20-Day Ultimate Family-Friendly Epic Journey through Peru
Peru is a land of vibrant colors, ancient mysteries, and incredibly welcoming people, making it a bucket-list destination for families. This 20-day epic journey is designed to avoid the burnout of fast-paced travel, focusing instead on deep immersion in the Sacred Valley, the coastal beauty of Paracas, and the colonial charm of Arequipa.
Traveling with children in Peru requires a balance of adventure and comfort. This itinerary prioritizes safe transportation, stroller-friendly city centers where possible, and activities like chocolate-making and alpaca-feeding that will keep the little ones engaged while parents soak in the majestic history of the Incan Empire.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Coastal Arrival
Arrival at Jorge Chávez Airport
Touch down in the Peruvian capital and head to the Miraflores district, known for its safety and family-friendly parks.
Check-in at Miraflores Hotel
Settle into a family-run boutique hotel close to the ocean cliffs.
Walk Along the Malecón
Enjoy a stroller-friendly stroll along the cliffside boardwalk, passing the iconic lighthouse.
Dinner at Parque del Amor
A beautiful spot for a light dinner with views of the Pacific sunset.
Day 2: Lima, Peru - Park Exploration
Kennedy Park (Parque de los Gatos)
Let the kids see the famous friendly resident cats that roam this central Miraflores park.
Family Lunch in Miraflores
Sample some mild Peruvian flavors, like Causa Limeña, at a local bistro.
Larcomar Shopping Center
A modern, cliff-hugging mall with great accessibility and toy stores for the kids.
Evening Ice Cream Walk
Enjoy locally made gelato while watching the paragliders launch from the cliffs.
Day 3: Lima, Peru - Water and Lights
Larco Museum
Explore pre-Columbian history in a beautiful colonial mansion with lush, stroller-accessible gardens.
Lunch in Pueblo Libre
Enjoy traditional Peruvian creole food in a historic courtyard setting.
Rest at the Hotel
A midday nap is essential for younger travelers before the evening's excitement.
Magic Water Circuit
Visit the world's largest fountain complex in a public park with incredible light and music shows.
Day 4: Paracas, Peru - Ocean Wildlife
Luxury Bus to Paracas
Travel south in comfortable reclining seats on a high-end tourist bus.
Check-in at Paracas Bay
Arrive at the sunny coastal resort town of Paracas.
Paracas National Reserve
A van tour through the red sand deserts where the ocean meets the dunes.
Seafood Dinner by the Pier
Taste fresh local fish while watching the boats return to the harbor.
Day 5: Huacachina, Peru - Desert Oasis
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
See sea lions, penguins, and blue-footed boobies on a safe speedboat tour often called the "Mini Galapagos."
Transfer to Ica
A short drive inland to the desert oasis of Huacachina.
Sandboarding & Buggy Ride
For older kids, a thrilling buggy ride; for younger ones, gentle sledding on the smaller dunes.
Sunset over the Oasis
Climb a small dune to watch the sun set over the green water and palm trees.
Day 6: Arequipa, Peru - The White City
Bus to Arequipa
A longer travel day, settling into the comfortable bus for the scenic ascent toward the Andes.
Arrival in Arequipa
Check into your hotel in the UNESCO-listed city center made of white volcanic sillar stone.
Plaza de Armas Walk
The main square is flat and perfect for strollers, featuring a grand cathedral and fountains.
Arequipeño Dinner
Try the mild Rocoto Relleno (ask for no spice for kids!) at a traditional picantería.
Day 7: Arequipa, Peru - Colonial Charm
Santa Catalina Monastery
A "city within a city" with bright blue and red walls, perfect for kids to wander through safe, car-free alleys.
Lunch with a Misti Volcano View
Many rooftop restaurants offer panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Mundo Alpaca
A small, free interactive museum where kids can feed alpacas and see traditional weaving.
Chocolate Tasting
Visit a local cacao shop for a family-friendly tasting of Peruvian chocolate.
Day 8: Arequipa, Peru - Relaxed Exploration
Yanahuara Viewpoint
A short taxi ride to a beautiful archway with views of the volcano and a small playground nearby.
Picnic at Selva Alegre Park
A large, green urban park perfect for kids to run around and enjoy some downtime.
San Camilo Market
A bustling traditional market—great for seeing exotic fruits and local life.
Farewell Dinner in Arequipa
Enjoy one last meal in the White City before heading to the highlands.
Day 9: Chivay, Peru - Canyon Gateway
Drive to the Colca Valley
Take a private transfer through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve to see wild vicuñas.
Lunch in Chivay
Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local quinoa and Andean potatoes.
La Calera Hot Springs
Relaxing thermal baths with kid-friendly pools to soak away the travel fatigue.
Star Gazing
The high-altitude sky in the Colca Valley offers incredible views of the Milky Way.
Day 10: Colca Canyon, Peru - Condor Sighting
Cruz del Condor
Watch the massive Andean Condors soar on thermal currents over one of the world's deepest canyons.
Maca Village Visit
Visit a small colonial church and let the kids take photos with baby alpacas in traditional dress.
Bus to Puno
Board the 4M Express bus for a comfortable afternoon transit toward Lake Titicaca.
Arrival in Puno
Check into your lakeside hotel and rest for the altitude (3,800m).
Day 11: Lake Titicaca, Peru - Floating Islands
Uros Floating Islands Tour
Learn how the Uros people build their islands entirely out of totora reeds—a fascinating experience for children.
Reed Boat Ride
Take a short trip on a traditional reed boat, which feels like a gentle adventure for little ones.
Lunch on Taquile Island
A quiet island walk followed by a fresh trout lunch with views of the vast lake.
Return to Puno
Evening at leisure to stroll the main pedestrian street, Jr. Lima.
Day 12: Cusco, Peru - The Imperial Journey
The Andean Explorer Route
Travel from Puno to Cusco by high-end bus with stops at the Sistine Chapel of the Andes in Andahuaylillas.
Sicuani Buffet Lunch
A large spread of Peruvian dishes midway through the journey.
Arrival in Cusco
Transfer to your hotel in the historic center and enjoy a warm coca tea for the altitude.
Cozy Dinner in San Blas
Enjoy a warm meal in the artistic quarter of the city.
Day 13: Cusco, Peru - Incan Capital
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Explore the most important temple of the Inca Empire, built with incredibly precise stonework.
Cusco Plaza de Armas
Feeding the pigeons in the square is a simple joy for kids while parents admire the architecture.
ChocoMuseo
Enroll the kids in a bean-to-bar workshop where they can make their own chocolates.
Shopping at San Pedro Market
Pick up hand-knit alpaca sweaters and colorful souvenirs.
Day 14: Pisac, Peru - Sacred Valley Markets
Pisac Artisan Market
Wander through one of the most famous textile markets in Peru. It’s vibrant, loud, and full of color.
Sacred Valley Lunch
Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant in the valley with plenty of outdoor space for kids to play.
Pisac Archaeological Park
Visit the agricultural terraces for a light walk with stunning valley vistas.
Stay in Urubamba
Spend the night in the valley to help acclimatize at a slightly lower altitude than Cusco.
Day 15: Ollantaytambo, Peru - Living Incan City
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Climb the impressive terraces of this ancient Incan stronghold.
Town Exploration
Ollantaytambo is the only Incan town that is still inhabited, with original stone water channels.
Maras Salt Mines
A spectacular sight of thousands of ancient salt evaporation ponds—perfect for unique photos.
Evening by the Fire
Enjoy a relaxing evening at a valley lodge before the journey to Machu Picchu.
Day 16: Aguas Calientes, Peru - Rainforest Village
Scenic Train to Machu Picchu
Take the Vistadome train with panoramic windows through the lush cloud forest.
Aguas Calientes Lunch
Arrive in the car-free town at the base of Machu Picchu and enjoy a pizza lunch.
Butterflies of Machu Picchu
Visit the local butterfly house (Mariposario) which is a hit with younger children.
Relaxing in the Springs
The town's namesake hot springs are a great way to wind down before the big day.
Day 17: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Lost City
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Explore the citadel. Note that strollers are not allowed, so a high-quality child carrier is essential here.
Photo Session with Llamas
The resident llamas roam the ruins and are usually very happy to pose for family photos.
Train back to Ollantaytambo
Board the return train and soak in the views of the Urubamba River.
Transfer to Cusco
A private car transfer back to your home base in Cusco.
Day 18: Cusco, Peru - San Blas Crafts
San Blas Neighborhood
Explore the narrow, white-washed streets and visit the workshops of famous local woodcarvers.
Family Pizza Party
Many Cusco restaurants offer traditional wood-fired pizzas, a great comfort food for kids.
Llama & Alpaca Workshop
Visit a textile center to learn the difference between the Andean camelids.
Folkloric Show
Watch a traditional dance performance with vibrant costumes at a local theater.
Day 19: Cusco, Peru - Final Fortress
Saqsaywaman Fortress
Huge open spaces and massive stones make this Incan site feel like a giant playground for kids.
Cusco Cooking Class
Participate in a family-friendly cooking class making empanadas or lomo saltado.
Last Minute Souvenirs
One last walk through the markets to grab those final gifts and alpaca plushies.
Farewell Feast
Celebrate the end of your 20-day journey with a special dinner overlooking the city lights.
Day 20: Lima, Peru - Departure
Flight to Lima
Take a short domestic hop from Cusco back to the capital city.
Last Peruvian Meal
Enjoy a final ceviche (or fried fish for the kids) at the airport or nearby Mall Plaza.
Relax at the Lounge
Wait for your international flight in a comfortable airport lounge with family facilities.
International Departure
Safe travels home with a suitcase full of memories and Peruvian textiles!
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the winter (May to September), which is the dry season in the Andes. This period offers sunny days and clear blue skies, perfect for exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley with children. While it is busier, the predictable weather makes it much easier to manage outdoor activities and travel logistics.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Lima and Cusco, you will need cash for small purchases, markets, and tipping in more remote areas. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is common, and having small coins is helpful for using public restrooms or buying street snacks.
Getting Around Peru
For long distances, domestic flights are the fastest and most comfortable option for families. For intercity travel like Lima to Paracas or Puno to Cusco, high-end tourist buses (like Cruz del Sur) offer 'cama' seats that recline fully. Within the Sacred Valley, hiring a private driver is the most stress-free and flexible way to get around with kids and strollers.
