We're a Family Who Chose Peru — Then Couldn't Stop Talking About It
Family Travel Peru was built by parents who've navigated altitude sickness, made friends on Andean trains, and watched their children light up at Machu Picchu. We're here so your family can do the same — with less guesswork.
Our Story
How a Single Trip to Cusco Became a Lifelong Obsession With Peru
Family Travel Peru started as a shared travel journal after founders Melissa and Daniel Vargas took their two children — then aged 6 and 9 — to Peru for three weeks in 2018. What began as one ambitious family vacation turned into a recurring love affair with a country that consistently surprises, moves, and challenges every visitor who comes with an open heart.
On that first trip, Melissa and Daniel quickly realized that almost every travel resource they could find was written for solo backpackers or luxury couples. Advice about hiking the Inca Trail with kids, choosing family-friendly lodges near the Amazon rainforest, or preparing children for high-altitude Andean cities was nearly impossible to find in one place.
So they started writing it themselves. What began as a personal blog grew — through return trips, community feedback, and collaborations with Peruvian locals — into the comprehensive, family-first resource you're reading now.
"Our youngest daughter cried when we left Cusco the first time. She was eight. We told her we'd come back. We've been back three times since. That promise is the reason this site exists."
— Melissa Vargas, Co-founder
Over the years, Melissa and Daniel have expanded their Peru travels to include the Colca Canyon, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the streets of Lima's Barranco district, and lesser-known communities in the Sacred Valley. Each trip has added depth to the guides and recommendations you'll find across this site.
Our Mission
Why We Do This: Making Peru Accessible for Families of All Kinds
Our mission is simple: give every family — regardless of budget, children's ages, or travel experience — the honest, practical information they need to travel Peru with confidence and genuine joy.
Honest, Tested Advice
Every destination and tip on this site has been experienced first-hand by our team or thoroughly vetted with trusted local partners. We don't recommend what we haven't personally evaluated or deeply researched with families in mind.
Family-First Framing
From safety at altitude to keeping kids engaged at archaeological sites, our family travel tips for Peru address the real logistics that adult-only travel guides skip entirely.
Respect for Peru
We advocate for responsible tourism — visiting communities respectfully, supporting ethical operators, and helping families leave Peru better than they found it. Peru's culture and ecosystems deserve protection, not exploitation.
Breadth of Discovery
Peru is far more than Machu Picchu. Our guides cover ancient wonders from Cusco to Chavín, living cultural experiences, and wild natural landscapes so your family sees the whole picture.
The People
Meet the Team Behind Family Travel Peru
Family Travel Peru is run by a small, passionate team of parents, writers, and Peru specialists. We've collectively spent years exploring the country — in school holidays, sabbaticals, and extended research trips — specifically to understand what works for families.
Melissa Vargas
Co-Founder & Lead Editor
Melissa leads all editorial content and destination research. A former primary school teacher, she brings a child-centred lens to every guide — asking not just "is this worth visiting?" but "will a nine-year-old find this magical?" Her detailed notes from six Peru visits form the backbone of our top Peru destinations for families.
Daniel Vargas
Co-Founder & Logistics Specialist
Daniel handles the practical side: transport, accommodation vetting, altitude preparation, and working with our recommended travel agencies in Peru. His background in project management means our itinerary advice is grounded in realistic logistics, not wishful planning.
Sofía Quispe
Peru Local Correspondent
Born in Arequipa and now based in Cusco, Sofía is our eyes and ears on the ground. She updates us on changing conditions, seasonal festivals, and community experiences that no travel blog written from abroad can reliably capture. Her input is especially important for our guides on authentic Peruvian cultural experiences.
Ready to Start Planning Your Family's Peru Adventure?
Whether you're drawn to ancient Inca citadels, the sounds of the Amazon at dawn, or the bold flavours of Peruvian markets — we've built guides to help your family get there. Start exploring, and reach out if you need personalised advice.