14-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Peru
Peru is a land of wonder that captures the imagination of children and adults alike. From the colorful textiles of the Andes to the playful sea lions of the coast, this 14-day journey is designed to be immersive yet manageable for families traveling with little ones.
We focus on comfortable transport, stroller-accessible coastal paths, and a slow ascent into the highlands to ensure everyone stays healthy and energized. This route balances world-class history with hands-on experiences like chocolate making and llama encounters.
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival & Miraflores Stroll
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport
Touch down in Lima and take a pre-booked private transfer to Miraflores. The coastal breeze is a perfect welcome for the family.
Miraflores Boardwalk (El Malecón)
Walk or push a stroller along the scenic cliffs. The paths are wide, paved, and lead to the famous Parque del Amor (Love Park).
Larcomar Shopping Center
Visit this unique mall built into the cliffs. It offers great food options for kids and a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
Family Dinner at Tanta
Enjoy a casual but delicious introduction to Peruvian cuisine with kid-friendly options like empanadas and fresh juices.
Day 2: Lima, Peru - History & Magical Water
Larco Museum
Explore this stunning private collection of pre-Columbian art housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion with beautiful gardens.
Garden Lunch in Pueblo Libre
Dine at the museum's garden cafe, which is quiet, shaded, and perfect for a relaxed family meal.
Park of the Reserve
Stroll through the green spaces and let the kids burn off energy before the evening light show.
Magic Water Circuit
Experience the world’s largest fountain complex in a public park. The synchronized light and water show is a massive hit with children.
Day 3: Paracas, Peru - Coastal Exploration
Luxury Bus to Paracas
Take a comfortable, reclining-seat bus south through the desert landscapes. The journey takes about 4 hours.
Seafood Lunch at El Chaco
Dine by the pier where you can see local fishing boats and often spot pelicans waiting for scraps.
Paracas National Reserve
Take a private van tour to the Red Beach (Playa Roja). It is stroller-friendly at the viewpoints and offers incredible photography ops.
Hotel Pool Time
Relax at a resort-style hotel, allowing the kids to splash around before an early night.
Day 4: Paracas & Huacachina, Peru - Wildlife & Dunes
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Take a boat from the pier to see penguins, sea lions, and thousands of birds. It is often called the 'Poor Man's Galapagos'.
Transfer to Huacachina
A short 1.5-hour drive takes you to the only natural desert oasis in South America, surrounded by massive sand dunes.
Gentle Sand Dune Buggy Ride
Request a 'family-friendly' slow-paced buggy ride. The kids will love playing in the sand while you watch the sunset over the lagoon.
Oasis Dinner
Eat at one of the small cafes lining the lagoon and enjoy the unique desert atmosphere.
Day 5: Lima to Cusco, Peru - Skyward Bound
Transfer to Lima Airport
Head back to Lima for your short flight to the heart of the Inca Empire.
Flight to Cusco
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes during the 1-hour flight.
Acclimatization & Coca Tea
Check into your hotel and rest. Sip on Muña or Coca tea to help the family adjust to the 3,400m altitude.
Plaza de Armas Walk
Take a very slow, short walk to the main square to see the illuminated Cathedral and the Inca stonework.
Day 6: Cusco, Peru - Incan Wonders
Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Visit the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The flat courtyard and well-maintained paths make it easy for children to explore.
Lunch at Jack's Café
A local favorite for families, offering large portions of familiar comfort food and great coffee for parents.
San Pedro Market
A sensory experience! See exotic fruits, colorful textiles, and local life. Keep a close eye on the kids as it gets busy.
Cusco Planetarium
Join a guided tour to learn about Incan astronomy and look through telescopes at the Southern Hemisphere stars.
Day 7: Cusco, Peru - Fortress & Alpacas
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
The massive stones here are incredible. There are large grassy areas where kids can run safely away from traffic.
Picnic with a View
Enjoy a packed lunch overlooking the city of Cusco from the heights of the Cristo Blanco statue.
Awana Kancha (Textile Center)
Located just outside the city, this living museum allows kids to feed llamas and alpacas and see traditional weaving techniques.
Dinner at Limo
Try some high-end Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) while overlooking the main plaza.
Day 8: Sacred Valley, Peru - Market Colors
Drive to Pisac
Descend into the Sacred Valley. The lower altitude (2,800m) is often much more comfortable for families.
Pisac Traditional Market
Shop for colorful ceramics and hand-knitted sweaters. Let the kids pick out a small souvenir to learn about local currency.
Lunch in Urubamba
Enjoy a buffet lunch at a garden restaurant like Tunupa, which often features live music and plenty of space for kids.
Hotel Check-in
Stay at a hotel with a garden or farm feel to truly enjoy the tranquility of the Sacred Valley.
Day 9: Sacred Valley, Peru - Salt & Stones
Maras Salt Mines
See thousands of ancient salt evaporation ponds. It’s a spectacular sight, though keep kids on the designated paths.
Moray Agricultural Terraces
Visit the circular terraces that the Incas used as an experimental farm. The walk down is gentle and manageable.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Explore the last living Inca town. The fortress climb is steep, so take many breaks with the little ones.
Dinner at Chuncho
Sample traditional valley dishes in a cozy setting located right on the historic plaza.
Day 10: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Big Day
Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes
The panoramic windows and onboard dance performances make this train ride a highlight for children.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Take the shuttle bus up to the citadel. Explore the ruins with a private guide who can tailor stories for a younger audience.
Tea at Sanctuary Lodge
Have a snack at the entrance before taking the bus back down to avoid the long descent on foot with tired kids.
Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes
Soak your feet in the natural thermal baths that give the town its name.
Day 11: Cusco, Peru - Return to the City
Morning in Aguas Calientes
Visit the butterfly house (Mariposario) just outside of town, a great hands-on activity for kids.
Return Train to Ollantaytambo
Catch the return train and watch the scenery change from jungle back to highland valley.
Private Transfer to Cusco
A 2-hour drive back to Cusco. Ask your driver to stop for some 'Choclo con Queso' (corn with cheese) on the way.
Pizza Night at Chez Maggy
A fun, wood-fired pizza spot in Cusco that is very popular with traveling families.
Day 12: Cusco, Peru - Hands-On Culture
ChocoMuseo Workshop
Join a bean-to-bar chocolate making class. It’s interactive, delicious, and kids get to take home their creations.
Lunch in San Blas
Eat in the artisan quarter. The streets are narrow and steep, so leave the stroller at the hotel and use a carrier.
Pachamama Ceremony
Participate in a symbolic offering to Mother Earth, a meaningful way for children to understand Andean spirituality.
Farewell Cusco Dinner
Enjoy a final feast of roasted chicken (Pollo a la Brasa), a national favorite that kids always love.
Day 13: Puno, Peru - The High Plateau
Inka Express Bus to Puno
This 'tourist bus' stops at several historic sites along the way, making the 10-hour journey much more engaging.
Andahuaylillas Church
Known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas', this stop offers a quick look at incredible colonial art.
Arrival in Puno
Check into your hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Dinner at Mojsa
Located on the main plaza, this restaurant offers great local trout and quinoa soup.
Day 14: Lake Titicaca, Peru - Floating Islands
Uros Floating Islands Tour
Visit the unique islands made entirely of reeds. Kids will be fascinated by how the ground feels spongy under their feet.
Reed Boat Ride
Take a traditional reed boat ride between the islands for a small extra fee—it’s a great photo opportunity.
Puno Lakeside Walk
Take a final walk along the pier and visit the local boat museum before heading to the airport.
Transfer to Juliaca Airport
Drive 1 hour to the airport for your flight back to Lima and your connection home.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. For families, June, July, and August offer the most stable weather, with bright sunny days in the Andes and clear skies in Lima. This is also the peak tourism season, so booking 4-6 months in advance is essential. If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind occasional showers, the shoulder months of April and September are excellent choices.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While US dollars are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants in Lima and Cusco, you will need Soles for markets, taxis, and smaller towns. ATMs are widely available in cities, but inform your bank before travel. Tipping is generally around 10% in restaurants; for guides and drivers, a small tip of 10-20 Soles per day is appreciated but not mandatory.
Getting Around Peru
Intercity travel in Peru is best done by a mix of domestic flights and high-quality tourist buses. For the Lima-Cusco route, flying is the only practical option for families to avoid 20+ hours on mountain roads. Within the Sacred Valley and Cusco, private transfers or pre-arranged taxis are the most comfortable way to move with kids. The PeruRail and Inca Rail trains provide a safe, scenic, and exciting way to reach Machu Picchu.
