Family travel is one of those things that starts as a great idea and ends up as a collection of moments you talk about for years. Some are hilarious (like when your kid mistakes a llama for a sheep and tries to pet it), some humbling, and others just pure magic.
Our recent journey to Peru was all that rolled into one and then some. If you’re thinking about stepping outside the typical theme park vacation, Peru might be the best surprise your family never expected.
We didn’t go in looking for Machu Picchu or postcard moments. We wanted connection. Discovery. And okay, just a little peace away from digital chaos. While planning, we stumbled on some incredible tours to Peru that made the logistics smooth enough for a family of five, including two school-aged kids and one curious toddler. What we found was a country bursting with hidden gems, history, and heart.
Why Peru? Our family’s first impressions
Honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect. We’d read the articles, seen the Instagram reels but Peru? It still felt like a mystery. That mystery unraveled the moment we landed in Lima, with its lively mix of old colonial buildings and wild street art. The contrast of tradition and youth, quiet courtyards tucked behind bustling boulevards, and locals who always had time to share a story, it got under our skin fast.
One of the first things the kids noticed? The colors. From vibrant market blankets in Cusco to painted houses in the Sacred Valley, everything felt brighter. And it wasn’t just the visuals. The food, the music, the air up in the Andes, Peru has a rhythm that’s slow enough for little legs and curious eyes to keep up with.
IMAGE ONE: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-scenic-view-of-a-valley-with-mountains-in-the-background-0X0Yqv82GEs
More than Machu Picchu: finding Peru’s quiet treasures
Yes, we did Machu Picchu. It’s iconic for a reason. But our most treasured memories came from places we hadn’t planned for small villages, jungle hikes, and unexpected kindness from strangers.
Chachapoyas and the cloud forest
One gem that still doesn’t get enough love: Chachapoyas. It’s a bit off the tourist radar, nestled in the cloud forest of northern Peru. We rode cable cars up to Kuelap, a fortress older than Machu Picchu, and it felt like stepping into an ancient fairy tale. Bonus: no crowds. The kids ran along mossy paths, listening to our guide tell stories of warrior tribes and lost cities.
Amantani Island: life on Lake Titicaca
Another standout? Spending a night on Amantani Island. It’s a small, self-sufficient community in the middle of Lake Titicaca. We stayed with a local family, helped grind corn for dinner, and danced in traditional Quechua clothes under a sky full of stars. Our older daughter said it felt “like being in a dream where everything is simple but nothing is boring.” She’s eleven. I couldn’t have said it better.
What we learned (and what we’d do differently)
Traveling Peru with kids isn’t always easy. Altitude hit us hard in Cusco. (Pro tip: schedule low-altitude destinations first, then go higher slowly.) And if you have picky eaters, pack snacks. While we adults fell in love with ceviche and lomo saltado, our youngest lived on rice and bananas for most of the trip.
That said, Peru is surprisingly family-friendly. Most locals adore children, and even when we fumbled the language, a smile and a game of peekaboo crossed every barrier. Public transport can be chaotic, but private shuttles booked through tours to Peru companies made moving between regions manageable, even fun.
IMAGE TWO: https://unsplash.com/photos/boy-in-traditional-costume-in-shallow-focus-photography-HkrirTHELjE
Tips for families planning the same adventure
- Altitude awareness: Start your trip at sea level (like in Lima or the coast) and work your way up. Stay hydrated and don’t overdo it the first few days at elevation.
- Pack layers: Weather can swing wildly between regions. One day we were sweating in the Amazon, the next we were pulling on hats in the Andes.
- Go slow: Resist the urge to over-schedule. Some of our best memories came from spontaneous picnics or a slow morning exploring a village market.
- Let the kids lead: Give them a camera, a sketchbook, or a journal. Our son made a “llama count” and swears he spotted over 150.
- Travel insurance: Especially with little ones, it’s just peace of mind you don’t want to skip.
Past travel meets new horizons
We’ve been to beaches, big cities, and national parks. But Peru offered something richer, a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be flashy to be unforgettable. You just need a place full of stories, people willing to share them, and time to listen.
If you’re curious about where else our family has wandered (or how we made it work with toddlers in tow), you can check out our past family travel tales. And if Peru’s calling your name, lean into the unknown. The best souvenirs are the ones you carry in your heart, and Peru’s got plenty.
