CUSCO
PEN
$475–$1,450 USD
Andean highland weather
Yes, with a few precautions. Peru is one of the most visited countries in South America and generally safe for tourists, including families. Stick to well-traveled areas like Cusco, Lima, and the Sacred Valley, use reputable taxis or rideshare apps, and keep an eye on belongings in markets or transit hubs. Like anywhere, common sense goes a long way.
May or September are your golden windows. These months offer dry weather, fewer crowds than peak season (June–August), and cooler, manageable temps for hiking or exploring with little ones. Avoid February — the Inca Trail is closed and rainfall is highest.
Expect to spend $50–$100 per day, per family, depending on your travel style. Budget stays and local meals are affordable (menus del día = your best friend), and many cultural sites have discounted or free entry for children. Planning ahead for big-ticket items like Machu Picchu or train tickets will help avoid last-minute fees.
Not the full trail — but there are great alternatives. The classic 4-day Inca Trail has a 12+ age recommendation and is physically demanding. Instead, try the 1-day Inca Trail, shorter Sacred Valley hikes, or simply take the train to Machu Picchu and explore the ruins at your own pace. Many families find these options just as magical — minus the blisters.
Peru is a land of layers, misty Andean mornings, vibrant highland markets, coastal cities full of life, and jungle air buzzing with birdsong. For families craving culture and nature (without maxing out the credit card), Peru hits that sweet spot. Whether you’re trekking to Machu Picchu with a snack-bribed toddler or trying your first pisco sour while the kids chase llamas, Peru is grounding, unforgettable, and genuinely family-friendly.
Planning a family trip to Peru? It’s doable, even with snacks, nap schedules, and altitude to factor in. Here’s your practical blueprint:
Choose Your Base(s):
Lima for museums and food, Cusco for culture and ruins, Sacred Valley for chill nature vibes, and maybe a jungle detour (if you’re brave).
Time It Right:
May–September is dry season and the best window for the Inca Trail. But even rainy season has fewer tourists and lush green scenery (just pack ponchos).
Budget Smart:
Use our Peru travel cost guide to help budget $50–$100/day per family, depending on your style.
Book in Advance:
Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and domestic flights can sell out, especially from June–August.
Prep for Altitude:
Cusco sits at 3,400m. Build in acclimatization time before hikes — and hydrate like it’s your job.
Absolutely. Peru is one of the most affordable and rewarding countries to explore with kids. Public buses are reliable and cheap. Many museums offer discounts or free days. And you’ll eat like royalty on $3 menus del día.
Money-Saving Tips:
Stay Local: Family-run hostels and Airbnbs are often charming and cost-effective.
Eat Menus del Día: Hearty two- or three-course lunches for a few dollars.
Slow Travel Wins: Staying longer in fewer places reduces costs and travel stress.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Peru’s travel seasons:
May–September: Best for trekking and dry skies, but peak tourist season.
October–November: Shoulder season — fewer crowds, blooming landscapes.
December–March: Rainy, especially in the highlands, but lush and quieter.
Insider Tip:
If you’re not trekking, the rainy season can still offer incredible experiences with fewer tourists (just maybe skip February for the Inca Trail — it’s closed).
Layered Clothing: Mornings are chilly, afternoons sunny.
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk… a lot.
Altitude Essentials: Hydration salts, coca candy, or local tea.
Kid Gear: Small toys, snacks, and anything to survive the flight and bus rides.
Peru is chaotic in the best way — full of color, rhythm, and friendly faces. Kids will love:
Llamas & Alpacas: They’re everywhere and endlessly entertaining.
Trains to Machu Picchu: Feels like a ride into a fairytale.
Interactive Museums: Like Lima’s MALI or Cusco’s Inka Museum.
Hands-On History: Let them climb ruins, not just look at them.
Tips for Parents:
Bring snacks everywhere.
Say “sí” to street music and festivals.
Embrace the chaos. It’s part of the charm.
Cusco: Cobbled streets, chocolate workshops, and ancient ruins.
Sacred Valley: Relaxed pace, llamas galore, and Incan history.
Lima: Great food scene, coastal parks, and cultural spots.
Arequipa: White-stone charm and volcano views.
Lake Titicaca: Floating islands and boat rides the kids won’t forget.
Altitude Awareness: Don’t rush into the highlands — ease in.
Transportation: Use trusted taxis or apps like InDrive and Cabify.
Water: Stick to bottled or filtered.
Crowds: Watch belongings in busy markets and terminals.
Health: Bring basic meds and check vaccine requirements if jungle-bound.
Peru is a land of layers, misty Andean mornings, vibrant highland markets, coastal cities full of life, and jungle air buzzing with birdsong. For families craving culture and nature (without maxing out the credit card), Peru hits that sweet spot. Whether you’re trekking to Machu Picchu with a snack-bribed toddler or trying your first pisco sour while the kids chase llamas, Peru is grounding, unforgettable, and genuinely family-friendly.
Planning a family trip to Peru? It’s doable, even with snacks, nap schedules, and altitude to factor in. Here’s your practical blueprint:
Choose Your Base(s):
Lima for museums and food, Cusco for culture and ruins, Sacred Valley for chill nature vibes, and maybe a jungle detour (if you’re brave).
Time It Right:
May–September is dry season and the best window for the Inca Trail. But even rainy season has fewer tourists and lush green scenery (just pack ponchos).
Budget Smart:
Use our Peru travel cost guide to help budget $50–$100/day per family, depending on your style.
Book in Advance:
Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and domestic flights can sell out, especially from June–August.
Prep for Altitude:
Cusco sits at 3,400m. Build in acclimatization time before hikes — and hydrate like it’s your job.
Absolutely. Peru is one of the most affordable and rewarding countries to explore with kids. Public buses are reliable and cheap. Many museums offer discounts or free days. And you’ll eat like royalty on $3 menus del día.
Money-Saving Tips:
Stay Local: Family-run hostels and Airbnbs are often charming and cost-effective.
Eat Menus del Día: Hearty two- or three-course lunches for a few dollars.
Slow Travel Wins: Staying longer in fewer places reduces costs and travel stress.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Peru’s travel seasons:
May–September: Best for trekking and dry skies, but peak tourist season.
October–November: Shoulder season — fewer crowds, blooming landscapes.
December–March: Rainy, especially in the highlands, but lush and quieter.
Insider Tip:
If you’re not trekking, the rainy season can still offer incredible experiences with fewer tourists (just maybe skip February for the Inca Trail — it’s closed).
Layered Clothing: Mornings are chilly, afternoons sunny.
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk… a lot.
Altitude Essentials: Hydration salts, coca candy, or local tea.
Kid Gear: Small toys, snacks, and anything to survive the flight and bus rides.
Peru is chaotic in the best way — full of color, rhythm, and friendly faces. Kids will love:
Llamas & Alpacas: They’re everywhere and endlessly entertaining.
Trains to Machu Picchu: Feels like a ride into a fairytale.
Interactive Museums: Like Lima’s MALI or Cusco’s Inka Museum.
Hands-On History: Let them climb ruins, not just look at them.
Tips for Parents:
Bring snacks everywhere.
Say “sí” to street music and festivals.
Embrace the chaos. It’s part of the charm.
Cusco: Cobbled streets, chocolate workshops, and ancient ruins.
Sacred Valley: Relaxed pace, llamas galore, and Incan history.
Lima: Great food scene, coastal parks, and cultural spots.
Arequipa: White-stone charm and volcano views.
Lake Titicaca: Floating islands and boat rides the kids won’t forget.
Altitude Awareness: Don’t rush into the highlands — ease in.
Transportation: Use trusted taxis or apps like InDrive and Cabify.
Water: Stick to bottled or filtered.
Crowds: Watch belongings in busy markets and terminals.
Health: Bring basic meds and check vaccine requirements if jungle-bound.
Hi, we’re TravelVentureFour a not-so-ordinary family of four getting ready to swap routines for backpacks and Netflix nights for jungle hikes. We’re Sean, Tania, Atticus (7), and Aurelia (5), and in August 2025, we’re heading off on a year(ish) of slow travel through South and Central America. No trust funds here, just big dreams, small backpacks, and a whole lot of figuring it out as we go. Join us as we prep, learn, laugh, and probably get lost… a lot.
© 2025 Travel Venture Four. Inspiring family adventures across South America.