2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Adventurous Peru for Families: Culture, Nature & Hiking

Energetic families interested in a mix of outdoor activities, archaeology, and wildlife will enjoy this active highlights itinerary. In addition to visiting Machu Picchu, you'll tour Lima by bike, scout wildlife in the Amazon, help the kids find their favorite Peruvian dishes on a tasting tour of Lima, capture a family photo at Rainbow Mountain, consider the mysteries of Moray, and trek to the massive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán.

Get acquainted with Lima on a bike tour, then climb up the Huaca Pucllana pyramid for city views and a family photo. Next, head to the Tambopata National Reserve for an immersive experience at Refugio Amazonas Lodge that includes a river cruise where the kids can practice their wildlife photography. Catch a flight to Cusco and embark on a hike in the Sacred Valley (the gentle hike and slightly lower elevation make this a good place for acclimating). Invite the kids to peruse local markets in Ollantaytambo before transferring to Machu Picchu for a family-friendly walking tour of the iconic site. 

Intrigue the kids with theories about the mysterious Moray terraces on your drive back to Cusco on Day 7, then take a family trek at Sacsayhuamán Fortress before departing for the Ausangate region. Trek to Rainbow Mountain, where you can capture the delight on your children's faces upon seeing the colorful landscape. Finally, wrap up your trip in Lima with a tasting tour (picarones, a doughnut made from squash and sweet potatoes, are popular with the kids!) and free time to do some souvenir shopping and take your budding artists to check out the local art—on the street and in the galleries—before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Epic Family Adventure in Peru: Amazon Rainforest, Sacred Valley & Lago Titicaca

The variety of activities on this itinerary makes it a match for families of various ages and interests, including younger children (five plus). Animal lovers, in particular, will enjoy swimming with sea lions in the Palomino Islands, spotting river dolphins in the Amazon, and trekking with llamas in the Sacred Valley. Aspiring archaeologists can explore the Sacsayhuamán Fortress and the Pisac archaeological site. And kids of all interests will be captivated by learning about the traditions and way of life on the "floating islands" of Uros and Taquile.

Ease into your vacation with a relaxing stroll around Parque Kennedy, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and let the kids choose a handcrafted souvenir. Next, head to the Palomino Islands for a swim with the sea lions before making the journey to Pacaya Samiria Lodge. Spend four days experiencing the Amazon through engaging activities, including a jungle hike, a boat ride to search for river dolphins, and a fishing excursion along the Río Marañon, where the kids can catch their lunch. Fly to Cusco and delight the space enthusiasts in the family with a visit to the Cusco Planetarium.

Then, history buffs and aspiring archaeologists will enjoy a tour of Sacsayhuamán Fortress, the Sacred Valley, and the Pisac archaeological site. A trek with llamas around Piuray Lagoon is the perfect setting for a fun family photo before you head to Machu Picchu, where your guide will spark young imaginations with stories of the Inca empire. Cap off your trip with a train ride to Puno and a family kayaking adventure on Lago Titicaca that includes a visit to Uros and Taquile, where the kids can meet the residents and learn what life is like on these "floating islands." Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Family Fun in Peru: Lima, Paracas & the Sacred Valley

Families eager to experience urban adventures, local markets, Peruvian cuisine, and outdoor activities will appreciate this active trip, suitable for kids six and older. You'll take a city tour of Lima, enjoy a family beach day in Paracas, surprise the kids with a thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding in Huacachina, prepare Peruvian food together in a cooking class in Cusco, shop for handcrafted treasures at the market in Pisac, and create memories on a challenging trek at Machu Picchu.

Introduce the kids to Peruvian history and culture on a guided tour of Lima, followed by a visit to the Larco Museum. Then, head to Paracas for a family beach day (older kids may want to try kitesurfing or a paragliding tour) before taking a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe sea lions and seals. Transfer farther south to Huacachina—with a stop for a pisco tasting for the adults—and take the kids on a desert walk or buggy ride along the dunes. Fly to Cusco on Day 6 for a guided tour of historic sites like Qoricancha, followed by a family cooking class and an optional street food tour for your aspiring chefs.

Visit the Sacred Valley next, then bring your crafty kids to the weaving village of Chinchero to watch artisans at work. Continue to Machu Picchu for a family hike (the altitude and incline make this hike moderately challenging, so it's best suited to active families). Encourage the kids to find their favorite local flavors and keepsakes at the market in Pisac before returning to Lima to end your journey with a splash at the Magic Water Circuit light and water show, followed by one final family dinner in Peru. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Epic Family Tour of Peru: Wildlife, Culture & Ancient Ruins

Another active itinerary suited to six years and older is an excellent option for families keen on pairing wildlife encounters with cultural experiences. You'll cover more ground and even venture into the Amazon. Keep the kids captivated with engaging activities that include observing toucans, monkeys, and more on a canopy walk in Tambopata National Reserve, searching for nocturnal creatures on an evening Gamitana Creek cruise, sampling street food in Cusco, learning about Inca history and culture with guided tours of the Urquillos Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and participating in weaving and music workshops while overnighting with a family on Amantaní Island in Lago Titicaca.

After the flight to Lima, let the kids stretch their legs with a walk at El Malecón de Miraflores, then refuel with a Peruvian dinner. Fly to Puerto Maldonado, where you'll board a boat to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge for some family fun in the Amazon, including a canopy walk in Tambopata National Reserve (home to monkeys and toucans), a Gamitana Creek cruise in search of caiman and other river species, and a night hike to observe nocturnal wildlife—plenty of excitement for budding photographers and naturalists. Fly to Cusco and sample street food, then take a family hike on the Urquillos Inca Trail.

Try paddleboarding on Laguna de Huaypo before boarding a train to Aguas Calientes, where you can take a dip in the hot springs. Make memories (and family photos!) on a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, then continue to Puno. Spend your final days immersing the kids in local culture with a visit to the floating islands on Lago Titicaca and an overnight stay with a host family on Amantaní Island—spending time with the community, learning about the way of life, and engaging in activities that include a cooking class, weaving lesson, and music workshop is sure to be a highlight for the whole family. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Family Exploration of Peru: Desert, Mountains & Rainforest

Opt for this itinerary and venture off the beaten path in addition to hitting some of the beloved sites, such as Machu Picchu. Introduce the kids to Peruvian cuisine on a tasting tour of traditional restaurants—away from the crowds—in Lima, take a child-friendly trek to the colorful yet lesser-known Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, swim with pink dolphins in the Amazon, and visit a remote rainforest lagoon.

Give the kids their first taste of Peru on a family bike tour of Lima's huariques (small restaurants with dishes based on family recipes passed down through generations). Take the bus to Ica for some desert adventures in Huacachina—sandboarding and a buggy ride across the dunes will be a hit with outdoorsy kids. Next, you'll enjoy a wildlife cruise in the Ballestas Islands, where you and your family can spot seals and Humboldt penguins. Head to Sacred Valley on Day 5 to meet the furry residents of Awana Kancha Llama Sanctuary, then surprise your intrepid kids with a zipline and via ferrata excursion in Sector Pachar.

Shop for souvenirs in Ollantaytambo and tour Pachamanca Farm before making your way to Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Look for llamas on a trek to Palcoyo, the lesser-known (and less strenuous) sister of Rainbow Mountain. Catch a flight to Iquitos City, the gateway to your Amazon experience at Muyuna Lodge that includes family-friendly activities such as a swim with pink dolphins, a bird-watching boat trip, and an evening canoe safari. On your final day, take the kids on one last adventure: a visit to a remote rainforest lagoon before returning to Iquitos City for your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Peru Itineraries

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