Peru For Kids – An Adventure at Altitude

First things first, let’s get it out of the way and talk about altitude. One of the key traveller discussion points for this destination is, of course, its geographic positioning. There’s no getting away from it; it’s darn high. We say, be aware of the altitude but not scared of it. Definitely allow 1-2 days adjustment time and this may be after flying from one part of Peru to another, higher area – and build this into your itinerary (or we can for you!). Take things extremely slowly. Avoid alcohol, eat lightly and get plenty of sleep. This applies to everyone, kids and parents alike (especially no booze for the kids ;-)).

At 3400m, Cusco is higher than most people’s number one ‘must see’ Machu Picchu, so try other areas first. For example, Bogota is 2640m above sea level and Quito is 2800m above sea level. Machu Picchu itself sits at 2430m, as do many of the towns in the Sacred Valley. Keep an eye on your children to see how they are coping with the altitude before charging off on your adventures. “Poco a poco” as they say – little by little. Quiet children are a sign that something is not quite right, mind you, that’s not always to do with altitude!

You can start your Peruvian family adventure by flying into Lima, the main airport in Peru or directly into Cusco – but given the higher altitude of Cusco, we’d probably recommend Lima (1550m), if you are with young children. There’s plenty to do in Peru’s capital if you decide to stay and acclimatise, so don’t be too quick to exit. Obviously it’s a large city in a new country, but if you position yourself well and take your time, it’s very enjoyable.

Miraflores is a great area which is also safe, so a good choice for families. The same can be said for San Isidro, and both areas are pretty modern compared to the older colonial Centro district. Barranco is also popular due to its coastal location, although more bohemian and attracts a younger crowd. You can stroll or bike El Malecón de Miraflores — Lima’s cliffside boardwalk. This five mile path has fabulous ocean vistas and can include lots of interesting stops including the quirky Parque del Amor, restaurants and shops. You can rent bikes or take a bike tour and there are usually several kids bikes available, just be sure to reserve these ahead of time. There’s also Friendship Park featuring a vintage steam train and pedal boats on the lagoon, lots of museums including a Natural History Museum, great open top bus tours and despite being a sizeable city, it’s family friendly with outdoor events, markets and wonderful food.

On the subject of food – a very important family topic – Peru is pretty good for youngsters as there is generally always something recognisable on offer; meat, rice, potatoes, fish and salad, so it’s not so challenging if you have less adventurous eaters. There’s also plenty of unusual (and quite frankly amazing) stuff if there are curious foodies in your group; grilled heart or guinea pig anyone? But seriously, specialities like ceviche and lomo saltado (stir fried beef) and papas a la huancaina (potatoes in spicy cheese sauce) await your hungry tummies. Always remember to drink only bottled water though and be mindful of how raw food (fruit and veg) may have been washed.

For this kind of family trip, depending on how long you have and the age range within your travel group, it really can be best to work with experienced travel specialists to plan your trip, with a support network in place. As easy as they can be for you alone, planning is important when travelling as a group if you want to have experiences that are exciting, inspiring and meaningful in this amazing country. In cities, we’d always recommend using only official taxis, being (normally) cautious after dark and if you’re so inclined, using a driver for a day if you want to cover some ground with little ones. For more to do in Lima, have a look at our guide.

You can go south from Lima to the coast if you want to include some beach time during your trip to Peru, generally a welcome holiday within a holiday for young children. Remember though that Peru’s coast typically has very different weather than the Andes.  The wettest months in the Andes (often referred to as the ‘worst’ months to visit Machu Picchu) are the dry sunny ones on the coast (December, January, and February). April into May can be a great time for your Peruvian adventure as it’s generally good weather across both regions.

It is a port featuring a lovely wide pier that is popular with tourists and locals and offers the chance for kids to run around and indulge in pelican watching and if you’re lucky, feeding (in the morning). There are also some good places to stay with pools. Be aware that transfers from Lima often leave very early in the morning, so consider that in your planning and sleeping requirements for the young folk. Investigate or ask us about private options if you’d rather.

A great place for young ‘uns although suitable for and appealing to everyone, would be the stunning Paracas Nature Reserve. From the port you can take a tour or a private car – the latter may be better with the very young or more aged, as you can design your own timescales, plus cart around any essentials easily. The Reserve was established in the mid 1970’s to protect the marine ecosystem and covers a huge area of coastal and beautiful tropical desert and is home to an enormous concentration of birds, as well as some of Peru’s greatest historical treasures. It’s worth checking out the beautiful Playa Roja (red beach) too, so named for its unusually coloured sand. It’s a fantastic part of the country and very different from the mountains, cultural cities and jungle. Some useful tips for a visit to the park, especially with kids, would be to take a picnic and snacks as there are limited (and not great) options available once you’re there. Oh and some toilet paper! There are facilities, but they are not always equipped with, ahem, what’s needed. Of course if you’ve never recovered from having toddlers, you’ll have baby wipes – do you ever stop carrying these around once you become a parent?!

From here you can get to Islas Ballestas, a small group of islands that are fantastic for wildlife spotting including penguins, birds, dolphins and sea lions. However, you can only reach them by (fairly speedy) boats and a tour from the mainland can be around three hours, which may put off some families. If you do opt to go, check the quality of the boats and of course life jackets and general safety. We’d say this is probably better for kids age five and up who are also okay with being confined on a boat for that length of time. It’s a fabulous experience, but only if you can all enjoy it. It’s always important to be realistic about these things and trust your parenting instincts.

From Paracas, about 90 minutes away is Huacachina, a (literal) desert oasis and tiny village just west of the city of Ica. It’s almost as if it has been picked up and carefully placed here, this mythical place. Local folklore says that the lagoon was created when a beautiful princess removed her clothes to bathe, but looking into a mirror, she saw a male hunter approaching her from behind. Startled at the intrusion, she fled the area leaving behind her mirror, which turned into a lake. So be careful where you get naked folks! You could end up creating an oasis in your wake… Anyway… Princesses aside, if your kids are of an age where you’d take them on the paddleboats around the lake, they will love it; otherwise it’s no hardship to stick to the dunes. Essentially you are hanging out in an enormous sandpit – hurrah! A total joy for young kids. There are exhilarating activities like sand boarding and dune buggies but obviously that is for older children. If you fall into that category and want to try the buggies, it’s imperative that you go with a very reputable company and be clear on the style of route you’d like – these vehicles are fantastic fun, but not without risk. You can stay overnight here or do a day trip from Paracas.

Not so far from Ica, are the famous Nazca Lines. These mysterious ancient geoglyphs are truly fascinating and there is no better way to spot the hundreds of lines and shapes than from the air. It is believed that the lines were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD, possibly for Viracocha, an Incan deity; creators of all things. Many are simple lines and shapes; some are of animals, such as birds, fish, llamas, jaguars, and monkeys, or human figures, others are trees and flowers. The largest is 200m across!

If you choose to do the flights, a few pointers:

• It’s not inexpensive – probably around 100 USD per person plus an obligatory airport tax – but if your budget can take it, it’s a pretty amazing memory.
• Choose an operator based on their safety history and that guarantees window seats for all passengers so everyone gets the best view.
• Consider an early flight to avoid potential turbulence and also anti-nausea medication in case anyone feels a little peaky up in the clouds.
• Try and resist the urge to look out of the window through a camera lens. Don’t waste the short flight missing the actual view in order to take photos you will look at later. It’s a rather thrilling experience, so adventurous kids (and grown ups!) will love it.

Arequipa is another place that’s great for families. From local culinary experiences where you can get involved with making and eating Peruvian cuisine, to chocolate tasting, scenic parks, historic monuments like the Basilica. Arequipa also has fabulous markets, bus tours and ‘Alpaca World’ where you can hang out and learn all about llamas and alpacas and traditional wool weaving, it’s a city that seems to blend Andean and European culture, one not to be missed. Its range of indoor and outdoor activities to suit children of all ages make it easy to spend time here. Plus it’s more laid back and perhaps easier to navigate than the capital. Did I mention it’s also BEAUTIFUL as well as historic, majestic and captivating? It’s known as The White City due to many of the buildings being made of smooth, white sillar stone, giving much of the city a rather pearlesque appearance. It’s extremely easy to walk around and, wow, those sunsets are worth the visit alone with the backdrop of the mountains. Take a moment to enjoy a Pisco Sour while watching dusk approach, preferably from Plaza del Armas. Cheers! 

It is, however, close to 12 hours drive to travel from Paracas to Arequipa, usually on an overnight bus. You can also fly direct from Lima. That’s the thing about South America; it’s pretty big so getting to all the destinations you want to experience can take time. A great approach is to look at all the journeys as mini-adventures in themselves. There will still be so much to see and take in. It’s not the same as a motorway traffic jam!

Another magical place that isn’t so far from Arequipa is the Colca Canyon.

“And now for something completely different”

Just three hours drive brings you to a place that is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. It feels a million miles away from the city and beach and among this glorious wilderness you can experience giant Andean condors within the green valley, among traditional country villages tracked with farming terraces. It’s popular for trekking and river rafting, but the raw beauty of this area offers plenty of stimulation for those with younger children – it’s literally a breath of fresh air. You could opt for a local home or farm stay here, which is a fabulous authentic experience and, with kids, it actually makes it easier as aren’t they always just the most effective folk at bringing people together, whatever the language?!

If you stay in town, it is most likely to be in Chivay, the closest one to the canyon, which is under an hour’s extremely scenic drive from the Cruz del Condor, the main viewing point to see the magnificent condors. With wingspans of over three metres, it is the largest flying bird in the world by combined measurement of weight and wingspan and descends from the vulture family. Not something you see down your local park! As you might imagine, the viewpoint can be busy, especially in the mornings between 8-10am as this is the best time to see the birds. It doesn’t tend to feel overly crowded though, as there is plenty of space. However, there are some dangerous ledges and drops – parents of curious kids, beware! Once you have that in mind and find your safe viewing spot, sit back and enjoy the show. It’s one of a kind.

We’re kind of following a potential route here for a perfect Peru family holiday and from Colca, the next logical step is Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The name may make you (i.e. me) chuckle but this epic body of water sits at nearly 4,000m above sea level – this is even higher than Cusco so now is the time to really watch for signs of altitude sickness and take things really easy. Honestly, I can’t stress this enough. The thin air can cause headache, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath. Cocoa mate (tea made of cocoa leaves) is a good local antidote that can do wonders to help your body stay happy at high altitude.

Puno is the capital of this region and is probably better suited to wildlife than people, so it’s no surprise that it’s an important agricultural and livestock region where llamas and alpacas graze on the epic altiplano. But it is also Peru’s folklore centre with a diverse array of handicrafts, costumes, celebrations, legends and traditional dances. Visit the Plaza des Armas to experience this and check out the cathedral too.

Puno is the gateway to Lake Titicaca – the largest lake in South America – holding 22,500 square miles of agua, fed by 27 rivers (5 main ones) and bordered by both Bolivia and Peru. It is home to over 40 islands and over 500 aquatic species, many endemic. It is another wondrous site that reflects the mythological and diverse magic of Peru. The Uru people, descendants of an ancient culture, continue to live on Lake Titicaca on floating islands. These islands, along with their homes and boats, are made entirely of reeds that grow along the shore of the water. Iconic images of the startling blue of the sky reflecting in the lake, among a backdrop of mountains, featuring local Andeans in colourful traditional dress, are suddenly right there in front of you and are of course, even more amazing in real life, than the photos we lust over; big skies, big water, mountains, indigenous people and traditions. Despite a large number of visitors or attractions seemingly designed purely for tourists (and they do of course exist) embrace opportunities to soak up the unique atmosphere of this place. Homestays on the islands are a great way to travel meaningfully here.

Taquile Island for example, is on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity list for its textiles, produced by both men and women as an everyday activity and worn by almost everyone on the island. Men wear the ‘chullo’ a colourful woven hat with an ear flap and a thick ‘calendar’ waistband which depicts the annual agricultural and cultural activities on the island.  Women wear colourful layered skirts and the traditional black shawl over their heads with brightly coloured pom-poms on each corner. Their Inca moral code ‘ama sua, ama llulla, ama qhilla’ retains and protects their way of life and means ‘do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy’. There are no cars or even bikes here. You go by foot or animal. It’s a beautiful way to step back in time – around 5000 years to be precise! Note, it’s not easy to get here – four hours on a boat one way in fact – so if you’re going to do it, think carefully about taking younger children, not just for the travel, but the remoteness. All that aside, if you feel confident that you want to make the trip, then for sure, it’s absolutely worth the adventure to stay overnight just for the sunset and sunrise.

While Uros, Amantani and Taquile depend on tourism to feed their economies, the people you see are residents. As such they deserve privacy and respect. Don’t take photos without asking and don’t be surprised if some of your subjects, especially children, end up asking for money in return, even for photos with permission. Maybe they will teach your kids some entrepreneurial tricks?! Puno and the entire lake region is always cool so be sure to dress appropriately (layers) the temperature in the daytime can drop twenty degrees to freezing at night. Even if it feels chilly, it’s super high so sunburn is a reality. Always wear a high factor and definitely protect children with cream and hats. Like anywhere else in Peru, don’t drink water from the tap. It often makes sense to buy bottled water in advance of any trips or tours away from your hotel as often, once you’re on your way or going to a specific destination, options may be limited and likely expensive too.

OK, if you’ve been reading this and wondering if you’re ever going to get to Machu Picchu then hold tight. Going from Puno to Cusco is a giant leap closer and while it’s a fairly long journey, around 7 hours, the luxury express bus offers a day of sightseeing as well as getting you from A to B. This works well with kids, as frankly, it’s tough for anyone to sit on a bus for that long in one go. As always, it’s worth packing your own snacks and water in case of limited or pricey options en route.

Cusco is hands down my mum’s favourite city and she’s been to a lot of countries and cities. It’s the kind of place where you can wander around without a map and still stumble upon ancient Incan architecture and elegant religious and historic buildings like the cathedral. You can easily walk everywhere and discover the cobbled streets that lead to La Plaza de Armas, the main square. There can be some steep inclines though, so if you’re with younger children (or tired adults!) take advantage of the abundance of taxis– just make sure they are official/registered ones. The city is fabulous for some café culture, down time and people watching but there is plenty to do for all the family. San Blas is a lovely neighbourhood for cruising around checking out arts and crafts and buying souvenirs, but be aware it’s up one of the aforementioned steep hills, so may warrant one of those taxi rides. It’s worth it though, for the views alone.

As with Machu Picchu, you may find that for the kids, seeing Peru’s famous fluffy friends the alpacas and llamas, remains a key highlight. Plenty of these friendly creatures wander the city streets with their owners, both animal and keeper dressed in traditional dress (yes, it’s for the tourists but a chance to support the local people). Cusco has numerous museums with a couple that spring to mind; Museo Inka offers a large collection of jewellery, pottery, mummies, textiles and opportunities to watch traditional weaving in action in the courtyard. If you are looking to buy textiles then the women at the museum are from the Centro del Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco. The quality of the weaving is excellent and a large percentage of the sale price goes directly to the communities and individual artisans that the organisation works with. Prices reflect the quality and, more of your money goes to the women makers. The Museo de Machu Picchu features some of the artefacts that Hiram Bingham unearthed when he “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911 including a video that explains the findings on each of these pieces.

Cusco is a foodie heaven and there are plenty of eateries to tickle your fancy from traditional cuisine, vegan and vegetarian, international food, seafood, sushi, steakhouses, to super high end and fusion. So many choices! While in one you may want to try chicha, a fermented or non-fermented drink typically made from maize (corn). Alcoholic varieties include chicha de jora (corn beer) and the non-alcoholic chicha morada, a Peruvian speciality made by boiling corn with pineapple, cinnamon, clove and sugar. A fine accompaniment to the array of delicious Peruvian food available (and there’s still pizza and pasta for the kids, sorted!). If you’re still after something sweet, post lunch, Cusco offers more chances to make and taste chocolate at the Choco Museo where children aged eight-years and older can take a 2 hour chocolate-making workshop. Even if you tried this elsewhere on your trip, practice makes perfect right?

I know it’s a recurring theme but remember, Cusco is most likely the highest place you will visit on your trip. While you will of course have followed the advice to allow for some acclimatisation on arrival, it’s worth building some more in here and before you go on to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and UNESCO world heritage site. It would be pretty rubbish to come all this way and then rush it and feel terrible! Spending a few days in Cusco is not hard. It’s fabulous. Take your time.

If you fancy escaping the city but not going too far, the countryside surrounding Cusco is home to some amazing Incan sites including Sacsayhuman, Tambomachy, Pucapucara (or Puka Pukara) and Qengo. You can hire a car and guide for a fantastic half-day tour of all four sites.

So where to next? I feel like we’ve missed something…Hmm

Oh yes!

Of course, Machu Picchu. The number 1 must-see which in 2016 was chosen as the best destination in the WORLD. Sounds like it’s maybe worth a look?

So, how to get there with kids in tow?

Yes of course, trekking the original Inca trail is a great idea, but it’s generally recommended for children age 10 and over. If you do still want to consider trekking and your group is younger, there are a variety of options.

If you are considering this in peak season, you should think about booking your permits (there are very limited numbers) at least SIX months in advance! You really need to plan a trip to Peru (if you’re going to Machu Picchu) plenty in advance, and we try to secure quieter, earlier slots to the site. Trekking aside for now, here’s an overview of getting there:

• First of all, you need to get to Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
• You can fly or take the bus from Lima to Cusco.
• You can take the bus from Puno to Cusco.
• Stop in Cusco and acclimatise to the altitude. Give yourselves 2-3 days and enjoy this amazing city.

From Cusco, you can travel to Poroy, a small village around 30 minutes away or to Ollantaytambo, which is in the Sacred Valley, around 2 hours from Cusco. Ollantaytambo has proved a popular place to stay with families and if you decide to do this, there’s plenty to see and you could extend your altitude acclimatisation here for at least a couple of days. It is a small place at lower altitude than MP and with ruins of its own. It offers great breathing space before (or after) MP and it really feels as though time stands still with gentle locals in native clothing.

From either of these places you can take the train from Poroy which is 3.5 hours or from Ollantaytambo which is 2 hours, to Agua Calientes. You still then need to take the bus to Machu Picchu (30 mins). You can of course also go straight to Agua Calientes and stay there. It’s a 3.5 hour train journey from Cusco and the closest town to Machu Picchu. That means if you stay overnight, you only have to think about a 30/40 minute bus journey to the ruins. The bus will likely be busy, but if you know that in advance it’s not such a shock. From where the bus drops off to reaching the ruins is about a 10 minute easy walk. Staying here is probably a good idea if you have young children (8 or under) as it really minimises travel time to MP. If you have older kids you may want to stay in Ollantaytambo.

It’s worth mentioning that train, bus and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu should be purchased online ahead of time. The Peruvian government only allows a certain number of visitors per day, making it important to purchase in advance. Kids under five are eligible for free entrance to Machu Picchu. Don’t forget to bring your passports with you, as the trains and Machu Picchu will check each ticket name against your passports. Machu Picchu is the most popular tourist destination in Peru, which means the government limits access to the citadel to 2500 people per day. During high season (June-September), it’s likely that all tickets will be sold for any given day, and it’s important to get your tickets well in advance. Since July 2017, entrance to Machu Picchu has been split into two different times in order to minimise the total number of visitors at the citadel at any given time. When purchasing tickets, you’ll need to chose either a 6:00am-12:00pm ticket or a 12:00pm-5:30pm ticket. There are other ticket options that include Huayna (Wayna) Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña Machu Picchu). These are the high peaks surrounding the Citadel that allow for views from above. Huayna Picchu also has some additional Incan ruins to visit, whereas Montaña Machu Picchu does not. Tickets to these sites are limited to specific time slots and entries per day and involve some hiking, only recommended for fit and healthy adults (or teenagers with stamina!). You can buy tickets online but alas not for children. Best to work with one of our travel specialists here who can sort this out for you!

Between May to October, the high season has as many as 5000 people visit Machu Picchu per day, which means it can get very crowded. It can also be very hot and sunny, so make sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and most importantly a hat or umbrella to protect your child. With toddlers, you will need a baby/toddler carrier for Machu Picchu because you will do a lot of walking and guess what? Pushchairs are not an option! If you are planning on using a carrier, or even if you have kids that can walk, it is important to be realistic about what is possible. It’s a really good idea to also ensure you all have suitable footwear (and clothes) as you’ll be spending a fair amount of time on your feet and sprained ankles could ruin your visit.

This is why planning your visit carefully is worth its weight in Inca gold, so get a map or consider going with a guide. You can hire a guide prior to entering and this can be very worthwhile. Guides must be certified so look for a valid photo identification card hanging around their neck. Expect to pay around $50 USD for 1-2 people for a 2.5 hour tour. Larger groups can go for around $25 USD per person. Prices are pretty standard, but agree on a price per person or group before setting off. They can give you a tour alongside an Incan history lesson to explain the significance of the ruins. It’s personalised and runs to your time and pace. Especially with under 5’s you’ll want to know which are the safe grassy spots to stop and rest in and let the kids run around as well as areas where this isn’t possible, or when and where it’s likely to be really busy (good places to avoid when children are stressed/tired/hungry/having a tantrum). Plan in adequate breaks and a nice stop for lunch. Also there are no toilets within the ruins but there are really big steps, so while climbing can be fun, it can also be tiring both for them and you, as a parent potentially carrying an extra person on your back. You are not supposed to take in food, but lots of people do and with younger kids I think certainly supplies are important. There is also a restaurant and facilities right by the entrance gates. Large backpacks are not allowed but there are lockers for those. A small rucksack or bag for child essentials is fine though. Everything is closed and you have to leave by 5pm – no exceptions.

OK! Practical stuff aside – DRUM ROLL PLEASE! You are at Machu Picchu! One of the official Seven Wonders of the World. It certainly lives up to the hype! As most of us understand, travel is such a valuable experience for any age, the learning, emotions, mind opening, heart fluttering stuff that memories are made of and lives can be built on (dramatic but true no?) plus did we mention how burnt out your camera is going to get? Seriously, this country could not be more photogenic. Big blue skies, epic and enchanting landscapes, wilderness, wildlife, water and the colours, the people, the food! I’d say be sure not to live life through a lens here, or anywhere you travel, but I appreciate it can be hard when it feels like every corner offers a visual story, not least of course, the shrine, the coveted piece de resistance – Machu Picchu itself.

The “Lost City of the Incas” can hardly be translated into words to describe how wondrous it is. Machu Picchu was built in the 1400’s, but only discovered in 1911 by a professor from Yale University: it is an architectural marvel to behold. Its 150 buildings and 100 flights of stairs have been designed with incredible flair with polished dry-stone walls, positioned with mind-blowing accuracy and built with no mortar or cement. The citadel is divided in two parts: Hanan and Urin according to Inca tradition. Its primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. It was an astronomical observatory and its sacred stone indicates perfectly the two equinoxes. This stone city was built without the aid of wheels or iron tools. Say whaaaaaat?! Incas were expert engineers, no doubt! More than 600 terraces prevent the city from sliding down the mountain and the Inca built a water supply system that extends over a length of about 1km. Oh and did we mention the views? Not too shabby.

The llamas of Machu Picchu are the only permanent residents here and prove to be a delight for children. Young ones will probably remember them as the highlight! They wander freely atop the summit and ruins, farther south; they are herded and used to support the local population. They are an integral part of Incan culture and were once so important that hunting them was forbidden. Llama herders and breeders were highly regarded, as preservation and the health of the herds directly affected the survival of the people. Llamas were even used by the Inca priests in religious ceremonies. Certainly they will charm you during your visit and help capture the Peruvian flavour for the gazillion photos you will take! The main thing to say about Machu Picchu is to take it slow. Take it in. Breathe. Enjoy the views, transport yourself back through history. Share this with the kids. Try to connect to its magic, but don’t pressure yourself or the small folk to ‘get it’ all – as in overloading the detail (when they’re older they will look back on these memories as some of the best!). Some places are all just about living in the moment, and this is one of them. Also there’s nothing like an overtired child having a meltdown to bring you back down to that green earth quicker than a condor grabbing some prey, so go at their pace and see it through their eyes. It’s amazing.

After the GLORY of Machu Picchu some wind-down time may be in order. Luckily, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to do this. You can take the train to Ollantaytambo and then private car to Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. Young children will love the Vistadome train, which has to be the most fabulous way to see much of the Sacred Valley. The train is comfortable and is a lovely way to travel as a family, sitting around a table, enjoying food, entertainment and not to mention the spectacular scenery and witnessing local life along the way; a perfect antidote to the intense experience of Machu Picchu. Here, in Urbamba, there is a range of accommodation including five star hotels if you’re feeling indulgent. The green valleys, wonderful food and service and super friendly locals make this an incredibly lovely way to come back down to Pachamama (Mother Earth) after the gifts of Machu Picchu. Nearby Pisac and Maras make for great day trips too. All are small and easy to navigate and have their own small old world charms still set among the big landscapes of the plains. There are also plenty of activities here, such as rafting, ziplines and cycling – the latter being a great way to see many parts of Peru – so there’s lots to keep kids entertained here if you need a break from historical ruins.

• Peru is extremely welcoming to kids, children will often get free or reduced admission rates at public events and performances and those under the age of 12 may receive discounts on airline travel, while infants under two pay only 10% of the fare provided they sit on their parent’s lap.
• It’s best to take all the usual travel precautions. Be sure they have the appropriate vaccinations and don’t leave home without good travel insurance. If required, child car seats are not widely available with rental cars so it is best if you bring one with you.
• One of the main considerations in Peru is diet. Drink only filtered/bottled water – sadly Peru doesn’t have drinking water nor many refill points. It’s also best to avoid raw vegetables unless you are assured they have been properly prepared. When travelling with young children, be particularly careful about their diet, as diarrhoea can be especially dangerous to them.
• Sun exposure can be dangerous, particularly at high altitudes, so make sure kids are adequately covered up and using sunscreen.
• Altitude sickness can also be an issue, so it’s important that the family acclimates slowly. Consult your doctor on how to help kids cope with altitude sickness.

For other practical advice and frequently asked questions about travelling in Peru, have a look at our Peru FAQs.

Take a look at our bite-sized trips or browse through our ready-made itineraries to start planning your trip of a lifetime!

We’ve also designed an itinerary specifically for families, which is the perfect starting point for creating your family adventure; Peru with the Family: Ingredients, Incas and Animals