Last Updated on February 3, 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Planning a Peru family holiday can feel overwhelming – high altitudes, long distances, and big bucket-list sights like Machu Picchu all raise questions when travelling with kids.
The good news? Peru makes a brilliant destination for families, as Peruvians are warm-hearted and genuinely welcoming to children. Whether you’re travelling with little ones or adventure-hungry teens, Peru delivers – from Inca history and colourful markets to wildlife, beaches, and epic landscapes.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through planning your trip step by step: the best time to go, how long you need, where to visit with kids, itinerary ideas, and practical tips based on real experience living and travelling in Peru.
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.
Why Choose a Peru Family Holiday?
Peru has it all and is one of the most diverse destinations in South America for families. A Peruvian family holiday delivers adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences that will stay with kids for a lifetime. They will surely be fascinated by the country’s deeply rooted traditions, from the history of the Inca ruins and the Inca Trail to local cooking and dance.
Whether you’re eager to discover the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, explore Cusco and Lima, or visit the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, you’ll find some amazing destinations to suit you and your family.
Peruvian food is world-renowned and incredibly varied, meaning you will always find something for you and the children. When planning your trip itinerary, be sure to include food experiences along the way. You can try the famous ceviche on the coast, savour the Andean delicacy of roasted cuy (guinea pig), or discover the flavours of the Amazon with exotic fruits and river fish. Discover the Best Places to Eat in Peru with Kids in our guide.
Planning Foundations
Planning A Peru Holiday – Our Assumptions (Please Read!)
Our unspoken assumption for travel with kids in any place or country includes:
- Make sure you allow time in your itinerary for arrival and departure from the country. We always plan nothing for the first day after we fly in.
- Kids need downtime to avoid anxiety and stress (which can manifest as tantrums, bad tempers, or unwillingness to do things)! This not only helps them adjust to their new surroundings but also helps ease the effects of jet lag. See our post Jet Lag with Toddlers: How to Deal with It.
- We generally follow a one-day activities/one-day rest pattern or do half-day activities each day. Particularly during acclimatisation days, you want to be kind to your body!
What is the Best time to visit Peru with Kids?
Peru has multiple climate zones, and seasons are the opposite of those in the UK. They run similarly to Australia.
The best time to visit Peru with kids is during the dry season from May to September. With beautiful sunny days, white, snow-capped mountains, and blue skies, it’s a lovely time to visit.
However, you need to book early because it’s peak season and family-friendly accommodation can fill up quickly. Also, April and September are ideal times for family trips to Peru, when there is a little rain but generally fewer visitors.
Read more about the best time to visit Peru in our Peru with Kids and Cusco with kids posts here.
How Long Should My Peru Family Holiday Be?
We recommend at least 10 days if you want to explore the main attractions, such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley (also known as the Urubamba Valley).
However, if you’re looking to include the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, or the Northern Beaches, then planning a stay of 14 to 21 days is ideal. This allows for a relaxed pace and time to acclimatise.
Remember! If you try to cram too much into your holiday, the kids might well revolt, and then no one will be having fun!
If you’re unsure what you want to do on your Peru family trip, check out our Peru with Kids Guide or read our Peru Itinerary.
Altitude Sickness in Kids
Some Peruvian destinations are at extremely high altitude, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and parts of the Andes where popular treks take place. Allowing time to acclimatise is essential, especially in high-altitude destinations, as it helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Here are some essential tips:
- Respect the first 24 hours: plan very little, focus on rest, hydration, light meals, and early nights.
- Go genuinely slow for the first 2-3 days: short outings, minimal exertion, and no big hikes or long travel days.
- Know what to watch for: headaches, nausea, breathlessness, unusual fatigue, dizziness, poor appetite, or trouble sleeping.
- Trust your instincts and act early: children don’t always articulate symptoms clearly. If something feels off or symptoms worsen, stop ascending, rest, and seek medical advice.
View our full guide on acclimatisation for kids here
The Best Things to Do in Peru with Kids – The Amazon Rainforest, Machu Picchu and More!
Peru is a huge country stretching 1.285 million km². You could have so many experiences in Peru, but if you’re limited in time, first decide what type of trip you are planning. For a complete list of things to do in Peru with kids, visit our post on Things to do on a Peru Family Vacation.
- Explore Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail with kids+ the town of Aguas Calientes.
- The city of Cusco – Make sure you visit the Choco Museo and spend time exploring the cobbled streets, Plaza de Armas and discovering the local culture – view the top things to do in Cusco with kids in our guide.
- The Sacred Valley – Incan ruins and local villages – Explore the areas around the Urubamba River
- Explore the city of Lima. Discover the fascinating neighbourhoods, parks and Magic Water Circuit.
- Meet Llamas
- Take part in a Peruvian cooking class or discover more about Peruvian chocolate making.
- Explore Lake Titicaca (but make sure you are well acclimatised!) and meet local communities.
- Visit Colca Canyon
- Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado
- Surfing and beach time in Mancora
- Visit the Amazon Rainforest and spot colourful Macaws and cheeky monkeys
- Spend time on the South Coast Beaches of Peru + sandboarding and Buggy Rides in Huacachina.
As well as the main things to do, there are plenty of adventure activities for older kids and teens, such as cycling, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and horse riding.
You will see these two recommended on lists of things to do in Peru with kids. I am a bit on the fence…
- Explore Rainbow Mountain and the surrounding mountains. I am not a huge fan – read more here: Visiting the Rainbow Mountain with Kids.
- Visit The Nazca Lines. I’ll admit I haven’t visited with kids, but having made a couple of visits as an adult, I find the Lines a bit underwhelming and conceptually difficult. In the past, the planes had dodgy maintenance records, so if you do want to take your kids, I would research this.
Booking Accommodation in Peru for Your Family Trip
Choosing the right accommodation is even more important when travelling with kids. On my last trip, we spent 7 weeks in the Americas with 3 kids and a grandmother, and having the right accommodation either makes or breaks a stay in a city. Whether you are self-booking or getting help from a travel agent, here’s what you need to consider.
There is an incredible range of accommodation, from home-stays and jungle lodges in remote communities to a solid number of 3-star hotels.
Of course, there are also many 4- and 5-star luxury properties for family holidays in Peru. In addition, there are now many Airbnbs in cities, which are often our preferred option because they give all family members a bit of space when travelling for a long time.
Hopefully, these guides will be helpful:
View our top Sacred Valley hotels for travel with kids
The top Peruvian Amazon lodges for families
Cusco hotels for families
Considerations for Your Peru Accommodation
First, it may seem obvious, but make sure there are enough beds for everyone in the room. Sometimes, when booking for 2 adults and 1 child, booking engines offer 1 double. It’s best to go for family rooms unless you have 1 child in a cot.
Often in Peru, kids stay free. So, if you book a double room with two beds, you will find that there are two double beds, therefore with enough space for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Then, think of the kind of accommodation you are looking for. Do you want somewhere with a pool? In a central location? Hotels only?
Book early for very popular destinations such as Machu Picchu and the spectacular Sacred Valley. If you are visiting these areas as part of a guided tour, make sure you book the tour before all the Machu Picchu visitor slots are full or the tour guides become booked up.
Once you’ve chosen, make sure you look at the cancellation policy. Free cancellation options often cost more but give more flexibility.
Apus Peru’s experts can help you find the perfect stay for your trip. Get in touch today.
Guided Tour vs Self-Planning a Peru Family Adventure: What’s Best for Your Family?
When planning a trip to Peru, the decision between a guided tour and self-planning is a matter of personal choice.
If you book a guided tour with a company like Apus Peru, everything is pre-arranged, and you will have knowledgeable guides to enrich your experience. Tour companies have in-depth knowledge of the best places to stay and the best family-friendly activities to make your trip more enjoyable. Some even have meals included.
With Apus Peru, you can either use the itinerary as described or adapt it based on your children’s ages. For young kids, we recommend a gentle, easy program with short activities, while teens and older kids might be thrilled to tackle an adventure… and believe me, Peru is full of adventure for families!
On the other hand, self-planning gives more freedom to take each day as it comes and even make travel plans while in Peru. I recommend either booking a guided tour or booking mini-tours to supplement your trip.
Guided Tours with Apus Peru
After arriving in Peru for the first time in 2002, I eventually settled in Cusco, where I co-founded Apus Peru Adventure Travel Specialists, and later, my daughter was born in Cusco.
Since relocating to my home country of Australia, I still have daily contact with Peru and travel back frequently. These suggestions are based on my own family’s experiences and on those of many Apus Peru clients.
Our advice is not based on a one-off visit but on many visits over the years. I am confident that if you are planning a family trip to Peru, we have a wide range of experiences to back up our advice!
Our mission is to get you off the beaten track and into the mountains, to experience the best the Andes has to offer and catch a glimpse of the REAL Peru. We are Peru travel specialists who create authentic, meaningful experiences that leave lasting memories. We believe you’ll love seeing the Andes through our eyes!
Our expert sales team personally answers every inquiry, and we take the time to customise your experience tailored to your needs and interests. We only offer private group tours, meaning you can depart any day.
Read More About Why You Should Choose Apus Peru Here >>>
Peru Family Tours: Our Top Picks
Here are some amazing Peru family tour options offered by Apus Peru that could enrich your travel plans, whether you want to self-plan your trip and add tours or go on a fully guided experience.
Depending on the child, their attention span, and your desire to immerse them in the culture, these tours are suitable for 4 or 5-year-olds and up.
1 Day Tour Options
A one-day tour can be a great addition to your family holiday itinerary in Peru. These tours can be combined with multi-day tours or done on their own.
Huaran Weaving and Eco Tour
Learn more about weaving in the Sacred Valley. You’ll visit the workshop of the Munay Urpi association and learn Andean weaving from Master Weaver Andrés Sallo. You’ll experience dyeing with natural plant dyes, even collecting the plants yourself.
You will have an enriching and memorable experience that supports the local weaving community and honours traditional Peruvian craft heritage.
Read More About this Huaran Weaving and Eco Tour Here >>>
1 Day Tours from Cusco
A variety of half-day tours from Cusco are available, including chocolate-making and cooking traditional dishes.
Decorate your own pottery in a hands-on workshop, or learn more about beekeeping or raising guinea pigs in the Sacred Valley (for eating)!
View more about Cusco Cultural Tours run by Apus Peru Here >>>
Inca Traditions Tour from Cusco
Experience the rich heritage of Incan traditions with this one-day tour, perfect for those aged eight and above.
Originating from Cusco, the journey takes you through the spectacular Sacred Valley, home to ancient Inca cities, and into a secluded Quechua village where you can enjoy an authentic glimpse into traditional life.
The itinerary includes hotel pick-up, private transport to and from Cusco, and a live demonstration of the weaving process.
Read More About the Inca Traditions Tour >>>
Palccoyo Mountain from Cusco
Experience Peru’s vibrant natural beauty with the Palccoyo Mountain one-day tour, suitable for adventurers aged 8 and up, which includes a gentle 6km walk.
This tour presents a fantastic alternative to the popular Rainbow Mountain trail, providing a less crowded yet equally stunning journey. The tour includes a visit to the charming high-Andean village of Checacupe and a visit to the Alccoyo Rock Forest.
Learn More About Touring Palccoyo Mountain Here >>>
Multi-Day Tours of 3+ Days
If you want to explore the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with kids, it’s better to do so over a few days. On your Peru family holiday, these tours are the perfect way to explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Lares Valley & Machu Picchu Cultural Trek
Venture into the heart of the Andes with the 3-day/2-night Lares Valley Cultural Trek. This trail combines high Andean trekking with the opportunity to visit remote villages. Step off the beaten track and visit less-visited locations like Chaullacocha.
Your journey includes the unique opportunity to visit local schools, enjoy warm village receptions, and even stay with a family on Day 2 instead of camping. The route showcases stunning mountain scenery, glacial lakes, and visiting the Lares hot springs.
The trek ends with a visit to Machu Picchu on Day 3, reached by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Discover further information about the Trek Here >>>
Lares & 2 Day Inca Trail – One of the top Machu Picchu tours for families
This 4-day journey allows you to explore Machu Picchu via an alternative route when traditional 4-day Inca Trail permits are unavailable. Experience the thrill of hiking through the dramatic landscapes and the satisfaction of completing the world-famous Inca Trail.
This tour offers an unbeatable combination: a day of hiking the Inca Trail and two days exploring the Lares Valley.
You’ll begin the trek at the Lares hot springs, proceeding through the valley and journeying over two mountain passes to reach the secluded village of Chaullacocha.
From Chaullacocha, you will be transported to Ollantaytambo, the starting point for the scenic train ride. After a short train ride, you will start the Shrot Inca Trail hike, where you’ll follow the footsteps of the ancient Incas, arriving at the Sun Gate and then descending to the mystical Machu Picchu.
Depending on your preference, you could hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in the morning, or opt for a more relaxed exploration in the afternoon, when there are fewer tourists.
Read More About this Tour Here >>>
If you’d like help choosing the right order of destinations, building in proper acclimatisation, or creating a trip that works for your children’s ages and energy levels, Apus Peru is a great place to start!
Follow Our Peru Itineraries
Thinking of planning your trip without a tour or looking for some inspiration on where to visit?
In this Peru Itinerary post, we take you through the ultimate 10-day, 2-week and 3-week Peru itinerary for travel with Kids.
With our experience planning many Peru family adventures, these itineraries can be used as a foundation to build your own Peru family itinerary, whether you decide to self-plan your trip or book a guided tour with a company like Apus Peru or add-on 1-3 day mini guided tours suitable for the whole family onto your trip.
View Our Ultimate Peru Itinerary Here for further information >>>
How to Get to Peru
Getting to Peru from the UK.
There are no longer any direct flights from the UK to Peru. You will have to connect via another European country, Mexico or the US.
The main international airport you can fly to in Peru is Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, where you can go on to get onward connections.
Booking Flights for a Holiday to Peru from the UK
When booking flights from the UK to Peru, I recommend starting early. Look for deals and, if possible, be flexible with your travel dates.
Use websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to compare prices and find the best deals. Set up price alerts to receive notifications when the fares drop.
When travelling to Peru with kids, consider booking flights with minimal layovers (1 is needed) to reduce travel time, unless your layovers will be over a couple of days and give time to explore your destination. However, make sure you leave enough time to catch your connecting flight.
Here are the top options (including connections):
- Iberia – via Madrid
- Air Europa – via Madrid
- Air France – via Paris Charles de Gaulle
- KLM – via Amsterdam with plenty of UK airport options
- Avianca – via Bogota
- LATAM – via Madrid or Bogota, often requiring a positioning flight
- LEVEL – via Barcelona (direct from Barcelona as of 3rd June 2026!)
Consider potential visa issues (but options):
- American: Via Dallas–Fort Worth or Miami
- United: Via Houston or Newark
- Delta: Via Atlanta
How to Get to Peru from Australia
Getting to Peru from Australia involved a long-haul trip across the Pacific. The main airports to start your journey in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
No airlines offer direct flights from Australia to Peru, so you must have at least one layover. The most direct option is to fly from Sydney or Melbourne to Auckland, then onto Santiago de Chile. You can then connect there onward to Lima, but it’s a pretty long haul.
In 2023, we flew from Melbourne to Los Angeles with Qantas, and then from Los Angeles to Lima via Bogota with Avianca.
As of 2026, there is a flight from Melbourne to Santiago de Chile, and from there you connect directly to Cusco.
** Note, if you are travelling on an Australian passport and decide to fly into Chile, and stopover, you will need to pay a reciprocal visa fee of around $200 AU. There was talk of waiving this, so check your details carefully before booking flights. Arriving after a long haul flight from Australia and being hit with $800 AU in visa fees (me plus three kids) was not a nice surprise!
Popular airlines to fly from Australia to Peru are:
- LATAM Airlines: Melbourne or Sydney to Lima via Santiago
- United Airlines: Via Houston and Los Angeles
- Qantas: Via LA
- Avianca: via Bogota
- Delta: Via LA or Atlanta
- American Airlines: Via Los Angeles and Miami (these are super long flights, and I’d hesitate crossing America to Miami, then back to Peru).
Domestic Transfers in Peru
If your final destination is not Lima, you can catch a domestic flight to other cities like Cusco, Arequipa, or Iquitos. The main airlines serving domestic flights are LATAM, Sky Airline, JetSMART and ATSA.
Ensure you leave enough time between your international arrival and any domestic connections, as you need to collect your baggage, pass through customs and then check in again.
We enjoy spending a few days in Lima before moving on. Read our guides to the best things to do in Lima with kids and our Lima family hotels recommendations.
Other Things to Consider When Planning a Peru Family Holiday
Travel Documents
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Peru. REPEAT! This is strictly enforced. Of course, you’ll also need to make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay.
UK and Australian citizens do not need a visa for up to 90 days (you’ll be granted a stay on arrival). Click here for more information.
Ensure you have return flight information and proof of accommodation available to show immigration if needed. On our last trip, the airline asked for this information, but not when we arrived in Lima.
Travel Insurance
It’s crucial to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. I recommend you get travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, so you’re covered from the get-go.
Read more about why you need a travel insurance in Peru.
Need to get an insurance quote quickly? Try Rise & Shield or Safety wing
Travel Vaccinations for Peru
Check your government’s website for up-to-date information on recommended vaccines, as this can vary.
In addition to being up to date with routine childhood vaccinations (including tetanus), most travellers should have Hepatitis A and consider Hepatitis B and Typhoid vaccines before visiting Peru.
Depending on your itinerary and activities, Yellow Fever vaccination may be recommended for travel to jungle and low-altitude regions, and rabies vaccination might be advised if you’ll be at risk of animal exposure.
Aim to speak to a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure (8 weeks is even better if you need a course of jabs).
View more on UK travel advice to Peru here.
More on Australian travel advice for Peru here.
Note – I am not a medical expert, but I am an experienced traveller. Rabies vaccinations are complicated, and unless you are going to very rural and remote areas, volunteering or working with animals, rabies might not be necessary.
Currency
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (S/), pronounced “Sol” in the singular or “solays” in the plural. Eg, One Sol or two solays!
Cash is widely used in Peru, especially in small businesses and remote locations. Therefore, carrying some local currency is an absolute must, especially small amounts like 5 or 10 soles.
Peru’s paper currency comes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles, and coins come in 1, 2, and 5 soles, and in 10, 20, and 50 céntimos.
There are lots of ATMs in major cities. Before travelling, make sure you check with your bank that your cards are suitable for international cash withdrawals, and what the fees might be. On the Peruvian end, we have been charged up to 36 soles for one transaction (like $10!). In rural areas, access to ATMs may be limited or nonexistent, making carrying cash essential.
Contactless card facilities are increasingly available in all major tourist areas, petrol stations, supermarkets and restaurants. Even some small businesses offer card options. However, never assume you can pay by card, and carrying a decent amount of soles is important.
Language
The official languages of Peru are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara, with Spanish being the most widely spoken. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will be helpful.
Teaching the Kids About Peru to Prepare for Your Trip
As well as learning about Peruvian culture and customs during your trip, it’s always fun to delve into your destination before travelling.
Kids will love these facts about Peru. It’s also great to read books about Peru to the kids. Make sure you read our guide to the best Peruvian children’s books.
Combining Your Trip with a Neighbouring Country
If you’re looking to explore more of South America, consider combining your trip with a visit to a neighbouring country, such as Bolivia or Ecuador. Why not start your search by discovering the Safest Countries in South America, or be inspired by these Facts about South America?
You could also combine a visit to Peru with visits to some Central American countries. Here’s a guide to the Best Countries to visit in South and Central America.
The Verdict – Planning the Best Peru Family Holidays
I hope you can see how much we love Peru, and that you read this information about planning a Peru family holiday (or a family adventure to Machu Picchu). We know that with some good planning, research and organisation, you will have an amazing time in Peru as well. It is a beautiful country, not only with amazing scenery but also with a truly incredible living culture, delicious food, and welcoming people.
If you don’t feel that you can organise your holiday on your own, please don’t hesitate to contact Apus Peru so we can design an awesome Machu Picchu vacation package for you!
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