16-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Peru
Peru is a land of wonder that offers far more than just ancient ruins; it is a vibrant playground for families seeking both education and adventure. This 16-day route prioritizes comfort and accessibility, ensuring that even the youngest travelers can enjoy the majesty of the Inca Empire and the flavors of modern Peruvian cuisine without feeling rushed.
By combining high-end bus travel, scenic trains, and strategic domestic flights, we've eliminated the stress of long hauls. Whether you are wandering through the colorful streets of Barranco or greeting alpacas in the Sacred Valley, this itinerary balances iconic landmarks with plenty of downtime for family bonding and exploration.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Coastal Arrival
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport
Touch down in Lima and take a pre-arranged private shuttle to Miraflores. The airport is busy, so having a driver waiting with your name on a sign makes the transition much easier for children.
Lunch at Parque del Amor
Enjoy your first Peruvian meal overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park is stroller-friendly and features colorful mosaics inspired by Gaudí, perfect for kids to walk around.
Larcomar Shopping Center
Explore this unique mall built into the cliffs. It offers familiar food options for picky eaters and great views of the paragliders soaring above the coast.
Early Dinner in Miraflores
Try some mild 'Pollo a la Brasa' (rotisserie chicken), a local family favorite that is generally a hit with kids of all ages.
Day 2: Lima, Peru - Parks & Magic Fountains
Parque de las Leyendas (Zoo & Ruins)
This unique site combines a zoo with actual archaeological ruins. It’s flat, stroller-accessible, and allows kids to see native Peruvian animals like jaguars and sea lions.
Picnic Lunch in San Isidro
Relax in the El Olivar forest, a beautiful olive grove park that feels like a quiet sanctuary in the middle of the city.
Huaca Pucllana Viewpoint
View the massive adobe pyramid from the exterior walkway. If the kids are older, a guided tour of these 1,500-year-old ruins is highly educational.
Magic Water Circuit
Visit the Parque de la Reserva for the Guinness World Record fountain light show. Kids can run through the interactive fountains while you enjoy the music and lasers.
Day 3: Lima, Peru - Artistic Barranco
Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros)
Walk across this famous wooden bridge in the bohemian district of Barranco. Legend says if you hold your breath and make a wish, it will come true.
Art & Gelato Walk
Explore the vibrant street murals of Barranco. There are many artisanal gelato shops nearby to keep the little ones motivated as you walk.
MATE - Mario Testino Museum
A manageable, beautiful museum for adults that isn't too overwhelming for children, showcasing incredible photography of traditional Peruvian dress.
Farewell Lima Dinner
Enjoy a seafood meal at a family-friendly 'Cevicheria' that offers cooked fish options for the children.
Day 4: Paracas, Peru - Coastal Desert Journey
Luxury Bus to Paracas
Board a Cruz del Sur bus for a 4-hour journey. These buses offer reclining seats and entertainment screens, making the trip very comfortable for families.
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Check into a beachfront resort in Paracas. The area is flat and easy to navigate with a stroller.
Paracas National Reserve
Take a private car tour through the reserve to see the Red Beach and the dramatic desert landscapes where the dunes meet the ocean.
Sunset Dinner at the Pier
Watch the fishing boats return while eating fresh pasta or grilled fish at one of the many breezy waterfront restaurants.
Day 5: Paracas, Peru - The Poor Man's Galapagos
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Take a speedboat to see penguins, sea lions, and thousands of birds. The boats are safe for children, and the sight of sea lions lounging on rocks is a trip highlight.
Transfer to Huacachina Oasis
A short 1-hour drive takes you to the famous desert oasis. It’s a literal sandbox for kids surrounded by massive dunes.
Gentle Dune Buggy Ride
Request a 'family-style' buggy ride that focuses on the scenery rather than high speeds. Sandboarding is available for older kids and parents.
Dinner by the Lagoon
Eat under the palm trees at the edge of the Huacachina lagoon before returning to Paracas for the night.
Day 6: Cusco, Peru - Into the Clouds
Flight from Pisco/Lima to Cusco
Avoid the 20-hour bus ride! Fly into Cusco to maximize your time. Upon arrival, take it very slow to adjust to the high altitude.
Coca Tea & Acclimatization
Check into your hotel and sip on some local coca tea (safe for adults) or Muña tea (minty and great for kids) to help with the altitude.
Plaza de Armas Walk
Take a very slow stroll around the main square. The architecture is stunning, and there are many benches for frequent breaks.
Light Dinner
Eat a light soup or pasta for your first night at altitude, which helps the body adjust more easily.
Day 7: Cusco, Peru - Chocolate & History
ChocoMuseo Workshop
A perfect activity for kids. Learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar and make your own treats to take home.
Lunch in San Blas
Wander the cobblestone streets of the artisan quarter. It’s steep, so take a taxi up and walk down to save little legs.
San Pedro Market
A sensory explosion! See colorful fruits, local cheeses, and traditional textiles. Great for picking up inexpensive snacks.
Cusco Planetarium
Head just outside the city for a kid-friendly presentation on how the Incas saw the stars, followed by telescope viewing.
Day 8: Sacred Valley, Peru - Alpacas & Markets
Awana Kancha Living Museum
This farm is a favorite for families. Kids can feed llamas, alpacas, and guanacos while learning about traditional weaving.
Pisac Artisan Market
One of the most famous markets in Peru. It’s flat and easy to navigate with children, full of colorful toys and sweaters.
Farm-to-Table Lunch
Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba featuring fresh valley vegetables and traditional Peruvian stews in a garden setting.
Hotel Check-in in the Valley
Stay overnight in the Sacred Valley (lower altitude than Cusco) to help the family sleep better and continue acclimating.
Day 9: Sacred Valley, Peru - Salt Mines & Ruins
Maras Salt Mines
See the thousands of ancient salt evaporation ponds. It’s a spectacular sight that doesn't require much hiking.
Moray Inca Laboratory
View the mysterious circular terraces used by the Incas for agriculture. The paths around the top are wide and safe for kids.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Explore the last living Inca town. The ruins here are impressive, and the town itself is charming and pedestrian-friendly.
Dinner in Ollantaytambo
Try some local trout or 'Lomo Saltado' (stir-fried beef) at a cozy restaurant near the train station.
Day 10: Aguas Calientes, Peru - The Train Adventure
PeruRail Vistadome Train
Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The glass-topped ceilings allow children to see the towering mountains above.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes
This town is car-free and located in a cloud forest. Check into your hotel and enjoy the lush, jungle-like surroundings.
Hot Springs Visit
Relax in the thermal baths that give the town its name. It’s a great way for the whole family to unwind before the big day tomorrow.
Early Night
Eat a hearty dinner and get to bed early for the morning trip to Machu Picchu.
Day 11: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Grand Wonder
Shuttle Bus to the Citadel
Take the 25-minute bus ride up the mountain. It’s a winding road, but the buses are modern and safe.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Hire a family-specific guide who can keep the kids engaged with stories of the Incas. Stick to the lower circuits for easier walking.
Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge
Treat the family to a buffet lunch right at the entrance of the ruins to avoid going back down to town immediately.
Return Train to Cusco
Board the train for the scenic return journey. Many families opt to sleep during this leg after an active morning.
Day 12: Cusco, Peru - Relaxation & Souvenirs
Lazy Brunch in Plaza Regocijo
Sleep in and enjoy a slow morning. After the excitement of Machu Picchu, a low-key day is essential for family morale.
Textile Shopping
Visit the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco to find high-quality, authentic alpaca products and watch weavers at work.
Sacsayhuaman Exploration
Visit this massive fortress above Cusco. The large grassy areas are perfect for kids to run around while you marvel at the giant stones.
Farewell Cusco Dinner
Enjoy a meal at a restaurant with live Andean music, a festive way to say goodbye to the highlands.
Day 13: Puno, Peru - Across the Altiplano
Turismo Mer Bus to Puno
This 'bus-tour' includes stops at beautiful churches and ruins along the way, making the 10-hour trip feel much shorter.
Lunch in Sicuani
Stop for a traditional buffet lunch included with your bus ticket, located in a scenic spot in the high Andes.
Arrival in Puno
Welcome to the shores of Lake Titicaca. The air is thin here (3,800m), so keep activity to a minimum this evening.
Dinner at the Hotel
Most hotels in Puno offer great restaurants, allowing you to stay in and rest after the long travel day.
Day 14: Lake Titicaca, Peru - Floating Islands
Uros Floating Islands Tour
Visit islands made entirely of reeds. Children find the 'bouncy' ground fascinating, and you can take a ride on a traditional reed boat.
Taquile Island Lunch
Head further into the lake to Taquile. Enjoy fresh quinoa soup and grilled trout while overlooking the sapphire waters.
Walk through Taquile Village
The island is car-free and peaceful. Observe the local men who are famous for their intricate knitting skills.
Return to Puno
Enjoy the sunset over the world's highest navigable lake as you boat back to the harbor.
Day 15: Lima, Peru - Return to the Capital
Transfer to Juliaca Airport
A 1-hour drive takes you to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Keep an eye out for flamingos in the lagoons along the road.
Arrival in Lima
Check back into a hotel near the airport or in Miraflores for your final night in Peru.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Indian Market in Miraflores for any final gifts or memories you want to bring home.
Final Peruvian Feast
Celebrate your epic journey with a final dinner at one of Lima's world-renowned restaurants.
Day 16: Lima, Peru - Homeward Bound
Relaxed Hotel Breakfast
Enjoy one last 'Desayuno Lurin' (traditional breakfast with tamales and sweet potato) before heading to the airport.
Transfer to Airport
Allow plenty of time for traffic in Lima, which can be unpredictable, especially with a family in tow.
Check-in and Duty Free
Browse the airport shops for any high-quality Peruvian coffee or Pisco to take home as a souvenir.
Departure
Board your flight home, reflecting on 16 days of incredible Peruvian culture, history, and family memories.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers clear blue skies in the Andes, making it ideal for visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley with children. While it is technically winter, the daytime temperatures are pleasant. The wet season (November to April) can make mountain travel more difficult with kids due to mud and flight delays, though the landscape is much greener and less crowded.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While US Dollars are accepted in some high-end hotels and restaurants, it is essential to carry Soles for markets, small shops, and taxis. Credit cards are widely used in Lima and Cusco, but smaller towns in the Sacred Valley often require cash. Tipping is customary; 10% is standard in restaurants, and a few Soles for porters or guides is always appreciated.
Getting Around Peru
For intercity travel, domestic flights (LATAM or Sky) are the fastest way to bridge long distances like Lima to Cusco. For scenic land travel, luxury bus companies like Cruz del Sur offer 'VIP' seats that are perfect for families. In the Andes, the PeruRail or Inca Rail trains are the only way to reach Aguas Calientes. Within cities, registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber (in Lima) are the safest and most reliable options for families with strollers.
