Family Friendly Peru Travel

Traveling to a foreign country can be a daunting task if ill-prepared. Traveling abroad with children would certainly make the situation all the more difficult.

Do not worry though. Fascinating travel destinations such as South America can be the perfect family vacation spot. A country as rich in history, culture and natural wonders as Peru can be very family-friendly so long as proper research and a little imagination are undertaken.

A Peru vacation with your family is sure to be fun-filled in this country, which is chockfull of adventures to partake in, no matter the tastes of family members. Peru is known for its varied geography; Peruvians are justifiably proud of the "costa, sierra, selva" (coast, mountains, rainforest) combination of terrain their country boasts, which accommodates for the enjoyment of numerous activities.

Your kids will adore their jungle adventure, searching for macaws and caiman, deep within the rainforests around Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. The Peruvian highlands offer the chance to view the astonishing blue glaciers of Huaraz, while the region of Cuzco is home to breathtaking Machu Picchu ruins, a must-see during any Peru vacation. Any child - or adult, for that matter - with a thirst for knowledge and adventure will be thrilled explore the extensive Machu Picchu archaeological site. Finally, the coastal beach towns of southern Peru and the immaculate coasts of northern Máncora offer swimming opportunities for water-loving youngsters. There are plenty of child-friendly options for a Peru vacation and below we’ve listed some options that are sure you make your family outing in South America a memorable one.

Situated some 70 kilometers south of Lima is the Pucusana Port. Here, in this charming fishing town with a population of only 10,000 residents, families can enjoy dolphin and penguin-watching tours. For the people of Pucusana, life remains as it did for centuries; despite advances in modern technology, residents of this quaint town base their livelihood on the neighboring ocean.

Guided morning tours of the bay can be arranged for children who are at least five year-old, and there they can enjoy a sun-kissed adventure as they spot friendly sea lions sunbathing on enormous rocks.

While a Peru vacation that excludes the Inca cities of Cuzco and Machu Picchu would be unforgivable for travelers, be sure not to miss other enticing treasures in this region. For example, the Inca ceremonial site of Sacsayhuaman, situated on a 3,000 hectare area just a mere mile from Cuzco city center, is a kid’s imaginary fort that has come to life.

Perfect for climbing and exploring, the immense pillars and passageways of this site will catch the interest of any child. They can venture through the "chinkana" tunnel, as well as use "rodadero" stones as their makeshift slide.

Horseback guided trips throughout Sacsayhuaman can be arranged for families who want a different perspective of these interesting ruins. There are also riverside picnics at Inca "holiday resort" Tambomachay.

If your Peru vacation includes a stop at the wonderful jungle capital of Iquitos, be sure to stop by the lovely Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Animal Orphanage. Here your kids will be able to wander around the tropical environment of this animal sanctuary, within the safe confines of the expanded facility that now includes an abandoned animal refuge.

Not only can families observe a heap of distinct butterflies that flutter throughout Pilpintuwasi farm and orphanage, this wildlife oasis is also home to many friendly and interesting creatures to view: an immense caiman swimming in the lake; charming monkeys swinging through the trees; and an orphaned jaguar.

Other enchanting creatures that your children will adore are an 8ft long anteater named Rosa, as well as a massive tapir named Lolita who has an adorably soft skin.

For parents who wish for their kids to experience a more eye-opening Peru vacation, they should make the trip to Lake Titicaca in southern Peru, where families have the remarkable opportunity to stay for one day (or for more if they wish) with the indigenous communities who live on the fascinating floating reed islands of Uros.

The dwellers of Uros, as well as inhabitants of the nearby terraced islands Taquile and Amantini, still speak the ancient Andean language of Quechua.

These people will be more than happy to share their traditions and culture with you and your family. Walk up to the Amanatini’s Pachamama and Pachapa temples - dedicated to the "Mother and Father Earth" of this culture - or witness Taquile Island’s meticulously run communal system.

To reach the islands of Uros, Amantini and Taquille, take a boat from the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. If coming from Cuzco, buses take an average of 12 hours.

Meanwhile, the northern beaches of the resort town Mancora are idyllic if you and your family are looking for a more tranquil destination; both nationals and tourists head to the pristine beaches of Mancora to enjoy swimming and beach activities.

For those families who wish for a bit more adventure, surfing and body boarding excursions are also available. The nearby Amotape Forest is a perfect detour for children who wish to see some wildlife, as the UNESCO-guarded site features over 100 varied species of birds, mammals and reptiles.

Travel advice for family friendly bus and plane journeys

1. Children car seats are especially recommended as a travel companion for a longer than average plane or bus ride. Along with making the trip safer for a child, the car seat also provides a comfortable and familiar position.
2. Make sure to have an extra change of clothes for both you and your children: accidents are likely!
3. Keep non-perishable snacks and drinks on hand - such as cookies, dried fruit, crackers and juice boxes to appease hungry kids who might not be fond of the local food.
4. Night travel should be a last resort; children will not enjoy an overnight bus-ride as there is little-to-no legroom for them to be comfortable. If there is no option, request that your seats be on the first floor if traveling on a double-decker bus - bus swaying would only make the trip more rough.
5. Give your child a disposable camera to use during city tours or archaeological ruins - this way they create their proper souvenirs and therefore become more interested in your vacation destination.
6. A vacation scrap book is a great way to remember your Peru vacation, so be sure to bring a notebook and glue stick while you travel.

About the Author

This guide to a family friendly Peru vacation was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less, specialists in excellent value, fully customizable Peru tours and vacation packages.