18-Day Epic Peru Family Travel Guide: Coast, Andes, and Ancient Ruins
Welcome to the land of the Incas, a destination where ancient history meets vibrant modern culture. This 18-day 'Epic Journey' is meticulously designed for families, prioritizing comfort, manageable travel times, and activities that will captivate both children and adults. We focus on the most accessible parts of the country, ensuring your stroller-bound explorers and energetic youngsters can enjoy every step of the way.
This route takes you from the culinary capital of Lima through the coastal deserts of Paracas, into the white stone streets of Arequipa, and finally to the breathtaking Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. With a relaxed pace and a focus on comfortable intercity transport, you'll experience the heart of Peru without the typical travel fatigue.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima - Coastal Welcome
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport
Touch down in Lima. After passing through customs, meet your pre-arranged driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the Miraflores district.
Miraflores Boardwalk (Malecón)
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the clifftop boardwalk. It's perfectly paved for strollers and offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
Parque del Amor
Visit this colorful park dedicated to love, featuring Gaudi-style mosaics. It's a great spot for kids to run around while you enjoy the sunset.
Dinner at Larcomar
Dine at this modern shopping center built into the cliffs, offering plenty of kid-friendly dining options with high chairs and English menus.
Day 2: Lima - Magic Fountains and History
Historic Centre of Lima
Explore the Plaza de Armas. The area is mostly flat and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to see the Cathedral and Government Palace.
Lunch at Casa Aliaga
Experience one of the oldest colonial mansions in the Americas. The interior courtyard is quiet and spacious for families.
Park of the Reserve
A hit with children! This park features the Magic Water Circuit, a series of 13 interactive fountains that light up in the evening.
Interactive Water Show
Watch the spectacular laser and water show synchronized to music. Bring a change of clothes for the kids as they will likely get wet!
Day 3: Lima - Museums and Gardens
Larco Museum
This privately owned museum is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion. The lush gardens and colorful bougainvillea are stunning and easy to navigate.
Museum Café Lunch
Enjoy lunch at the highly-rated museum café which overlooks the gardens. It is one of the most peaceful dining spots in the city.
Huaca Pucllana
Visit these ancient adobe ruins in the middle of Miraflores. The guided tours are informative and the flat paths are accessible for families.
Rest and Preparation
Relax at the hotel and prepare your bags for the journey south tomorrow morning.
Day 4: Lima to Paracas - The Coastal Drive
Luxury Bus Journey
Board a comfortable, first-class bus for the 4-hour drive south. These buses offer reclining seats and entertainment screens.
Arrival in Paracas
Check into your resort. Paracas is a small, walkable fishing village known for its calm bay and wildlife.
Paracas National Reserve
Take a private car tour of the reserve to see the stunning red sand beaches and dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes.
Sunset Dinner by the Bay
Enjoy fresh seafood while watching the fishing boats return to the harbor.
Day 5: Paracas to Huacachina - Desert Fun
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
A mini-Galapagos experience! See sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of birds. The boats are safe and provide life jackets for all ages.
Transfer to Ica
A short 1.5-hour drive takes you to the city of Ica and the nearby oasis of Huacachina.
Sand Dune Buggy Ride
For older kids and adventurous parents, a dune buggy ride is a must. For toddlers, a gentle walk around the oasis lagoon is delightful.
Evening at the Oasis
Watch the stars come out over the massive sand dunes surrounding the water.
Day 6: Ica to Arequipa - Transition to the Highlands
Regional Museum of Ica
A small, well-curated museum featuring Paracas and Nazca textiles and mummies—fascinating for curious older children.
Transfer to Pisco Airport
Take a taxi to the nearby airport for a domestic connection to Arequipa to avoid the 12-hour bus ride.
Arrival in Arequipa
Land in the 'White City' and transfer to your hotel in the historic center. Take it easy today to adjust to the 2,300m altitude.
Light Dinner
Eat lightly on your first night at altitude. Try a local vegetable soup or mild pasta.
Day 7: Arequipa - Monasteries and Squares
Santa Catalina Monastery
A 'city within a city.' These vibrant blue and red walls and flower-filled courtyards are incredibly photogenic and stroller-accessible in most areas.
Lunch at a Picantería
Try traditional Arequipeño food. Many picanterías have open courtyards that are great for families.
Plaza de Armas
Relax in one of Peru's most beautiful squares. Feed the pigeons or enjoy an ice cream while looking at the Cathedral.
Yanahuara Viewpoint
A short taxi ride away, this arch-filled plaza offers the best views of Misti Volcano.
Day 8: Arequipa - Alpacas and Ice Maidens
Mundo Alpaca
A free interactive center where kids can feed alpacas and llamas and see how traditional weavers work.
Museo Santuarios Andinos
Visit 'Juanita the Ice Maiden.' It's a fascinating look at Inca history (best for children 8+ due to the nature of the exhibit).
Free Afternoon
Enjoy a slow afternoon. Browse the San Camilo Market for fresh fruit and local snacks.
Rooftop Dining
Have dinner at a restaurant overlooking the illuminated Plaza de Armas.
Day 9: Arequipa to Cusco - Into the Heart of the Incas
Transfer to Arequipa Airport
Take a quick 1-hour flight to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.
Arrival and Acclimatization
Cusco is at 3,400m. Check into your hotel and sip some coca tea. Rest is vital today to prevent altitude sickness.
Gentle Walk to Plaza de Armas
Walk slowly through the historic center. The stones are slippery, so wear good shoes and hold little hands.
Early Dinner
Cusco has incredible dining. Choose a spot close to your hotel to minimize walking tonight.
Day 10: Cusco - Stones and Sun Temples
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
The most important temple in the Inca Empire. The site is mostly flat and features a large grassy park behind it for kids to play.
Lunch in San Blas
Explore the artisan quarter. It’s hilly, so take a taxi up and walk down to save little legs.
Chocolate Museum (ChocoMuseo)
Participate in a bean-to-bar workshop. Kids love making their own chocolates and learning about Peruvian cocoa.
San Pedro Market
A sensory explosion! See colorful produce, local cheeses, and unique crafts. Great for souvenir shopping.
Day 11: Cusco - Ancient Fortresses
Sacsayhuaman
This massive fortress features giant stones and wide-open spaces. There are even natural rock slides that local children use.
Q’enqo and Puca Pucara
Visit these smaller nearby sites. They are less crowded and offer great views of the surrounding valley.
Picnic with a View
Pack a lunch and enjoy it near the ruins while watching llamas graze nearby.
Return to Cusco
Rest and enjoy a relaxed evening in the city.
Day 12: Cusco - Cultural Immersion
Inka Museum
Learn about the deep history of the region before you head to the Sacred Valley tomorrow.
Lunch at Cicciolina
One of Cusco’s most famous restaurants. They are very accommodating to families with earlier dining times.
Traditional Weaving Demonstration
Visit the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco to see how ancient patterns are still made today.
Prepare for the Sacred Valley
Pack a smaller bag for the next few days as train luggage space is limited.
Day 13: Sacred Valley - Pisac Market and Ruins
Drive to Pisac
A scenic 1-hour drive takes you into the Sacred Valley, which is at a lower, more comfortable altitude than Cusco.
Pisac Ruins
Explore the stunning terraces. The views are incredible, and the paths are relatively wide.
Pisac Market
Visit on a Sunday if possible for the most vibrant experience. It’s the perfect place for kids to find alpaca toys.
Arrival in Urubamba
Check into your valley hotel. The Sacred Valley is warmer and more lush than Cusco.
Day 14: Sacred Valley - Salt Mines and Living Cities
Maras Salt Mines
See thousands of ancient salt evaporation ponds. It’s a stunning sight and requires very little walking to view.
Moray Archaeological Site
View the unique circular terraces used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. It looks like a giant green amphitheater.
Ollantaytambo Lunch
Eat in the town known as the 'Last Living Inca City,' where residents still live in original Inca houses.
Train to Aguas Calientes
Board the train for a scenic 1.5-hour journey along the Urubamba River. The Vistadome trains have windows in the roof!
Day 15: Machu Picchu - The Grand Finale
Bus to the Citadel
Take the short shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Use a guide who specializes in families. They can keep kids interested with stories of Inca kings and hidden passages.
Lunch at the Sanctuary
Enjoy lunch at the only lodge located right at the entrance before heading back down.
Explore Aguas Calientes
Visit the hot springs (baños termales) to soak tired legs after your visit to the ruins.
Day 16: Return to Cusco - Relaxed Pacing
Morning in the Cloud Forest
Sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast. Aguas Calientes is surrounded by beautiful cloud forest scenery.
Return Train to Ollantaytambo
Enjoy the relaxing train ride back through the valley.
Private Transfer to Cusco
A direct car back to Cusco ensures the kids can nap during the 1.5-hour drive.
Farewell Dinner in Cusco
Celebrate your journey at one of Cusco's top restaurants like Gaston Acurio’s Chicha.
Day 17: Cusco to Puno - The High Plateau
Luxury Train or Tourist Bus
Take the 'Route of the Sun' bus or the PeruRail Titicaca train. The bus stops at several historical sites and includes lunch.
Raqchi Ruins Stop
A quick stop at these unique Inca ruins helps break up the journey to Lake Titicaca.
Arrival in Puno
Check into your hotel on the shores of the world's highest navigable lake.
Dinner with Lake Views
Enjoy a quiet meal at the hotel to rest for tomorrow’s lake adventure.
Day 18: Lake Titicaca and Departure
Uros Floating Islands
Visit the unique islands made entirely of totora reeds. It’s a fascinating experience for kids to walk on the 'squishy' ground.
Boat Back to Puno
Enjoy the crisp air and deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca one last time.
Transfer to Juliaca Airport
The airport is about an hour from Puno. Check in for your flight back to Lima and your connection home.
Departure
Board your final flight, carrying home memories of a truly epic Peruvian family journey.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is especially important for the Andean regions like Cusco and Machu Picchu, where clear skies and sunny days make for the best views and easiest walking conditions. If you visit in June, you can witness the spectacular Inti Raymi festival in Cusco. Traveling in the shoulder months of April and November can also be rewarding, as there are fewer crowds and lower prices, though you should be prepared for occasional rain showers.
Currency & Money
The official currency of Peru is the Sol (PEN). While high-end hotels and major restaurants in Lima and Cusco accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are most common), cash is still king in smaller towns, local markets, and for tipping. It is always wise to carry small denominations of Soles for taxis and snacks. ATMs are widely available in cities, but be sure to use those located inside banks for extra security. Tipping is customary in restaurants (around 10%) and for tour guides and drivers who provide excellent service.
Getting Around Peru
Getting around Peru involves a mix of transport methods. For long distances between major regions (like Lima to Arequipa or Arequipa to Cusco), domestic flights with carriers like LATAM or Sky Airline are highly recommended for families to save time. For scenic travel, the high-quality tourist buses (such as Cruz del Sur) and trains (PeruRail or Inca Rail) offer exceptional comfort and safety. Within cities, registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber (in Lima) are the most convenient way for families to navigate, as public transit can be crowded and complex for those with strollers or luggage.
