Top Family Friendly Activities in Peru

With the weather at its best in the Andes in July and August, Peru works well for a trip during the school holidays. There is a lot of variety too – from desert coastline to tropical rainforest, soaring mountains and high altitude lakes.

There is an excellent choice for accommodation, and travel is comfortable and varied including trains, planes, and boats. Below are my top favorite family-friendly travel activities in Peru.

Explore the Peruvian Amazon as a Family

Make a foray into the steaming rainforests of the Amazon Basin for some tropical adventure. Stay in a jungle lodge where you can search for caiman by torchlight, ascend a canopy tower for a macaw’s eye view of the forest, and kayak on the Tambopata River.

Learn about the medicinal uses of rainforest plants and visit a mammal clay lick where animals congregate to feed.  The Amazon is a family-friendly travel destination that will captivate both young children and adults.  Read more >> The Perfect Peru Amazon Lodge

Venture to the Heart of the Incan Empire

Head to the Andes and Cuzco, the heart of the Inca world. Let the kids explore the ruins and markets at this family-friendly travel destination. Go mountain biking in the Sacred Valley; you’ll be accompanied by a support vehicle in case some are feeling more energetic than others! Go rafting amidst beautiful mountain scenery.

Trek the last day of the famous Inca Trail, following in the footsteps of the Incas along the ancient pathway to Machu Picchu – but be sure to plan well in advance to secure the necessary permits. Just walking the final day of the trail means there is no need for any camping.

Spend a night in comfort at the end of your trek in a hotel near Machu Picchu. For something a little more relaxing, back in Cuzco, try your hand at chocolate making in the Choco Museum.   Read more >> The 7 Best Things to do in Cuzco Peru 

Cruise across Lake Titicaca

On Lake Titicaca, set-off by kayak to explore the floating reed Uros Islands and the rather more solid Taquile Island where you’ll meet traditionally dressed locals and can walk some of the paths that criss-cross the island. Catamaran Cruises are also very popular here.  

This is always a highlight for family vacations.  Read more >> Lake Titicaca Cruises

Family-Friendly Hike in the Colca Canyon

A trip to the Colca Canyon will keep you looking for the mighty Andean Condors – the world’s largest flying bird with wings that can reach a span of over three meters. The canyon itself is incredibly beautiful and ideal for exploring on foot.   Find out more >> Colca Canyon Tours

Venture to the Peruvian Coast

On the southern Peruvian coast, board a light aircraft for a ride over the Nazca Lines – and see if you can solve the mystery of the meaning of these ancient scratchings in the desert. Travel by dune buggy into the sand dunes in Ica which surrounds an oasis.

This is great for adventurous kids. The brave can also try sandboarding.  Alternatively, a boat trip takes you out to the Ballestas Islands – home of sea lions, pelicans, penguins, and more.

The adults may be interested to hear that this is also Peru’s wine-producing area! Sample wines and Pisco, Peru’s national drink. Find out more >> Essence of Peru Tour

The Capital City Lima

In the capital Lima, you can explore the Miraflores district on a leisurely bike tour, paragliding, or visit the ghoulish bone-filled catacombs of San Francisco Monastery (not for the very young or squeamish).

Take a visit to a local market where you can buy ingredients you’ll prepare later in the day in a Peruvian cooking class. Find out more >> Classic Lima, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu Tour 

Check off all these family-friendly activities in Peru! Book your trip today!

Are you ready for your annual family vacation? Choose South America this year, and we will take care of all the details. All you need is to select what destinations you think your family would like to visit and the time of year. We’ll take care of the rest.