Where to Stay in Huanchaco With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
Updated November 2025 • We based ourselves here for a week in 2025, these are the family-friendly stays we’d book again (or shortlist next time) based on comfort, location, and those all-important early nights.
We’re a travelling family of four who live for sunshine and strong coffee. After Peru’s desert and mountain stretches, Huanchaco felt like a reward, a mellow surf town just outside Trujillo with golden beaches, friendly locals, and that relaxed “one more day” vibe.
It’s got everything families need: calm waves for beginners, decent Wi-Fi, great fish lunches, and enough playgrounds and cafés to keep both parents and kids happy. The key is picking the right stay, close enough to the ocean for easy mornings, but not so central that you’re next to late-night surf bars.
Here are the three Huanchaco stays we’d actually choose: one budget guesthouse with character, one mid-range beachfront hotel, and one splurge-worthy eco-retreat perfect for families.
For a quick guide, here’s a rundown of the best family hotels in Huanchaco
➡️ Best Overall Hotel in Huanchaco: Book Hotel Bracamonte
➡️ Best Hotel With a Pool in Huanchaco: Book Huanchaco Paradise
➡️ Best Value Stay Under $50: Book Punta Huanchaco Hostel & Suites
Huanchaco at a Glance (for families)
Huanchaco is small, sunny, and easy to get around, about 20 minutes by taxi from Trujillo. The town hugs a long beach lined with surf schools, cafés, and hostels. It’s famous for its caballitos de totora (reed boats) and laid-back local surf culture.
Main Beachfront (Av. La Ribera)
The heart of Huanchaco, surf schools, restaurants, and bakeries. Ideal if you want the beach right outside your door.
El Boquerón Area (North End)
A little quieter, with more local homes, a few boutique stays, and calmer evenings. Great for families who prefer early nights.
Backstreets Near the Market
Affordable guesthouses, walking distance to beach (5–10 mins), close to shops and local life.
The 3 Easy Picks (we’d book one of these — no endless lists)
1. Punta Huanchaco Hostel & Suites (Central Area)
Why we picked it:
This one hits the sweet spot, affordable, relaxed, and family-run. Rooms are simple but clean, with family suites and private bathrooms. There’s a shared kitchen, rooftop terrace with hammocks, and surfboard storage if your crew’s trying the waves.
It’s two blocks from the beach, meaning quieter nights but still walkable to everything.
Good to know:
No pool, but beach access is minutes away. Breakfast available for a small extra fee (S/15).
💰 Prices: from S/180–220 per night (£35–45) for family suites.
📍 Address: Calle Los Pinos 345, Huanchaco.
🌐 Website: Punta Huanchaco Hostel
2. Hotel Bracamonte (Beachfront)
Why we picked it:
One of Huanchaco’s long-time favourites for families, big rooms, a large garden, and a good-sized pool. Staff are friendly, breakfasts are hearty, and it’s right across the road from the beach.
Parents love that it’s quiet at night but still close enough to walk to the surf schools and main restaurants.
Good to know:
Wi-Fi can be patchy in garden rooms, but it’s fast in common areas. Bring cash for some local restaurants nearby, not all accept cards.
💰 Prices: around S/350–450 per night (£70–90) for family rooms including breakfast.
📍 Address: Av. Víctor Larco 1301, Huanchaco.
🌐 Website: Hotel Bracamonte
3. Huanchaco Paradise (El Boquerón Area)
Why we picked it:
For a quieter, more resort-style option, Huanchaco Paradise hits the mark. Spacious modern rooms with A/C, ocean-view balconies, and a pool area that feels surprisingly upscale for this beach town. The on-site restaurant serves both Peruvian and Western dishes, and the staff are great with kids.
Good to know:
A bit further from the main surf area (10–15 min walk), but tuk-tuks are cheap (S/5). Ask for rooms on upper floors for the best sunsets.
💰 Prices: from S/550–700 per night (£110–140) for family suites.
📍 Address: Av. La Ribera 550, Huanchaco.
🌐 Website: Huanchaco Paradise
How We Choose (quickly, like parents do)
✅ Walkability: beach + food within 10 mins
✅ Room setup: space for four, A/C optional
✅ Pool or shade: for midday downtime
✅ Breakfast included or nearby cafés
✅ Family-friendly reviews (not just surf bros)
Safety & Practical Stuff for Families
Water: Tap water not safe to drink, use bottled or filtered.
Swimming: Main beach has gentle waves most days; lifeguards on weekends.
Food: Great family options like Chocolate Café (for brunch) and Big Ben (for seafood).
Weather: Warm year-round; average highs 24–28°C (75–82°F).
Stroller use: Beach promenade is flat; perfect for walks.
Safety: Huanchaco feels safe, even after dark, just avoid isolated beach spots late at night.
Getting Around & When to Book
Getting there: 15–20 mins by taxi from Trujillo Airport (S/25–30).
Getting around: Everything walkable; tuk-tuks for longer trips (S/4–6).
When to book: January–March is busy (summer holidays). Shoulder months May–October have fewer crowds and cheaper rooms.
How long to stay: 3–4 nights is perfect, enough to surf, eat, rest, and explore the Chan Chan ruins nearby.
Family Logistics (Quick Hits)
Main Beachfront
Surf schools for all ages
Restaurants, shops, ATMs
Busier, especially weekends
El Boquerón
Quieter, more local neighborhood
Beach walks and sunset views
Ideal for early nights
Market Area / Backstreets
Budget stays, bakeries, local vibe
Short walk to beach
Best value for longer stays
➡️ Book Your Stay at Hotel Bracamonte Here
FAQ (for parents, by parents)
Is Huanchaco safe with kids?
Yes. It’s one of the safest beach towns in northern Peru. Standard awareness is fine, locals are friendly and the town has a strong community feel.
Which area is best for families?
The central beachfront near Bracamonte, close to food and calm parts of the beach.
How many days in Huanchaco with kids?
Three or four nights lets you relax and explore Trujillo or the Chan Chan ruins.
Can kids take surf lessons?
Yes! Many schools offer gentle intro classes from age 5+. Ask for smaller boards and calm-hour sessions.
Is Huanchaco stroller-friendly?
Yes, the beach promenade and nearby streets are flat and easy to navigate.
Wrap-Up
Huanchaco might not have the flashiest hotels, but that’s the charm. It’s low-key, safe, and sunny, the kind of place where your kids can play on the sand while you sip a smoothie and forget what day it is. Whether you pick a budget guesthouse, a mid-range beach stay, or a quiet resort escape, Huanchaco makes an easy, happy pause in your Peru travels.
