (you can see ours folded on the tarmac). This makes life much easier than in Western countries, where you have to check your pram.
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