1 Week in Peru - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Fun in Peru's Sacred Valley

Transport your family to the days of the Inca Empire on this weeklong Sacred Valley trip, perfect for history and culture enthusiasts of all ages. There's no time for young explorers to be bored as you explore Machu Picchu at sunrise, take a train through a rainforest gorge, and ponder the mysterious agricultural complex of Moray. Top that with a day of cooking and crafting alongside local families and free time to wander bustling markets, and everyone will leave with a well-rounded introduction to life in Peru.

Welcome to Peru! Kick off your fun-filled family adventure with a short transfer from Cusco to Pisac, taking a detour to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. Then, after a leisurely evening wandering the town and acclimating, you'll wake up ready to explore. Let your little ones' imaginations run wild as you visit a majestic Inca fortress overlooking the Sacred Valley, followed by a delightful afternoon at a family-friendly country club. Next on the agenda is a transfer to the village of Amaru, where a special day of connecting with local families through food, crafts, and stories awaits. 

After waving goodbye to your new friends, it's time to hit the road to Ollantaytambo, where you'll hop aboard a scenic train to Aguas Calientes. With Machu Picchu peering over you, it's easy to wake the young ones for a sunrise tour of this awe-inspiring ancient wonder, followed by time to check out some of the region's other family-friendly highlights, including the Sun Temple and the Princess Baths Fountain. Then, spend a day checking out the weaving studios in Chinchero, the agricultural complex of Moray, and Salineras' salt pools before transferring back to Cusco to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Peru Family Expedition: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

Discover Sacred Valley's mesmerizing landscapes and picturesque towns on this expedition in Peru, perfect for families who enjoy taking in new sites, scents, and flavors. While keeping on the move, you'll tick off the highlights of Machu Picchu, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. Engage your little explorers with stops at bustling markets while delighting their taste buds as you sample authentic local dishes. Then, end your family excursion embarking on an epic climb up Rainbow Mountain.

Upon arrival in Cusco and checking into your hotel, let your little explorers stretch their legs during a stroll through San Blas and treat curious taste buds to new flavors at a local restaurant. Next, a full day of family fun awaits in Cusco, starting with a visit to the bustling Mercado Central de San Pedro, followed by time at Qoricancha and Sacsayhuamán. Adjusted to Peru's high altitude and warm culture, it's time to hit the road to Pisac. Spend a fascinating day snapping family pictures at Salineras de Maras and touring the magnificent Inca sites above Ollantaytambo before calling it a day. 

After a leisurely morning regrouping from an exciting few days and a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, decide as a family if you'd like to hit the hot springs, walk among butterflies at Mariposario de Machupicchu, or visit the Machu Picchu Museum. Both parents and kids know what awaits, so fuel up with a hearty breakfast before hopping on a bus to Machu Picchu, where you'll have the afternoon to wander the vast complex until it's time to transfer to Cusco. Spend your last full day summiting Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), then pack your bags and prepare for your homeward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Classic Peru for Families: Urubamba, Cusco & Lima

Another highlights itinerary (this time covering the capital), perfect for families seeking a blend of history, culture, and adventure, this trip showcases Peru's must-see sites with a generous helping of kid-friendly activities. From exhilarating rafting trips down the Río Urubamba to a heartwarming visit to a llama sanctuary, each day presents a new, exciting experience for the whole family. Plus, with a day dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu and two nights in Lima, your family will get a thorough introduction to Peru's captivating cities and ancient ruins.

Your family adventure begins with a scenic transfer from Cusco to Urubamba, a lively town set in Peru's highlands and the perfect place to adjust to the altitude. Enjoy a relaxing evening, as the following day, you're straight to the activities, starting with a thrilling whitewater rafting trip along the Río Urubamba and an optional zipline experience for older kids. The excitement carries on the following day, and after a picturesque train ride to Agua Calientes, witness your little ones' faces light up as Machu Picchu appears, and they discover they'll spend the afternoon exploring the grounds. 

Young explorers will be thrilled to rise early the next day, knowing they'll embark on a guided tour of Ollantaytambo's Inca-era canals, Pisac's buzzing market, and Awanakancha Llama Sanctuary. Then, after an enchanting evening in Cusco and a morning stroll through Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, and Puka Pukara sites, it's time to jet off to Lima. With just one day in Peru's vibrant capital, everyone will be eager to set off on a guided walking tour, visiting bustling markets, a 16th-century Cathedral, and the charming bohemian district of Barranco before making your way to the airport for the journey home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Peruvian Amazon & Sacred Valley Family Adventure

If you're looking to incorporate exciting jungle adventures and bucket-list-worthy visits to ancient ruins, consider this nature-forward adventure—suitable for families looking to experience a bit of both. Starting with three days in the Amazon, young wildlife enthusiasts will be captivated by the remarkable creatures. Then, after a transfer to the Sacred Valley, parents and children alike will be blown away by the impressive Machu Picchu and other ancient ruins dotted near Ollantaytambo.

Starting in Lima, your Peruvian family adventure gets off to a fascinating start as you admire Plaza Mayor de Lima's grand architecture and impress young ones with a light show at the Circuito Mágico del Agua. Then, head straight back to the airport the following day for a short flight to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the Amazon. Settle into your jungle lodge and enjoy watching young adventurers' faces light up as they learn about the endless activities they'll be ticking off while here. Between bird-watching tours, jungle hikes, and numerous wildlife encounters, three fun-filled days will fly by.

After breakfast on day five, you'll say your goodbyes to the Amazon and head to Sacred Valley, deep in the Andes mountains. Encourage the little ones to take it easy while acclimating to the high altitude as two thrilling days lie ahead. Wake early to tour Ollantaytambo and check out the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park; then, following a train to Aguas Calientes and a short bus ride, you'll find yourself roaming the mind-boggling ruins of Machu Picchu. On your final morning, let the young adventurers expend their energy exploring Moray and Maras before it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Coastal Peru for Families: Lima, Paracas & Máncora

Get off the beaten path and spend uninterrupted days sailing around islands and soaking up the sun on this relaxing coastal Peru trip. Starting in Lima, it's easy for children and adults to get their bearings and shake off any jet lag. Then, with a fun-filled day exploring Paracas National Reserve by dune buggy, a trip to the Ballestas Islands, and three beach days at the coastal resort of Máncora left on the itinerary, children of all ages will find the right activities to stretch their comfort zone while parents embrace quality family time.

Begin your family adventure in the coastal capital of Lima, where you'll eagerly unpack and set out to explore. If the little ones have some pent-up energy, take them to Kennedy Park or a stroll along Malecón before visiting the ancient clay pyramid of Huaca Pucllana, dating back to 500 CE. Another day in Lima will fly by as you engage curious kids on a city and food tour, complete with visits to the local Mercado and a Coffee Roastery. Then, an early start brings you to Paracas Bay, the ideal jumping-off point for an invigorating dune buggy adventure in Huacachina.

Next on the itinerary is a trip to the Ballestas Islands, where little wildlife lovers will be elated to try their luck spotting sea lions and Humboldt penguins. Happily exhausted from the busy morning, parents will enjoy a quiet transfer to the coastal resort of Máncora—your home for three nights. This lesser-visited town of the North Coast is the perfect place to spend quality family time swimming, learning how to surf, and horseback riding along the beach. But sadly, all good adventures must come to an end, so after breakfast on Day 7, you'll head to the airport to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Peru Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Peru? Check out these other one-week Peru itineraries, outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.