Peru Family Holidays
Culture and outdoor adventure collide in the incredible scenery of Peru. Here is one of the few destinations where you can combine tropical jungle, mountain vistas, and thriving city scenes into the same itinerary. We do suggest this intrepid trip to families with older children and teens in order to fully appreciate all of the exciting treks.
Take a bicycle tour through the trendiest neighbourhoods in Lima before being transferred to an ecolodge in the Amazon; here you’ll definitely want to take a thrilling boat safari along the river in search of leaping monkeys, leathery caiman, and colourful birds. You may then choose to hike or horseback ride through the emerald green expanse of the Sacred Valley of the Incas before taking a sunrise hike to the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu to gaze in awe at this incredible ancient site before the crowds arrive. An unforgettable Andean train journey then takes you to the world’s highest navigable lake, the vast Lake Titicaca. This watery expanse is home to Uru people who live on floating villages and if you’d like, we can arrange a private stay for you to learn about their culture.
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for active families and is best with older children and teenagers. More than half of Peru falls within the boundaries of the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse areas of our planet. But it also has 2,250 miles of Pacific coastline stretching inland to the dunes and mysterious ancient geoglyphs in the Sechura Desert at the foot of the Andes.
Then there is Peru’s cultural heartland, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, dotted with ancient ruins and colourful Andean villages, this is the gateway to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Travelling through the Andes from Machu Picchu you reach Lake Titicaca, at 3,812 m above sea level you are sailing on the roof of the world.Peru is the perfect holiday destination for active families and is best with older children and teenagers. More than half of Peru falls within the boundaries of the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse areas of our planet. But it also has 2,250 miles of Pacific coastline stretching inland to the dunes and mysterious ancient geoglyphs in the Sechura Desert at the foot of the Andes.
Then there is Peru’s cultural heartland, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, dotted with ancient ruins and colourful Andean villages, this is the gateway to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Travelling through the Andes from Machu Picchu you reach Lake Titicaca, at 3,812 m above sea level you are sailing on the roof of the world.
Peru has three distinct seasons, summer, winter and shoulder season. The varying altitudes within the country have different climates but generally speaking April to October are the best months to travel. During this time you can expect clear, sunny, dry weather which is ideal for outdoor adventures.
It is still possible to visit during the summer from November to March, and it will be warmer during these months, however you should expect some rainfall, particularly in the Amazon Rainforest.
You'll be enthralled by the colourful mixture of traditional cultures in Peru, not least the ancient Incas. Historic practices are often best preserved in rural parts of the country, where the communities are relatively isolated.
The indigenous Uru consider themselves to be the rightful owners of Lake Titicaca, and made the floating Uros Islands to protect themselves from attack. You’ll learn not only about the building materials and architectural style of the islands, but also see the same reeds being used for boats and other everyday items. It is possible to stay with an Uru family on Isla Khantati, which is a more immersive experience as you’ll fish, learn about Uru culture, and eat traditional meals together.
The Inca’s Sacred Valley is a territory well suited to family adventures, from hikes to bikes to horseback rides. The Inca Trail is the most famous, of course, but there are plenty of other routes - often wilder and less busy - with stunning viewpoints and local villages along the way. You may also choose to trek up the “rainbow mountain” of Vinivunca for stunning morning views.
Beyond hiking, you’ll find many other exhilarating activities. Take to the skies and paraglide in the Andes, don a life jacket and raft the rivers –both will have your hearts racing – though a calmer option is horseback riding along the many trails. In Maras you’ll also find the longest zip line in Peru, which is a stunning way to appreciate the valley from the air without having to take a flight.
Most people think of sandy deserts being in North Africa and the Middle East, but Latin America has its fair share, too. In Peru, the Sechura Desert is squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andean Mountains. The sun bleached sandy dunes contain intriguing sites to explore. The Sechura’s Nazca Lines have left scientists and archaeologists perplexed.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was created some 2,000 years ago by the area’s ancient culture, but no one is quite sure how or why. The artwork of a pelican is 285 m long! Inspire your children and stimulate their imaginations. What theories do they come up with? What artworks would they create?
The Peruvian Amazon is the least populated part of Peru, though there are pockets where indigenous communities inhabit the jungle. These people are the long term guardians of the forest, and when they become your guides and teachers, you will see the trees, birds, and animals around you through new eyes. Every moment is one of discovery, and the thrill is that you never know what you will encounter next.
Combine your rainforest hike with a canopy tour to see the Amazon’s birdlife, including colourful, squawking parrots and tuxedoed toucans, up close. You can zip line from 100 ft up in the air, which is a truly exhilarating ride!
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Home to grand peaks of the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and holding the secrets to the lives of the ancient Inca civilisation, Peru is a country of incredible history, fascinating wildlife and beautiful natural landscapes.
To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.Home to grand peaks of the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and holding the secrets to the lives of the ancient Inca civilisation, Peru is a country of incredible history, fascinating wildlife and beautiful natural landscapes.
To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.
One of the world’s highest and most luxurious trains, the Andean Explorer promises a sleeper train journey like no other.
The train itself is ornate, sophisticated and tastefully decorated, so beautiful, in fact, that people often remark that it’s hard to believe they’re even on a train. Wide windows adorn the carriages, allowing you to take in the views of Peru’s mountainous landscape. Snaking through the Andean highlands, you’ll enjoy unrivalled levels of comfort, service and dine like royalty in the train’s restaurant.
Hiking the Inca Trail is a bucket list experience. If you have the time and the inclination, you can enjoy a multi day trek through the high Andes to Machu Picchu. For those who prefer a shorter hike, starting at KM104 is ideal.
Boarding the early morning train to Aguas Calientes, you will disembark with your private guide at KM104 and spend the day hiking to the Inti Punku Sun Gate. The hike will take between five and eight hours and your reward for those efforts - the most mesmerising views down over the 500-year-old Incan architecture of Machu Picchu.
If you want to experience authentic Peruivian culture, then the market town of Chinchero is ideal.
Much of the Chinchero archaeological site is now beneath a colonial church, however, agricultural terraces remain and your private guide will divulge all we know about what the Incas originally built here. The market is full of local people selling beautiful, vibrant hand woven textiles, as well as bread, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables - this isn’t just a place for the tourists.
After your private tour of the ruins of Machu Picchu, enjoy a different perspective of the Incan citadel by climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Machu Picchu, walk to Huayna Picchu, and take in the breathtaking vistas of the valleys and mountains around them. Although not very difficult, the walk to Huayna Picchu is steep at several points. The climb takes roughly two hours, and once there, you will have a birds eye view of the Incas' lost metropolis.
Thrill-seekers, you need look no further for a Peruvian activity to get your adrenalin pumping. The Urubamba River flows through the Sacred Valley and is perfect for a white water rafting trip alongside some spectacular scenery.
As you enjoy tackling class II - IV rapids, your raft bobbing up and down through the water, you’re flanked by Peru’s signature majestic hillsides. Of course, you’ll stop for an al fresco lunch to refuel too.
Hundreds of years ago, the Uros people, an indigenous Peruvian community, built floating islets from totora reeds in an effort to protect themselves from Inca attack. Today, the community continues to construct and live on these man-made islands in Lake Titicaca.
Hop on a boat and visit for a couple of hours, or, if you want to truly immerse yourself in the Uru culture, we can arrange for you to stay with a local family, learning to fish with them and enjoying food together.
As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we support Awamaki, a non-profit enterprise which creates various programmes that promote financial and educational independence for local women through the creation of heritage textiles.
You can see the organisation’s work first hand, learning more about local weaving and spinning, and even trying your hand at spinning on a drop spindle and weaving a bracelet. After spending time with the artisans, you can join them for a traditional lunch in their home and visit the textile markets nearby.
Known as the King of the Andes, the Andean Condor has a wingspan of around 10 feet and is the largest flying bird in the world.
Watch as they spread their enormous wings, soaring through the air in search of food and effortlessly navigating the hot air that rises from the ground here. In order to preserve energy, the condor rarely flaps its wings and watching as they glide through the air before you is both beautiful and hypnotic.
This trek packs an enormous amount of history into a four day trail through the Sacred Valley, culminating at Machu Picchu, the famed city of the Incas. This is a strenuous hike but with ruins, half a century old, along the way and surrounded by Andean peaks, it’s easy to enjoy for those with a good level of fitness.
When you arrive at Machu Picchu, unbelievably breath-taking whether shrouded in cloud or basking in the sunlight, you’re overwhelmed by its majesty. Finish with a tour of the site before taking some well-earned rest!
Explore one of the world’s most famous rivers in the lap of luxury. In the morning, you’ll wake and watch through your cabin window as the sun shines over the glistening river.
Throughout the day you’ll enjoy excellent service and delicious cuisine interspersed with Amazonian exploration, before putting your feet up in your spacious cabin. Enjoy the adventure that cruising the Amazon brings: kayaking, night-safaris by boat, paddle-boarding, or disembarking and discovering the rainforest on foot, but without compromising on comfort.
Paddington’s not the only treasure to have burst forth from deepest, darkest Peru. Machu Picchu, the Inca wonders of the Sacred Valley, and the mysterious Nazca Lines geoglyphs reveal the first layers of the country’s ancient civilisations, complementing the country’s rich natural history.Paddington’s not the only treasure to have burst forth from deepest, darkest Peru. Machu Picchu, the Inca wonders of the Sacred Valley, and the mysterious Nazca Lines geoglyphs reveal the first layers of the country’s ancient civilisations, complementing the country’s rich natural history.
Indigenous groups lived in the area around Lima in pre-Columbian times, but it was the Spanish Conquistadors who founded the city in the 16th century. The fact that the area is seismically active means that Lima’s gone through a number of reincarnations, but historic buildings do survive from each of its major periods. Feast your eyes in the capital’s architectural melting pot.
The Incas moved into this part of Peru around 1,000 years ago, probably because the valley was at a lower altitude - and thus more suitable for agriculture - than other parts of the Andes Mountains. They divided the conquered land between the emperor, the religious community, and the farmers, and it’s for this reason that there are the ruins of so many royal and religious buildings here. While Machu Picchu steals the show, the “Sacred Valley” is filled with fortresses, observatories, temples, and mysterious unexplained structure.
Delicately draped across a mountain, this Incan city is a must see. Machu Picchu is one of those destinations we all dream of visiting. Whether you first saw it in a National Geographic photographic spread, read Hiram Bingham’s account of the city’s discovery, or were inspired after watching Charlton Heston in Secret of the Incas, these iconic ruins are once seen, never forgotten.
Lake Titicaca links Bolivia and Peru. The origins of the unusual name are unknown, but it may be a reference to a lead-coloured puma which features in an Aymara rock carving on the Island of the Sun. There are a huge number of islands within Lake Titicaca. On the Peruvian side, many of them are man-made floating islands, inhabited by the indigenous Uru people. They consider themselves to be the ancestral owners of the lake, and we can take you to visit their islands close to the town of Puno.
Cusco’s history begins long before the arrival of the Spanish, and you can learn about its early development in the superb galleries at the Museo de Arte Precolombino. The museum building began life as an Inca ceremonial courthouse, but it was converted into a mansion by the conquistador Alonso Díaz Moreno. The Palace of Inca Roca experienced a similar transformation, later becoming the Archbishop’s residence. The twelve-angled stone in the walls was part of the original Inca stonework and is now the emblem of the city. Walking through the Old Town you’ll see plenty of such Inca-Spanish fusion.
Centrally located along Peru’s coastal highlights is the Paracas National Reserve, where we can take you on a marine safari among the humboldt penguins, sea lions and humpback whales. The Paracas Candelabra – a mysterious 183 meter tall geoglyph was also made in prehistoric times. Moving south, you come to the town of Ica, on the edge of the Atacama Desert. The town boasts stunning Spanish colonial architecture, and the pisco made in Bodega El Catador is said to be amongst the best in the world. Visit to see this delicious grape brandy being made, and at harvest time to press the grapes yourself under foot.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
Embark on an opulent Peruvian odyssey, indulging in breath taking landscapes, exclusive accommodations, and culturally immersive experiences.
Peru is the perfect place for an exhilarating adventure. Immerse yourself in thrilling activities, from trekking majestic peaks to exploring ancient ruins, for an adrenaline-fuelled experience.
Set off on a captivating family adventure in Peru, where ancient wonders and vibrant culture await. From exploring the mystical Machu Picchu to navigating the Amazon rainforest, this itinerary promises unforgettable moments that will weave the rich tapestry of Peru into the fabric of your family's cherished memories.
If your young explorers are hungry for an adventure, look no further than Peru. The diverse landscapes range from the vibrant jungles of the Amazon Rainforest to the jagged peaks of the Andes Mountains. Needless to say, you’ll have the chance to experience the unique mountain top setting of mysterious Machu Picchu.
What kind of creatures actually live in the Amazon Basin, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.