8 best things to do in Peru with kids

All parents want to give their children the world. Why not start with a country that's famous for alpacas, high mountains, and Amazonian critters? Our guide to Peru with kids gives you one heck of a running start at an amazing trip.

From spotting sloths and river dolphins in the Amazon to learning to surf along Peru’s stunning coastline, these kid-friendly activities will earn you that ‘best parent ever’ mug in no time flat. The best bit? Our ideas are family friendly but guaranteed to be fun for you, too. It may differ from when you backpacked on a shoestring in your late teens, but travelling with children can be just as much of an adventure. You’ll get a fresh perspective and see things through their eyes as they take in the magic of Peru for the first time. Here are the top experiences to tick off when travelling to Peru with children.

1. Peruse Peruvian markets

One of the easiest and most fun family activities in Peru is to visit a local market. Whether you want a cheap and cheerful lunch or a snazzy souvenir, most towns and cities have markets you can lose yourselves in for a few hours. Just don’t lose the kids! Colourful handmade knits, traditional wooden instruments, painted Peruvian art – be sure to leave luggage space. Unlike more pushy markets, Peruvian vendors are friendly and happy to haggle, great for teaching the kids the art of compromise.

For a proper Peruvian experience, take the kids to the outdoor Indian market in Lima. Learn the Spanish for ‘one for me, please’ and try the local delicacies. Fresh and flavoursome, Peruvian cuisine is some of the best in the world. Even the fussiest kids can find something they like.

Experience it for yourself on: Peru Family Journey

2. Spot wildlife on an Amazon River Cruise

There is no better way to see some of Peru’s most incredible wildlife than a cruise along the Amazon River. Expert guides help you spot creatures you never thought existed. It’s like stepping into the unknown and full of soon-to-be cherished family memories. Expert naturalists guide you around oxbow lakes on a motorized canoe, introducing your family to the sights and sounds of the jungle. If you’re lucky, you’ll see river dolphins, howler monkeys, and sleepy sloths! Lodging near Tambopata National Reserve under the rainforest canopy is an experience that will stay with your kids long after they stop being kids.

Experience it for yourself on: Peru Family Experience

3. Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu

Straight out of a storybook, the sacred city of Machu Picchu is a magical experience no matter your age. High in the Andes mountains, the hiking can be challenging, but with a train and a bus taking you to the ancient city’s front door, you needn’t worry. In fact, the roads and railways are an adventure in themselves. The train gives the Hogwarts Express a run for its money. With an early rise, you’ll watch the sun come up on the ancient citadel and then explore the mysteries of this forgotten city.

Experience it for yourself on: Peru Family Journey

4. Take a city tour of Cusco

Exploring a new city with kids is an amazing experience, especially in Peru, where everyone loves children. You’ll make friends everywhere you go in Cusco. June is festival season, full of colourful costumes and music. Getting swept up in local celebrations is great fun, but be prepared for a slightly more crowded atmosphere.

Visit San Pedro Market, where you’ll find everything from pickled snakes to tasty tamales, top up on Incan culture at the Machu Picchu museum, and spend the evening under the stars at the Cusco Planetarium. Oh, did we mention there’s a chocolate museum? Learn about chocolate and then make your own sweet dessert. Time to get competitive!

Experience it for yourself on: Peru Family Experience

5. Learn to surf on Peru’s wild waves

If you’re travelling with tweens or teenagers, Peru beaches host some of the best surf schools in South America. The waves off Punta Hermosa beach are perfect for beginners. Think of it as an incredibly active and wholesome form of childcare. Simply enrol them and head down to a local beach bar for the day – you’ve earned it. Or enrol yourself – how hard can it be? You used to skateboard, right?

For a breakdown of Peru’s coastal gems, read up on our top 10 beaches to visit in Peru. Mánorca, Punta Hermosa, and Lobitos top the list for surfing, but other parts of the coast are perfect for scuba diving, whale watching, and lounging around under the sun.

6. Explore Huacachina's mighty dunes

Kids love sand. Fact. They love playing in it, throwing it, and eating it. The desert playground of Huacachina is like one humongous sandpit, perfect for children. Surrounded by rolling dunes, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top of the dunes for a great view of Huacachina. Smaller kids will need to be carried, which is challenging but well worth it.

Older kids might want to rent a sandboard, head to the top of the dunes, and see if they can make it down without tumbling. It’s like snowboarding but warmer, and it hurts less when you fall. You could also go for a ride in a dune buggy. Be prepared for lots of ups and downs, and keep those mouths closed as your palates have likely matured.

7. Spot sea lions at Islas Ballestas

For a close look at Peru’s wondrous wildlife, take a boat cruise to Islas Ballestas. These rocky islands are home to penguins, pelicans, and sea lions — all firm favourites with the kid crowd. The boat ride is an adventure in itself, but it can get a little choppy, so make sure to hold on tight. Paracas is the jumping-off point for Islas Ballestas. As well as immersing yourself in one of Peru’s wildest corners, you can also dine on the shores of Lake Titicaca, discover ancient arts in Nazca, and try your hand at Peruvian cooking in Arequipa.

Experience it for yourself on: Journeys: Inca Explorer

8. Colour your world with Peruvian arts

Peruvians are proud of their traditions, and many are on display in the streets both in and outside of festival season. There are opportunities to learn ancient skills like weaving and dying, forage for medicinal plants from the Amazon, and cook local delicacies.

Tips for travelling with kids in Peru

When visiting a new country with children, it’s important to do your research. Here are a few of our handiest tips:

• Parts of Peru are high above sea level. If you’re visiting Machu Picchu, be prepared for the altitude. Seek advice before you go on how best to acclimate children.

• Although Peru has some of the most exciting cuisine in the world, some children may not be ready to experiment. Luckily, there are plenty of pizza and pasta joints for picky eaters.

• If your kids aren’t fussy, you should still warn them about a popular local dish. Look out for ‘cuy’ on the menu because you don’t want them having nightmares about cooked guinea pigs.

• Listen out for atencion preferencial. This is your password for skipping a line if travelling with a child under 5. Local people will look out for you and usher you to the front, a nice bonus for parents.