Coastal Peru for Families: Lima, Paracas & Máncora - 7 Days

Highlights

• Experience Lima's famous food, sights, and culture 
• Surf down the Huacachina dunes 
• Meet the penguins on a tour of the Ballestas Islands
• Swim with sea turtles in the coastal resort of Máncora

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Explore

Welcome to Lima! Peru's capital enjoys a breezy location on the Pacific Ocean, and its mild desert climate makes it perfect for discovering on foot. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your city hotel. Settle in with the kids after your flight, then head out to explore. If you're staying in Miraflores or Barranco, make your way to the Malecón (a scenic path along the clifftop), a local favorite filled with child-friendly parks. Grab a drink at Larcomar, a shopping precinct overlooking the ocean and the perfect place to toast the start of your family adventure.

If the kids have excited energy to burn off, stroll to the heart of Miraflores, where you'll find Kennedy Park, a green oasis perfect for kids to run around and stretch their legs after the flight. Keep your eyes peeled among the greenery and local stalls for the cute wandering cats, bound to elicit excitement from pet-loving little ones. A 20-minute walk north takes you to Huaca Pucllana, an ancient clay pyramid with seven staggered platforms that dates back to 500 CE. The site is a great way to get the kids engaged with Peru's history as you explore the ruins before heading out to dinner.

Day 2: Lima City & Food Tour

Lima has an impressive dining reputation, and after breakfast, head out with the kids for a fun, interactive tour of the city and its food scene. Start with a visit to the local Mercado (market) in Lima's UNESCO-listed historic center. Perfect for curious kids, the colorful market has a buzzy atmosphere where you'll have fun perusing the stalls and tasting the variety of delicious and exotic fresh juices which Peru is known for.

If you didn't get a chance to visit the neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco yesterday, don't worry! Your guide will show you the best local foodie haunts and entertain the kids with stories and tales of Lima throughout the ages. Take a breather, refuel at an organic Coffee Roastery, and then stop for lunch at one of Lima's notable restaurants. You'll dine amid views of pre-Inca ruins before you sample and discover how to make the perfect pisco sour—a Peruvian classic. Your tour finishes with an afternoon stroll to the bohemian district of Barranco.

Day 3: Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina Sandboarding & Dune Buggy Adventure

It's an early start this morning, but worth it, as you and the kids transfer three hours south along the coast to Paracas Bay. The gateway to the Paracas National Reserve, the park is one of Peru's most important conservation areas, protecting the region's desert and ocean ecosystems. Drop your bags at your hotel and embark on a guided tour of the area, with plenty of opportunities for you and the kids to get up close to the reserve's natural wonders.

As you explore the desert cliffs, look out for La Cátedral (The Cathedral), a million-year-old rock formation rising from the ocean. An earthquake in 2007 destroyed much of it, but you can still see the base rising from the sea. Eagle-eyed kids will spot the turritellas (fossilized sea snails) embedded into the ground and a reminder that the area was once underwater. The nearby beaches of Playa Lagunilla, Yumaque, and Red are ideal for some exhilarating play with the little ones and a lovely setting to watch the waves roll in. 

Day 4: Ballestas Islands Tour, Transfer to Lima, Fly to Máncora

Wake up to the sounds of the ocean and rally the kids for today's Ballestas Islands adventure. Often compared to the Galápagos because of the wide variety of wildlife that has made the archipelago home, the Ballestas Islands are an essential sanctuary for marine life. Board your private boat, and as you sail out, get the kids to keep their eyes peeled for El Candelabro (The Chandelier), a nearly 595-foot (181 m) long candlestick-shaped symbol etched into the side of a nearby hill.

Sail around the islands, and your mini wildlife enthusiasts will have fun spotting the cute Humboldt penguins amid the rocks, the playful sea lions frolicking on the shores, and various unique bird species, such as the Peruvian booby. Return to Paracas, and you'll have time to grab a bite to eat and check out, ready for your transfer to Lima and then onward to the coastal resort of Máncora. After this morning's exhilarating boat journey, there's every chance the kids will catch some shut-eye as your driver takes you to the airport.

Day 5: Swim with Turtles in Los Organos 

The resort of Máncora on Peru's North Coast is a gem, often overlooked by travelers in favor of the country's Inca attractions. Its endless sandy beach, warm sea, fantastic food, abundant watersports, and child-friendly activities make it an excellent spot for families. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast after yesterday's travel, and at the appointed hour, your driver will take you to the pier, where you and the kids will have fun sailing around the coast and spotting the various wildlife species.

Next, you'll head to the warm waters around Los Órganos, a peaceful area home to a number of sea turtles. These noble, gentle giants will happily let considerate swimmers glide alongside. Spend a relaxing hour bathing in the turquoise sea as the kids get to know their new-found friends. Afterward, you'll return to your resort, where the rest of the day is yours to swim or relax on the beach. You'll be spoilt for choice in the evening with several family-friendly dining spots nearby.

Day 6: Free Day in Máncora

Day 7: Fly to Lima, Depart