Family Travel Tips for Peru
Peru is one of the most rewarding destinations on earth for families — ancient ruins, the Amazon, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Here's everything you actually need to know before you go.
Plan Your Family TripHealth & Acclimatisation
Altitude & Health in Peru: What Families Need to Know
Altitude sickness (soroche) is the most important health consideration for families visiting the Andes. Cusco sits at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft) and Machu Picchu at around 2,430 m — high enough that children and adults alike can feel breathless, headachy, or nauseous on arrival. The good news: with a sensible plan, most families adapt well.
The single best strategy is to build in acclimatisation time. Arrive in Cusco a day or two before any big hikes. Spend the first day resting, drinking plenty of water, and eating lightly. Many families start their Peru trip with the Amazon or Lake Titicaca — both at lower or moderate elevation — before ascending to the highlands, which lets the body adjust gradually.
Coca tea (mate de coca) is a mild traditional remedy widely available in highland hotels; it's generally considered safe for older children in small amounts, but check with your doctor. Prescription altitude medications (like acetazolamide) are sometimes recommended for adults — consult your GP before travel, especially if your children have any respiratory conditions.
- Arrive at high altitude a day or two early; don't rush to hike on day one
- Stay well-hydrated and avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude
- Keep meals light on arrival — heavy food slows acclimatisation
- If a child shows persistent headache, vomiting, or confusion, descend and seek care immediately
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is essential for highland travel
When planning your visit to Machu Picchu and Cusco, build in flexibility so you can descend to lower elevation if a family member needs recovery time.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Peru with Kids
May through October is generally the best time to visit Peru with children. This is the dry season across the highlands and the Sacred Valley, meaning stable weather, less mud on trails, and far fewer weather-related travel disruptions — especially important when travelling with children who have shorter patience for delays.
June and July are the peak of the dry season and coincide with school holidays in many countries, so they're busy and slightly pricier. Shoulder months — May and September — offer excellent conditions with smaller crowds. The Amazon has its own rhythm and is actually most easily explored during the wet season (November–April), when water levels are high and wildlife concentrated — so a split itinerary can work beautifully for families.
May – October (Dry Season)
Best for highland trekking, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. Clear skies, passable trails, and cooler nights. Ideal for most families.
November – April (Wet Season)
Lush scenery and fewer tourists at highland sites, but trails can be muddy and some routes close. Great for Amazon wildlife and Colca Canyon in dry spells.
June – August (Peak)
School holiday season globally. Book accommodation and Machu Picchu tickets well in advance — slot times sell out months ahead during this window.
May & September (Sweet Spot)
Shoulder months combining dry conditions with lighter crowds and slightly lower prices. Often the smartest choice for families who can travel flexibly.
What to Bring
Packing Guide for Families Visiting Peru
Packing for Peru with children means preparing for three distinct climates in one trip: tropical heat in the Amazon, cold highland nights in Cusco, and coastal humidity in Lima. Layering is the key principle. Light breathable tops, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof shell cover nearly every scenario.
Children burn through clothing faster than adults, so pack an extra day's worth for each child. Quick-dry fabrics are worth the investment — they wash and dry overnight in most hotel rooms. For an Amazon rainforest stay, long sleeves and trousers are essential in the evenings for insect protection, regardless of how warm it feels.
| Category | Essentials for Families | Why It Matters in Peru |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Layering system: base, mid, waterproof shell; long sleeves for Amazon | Temperature swings 20°C+ between day and night at altitude |
| Footwear | Broken-in hiking shoes or boots; sandals for warmer sites | Cobblestone ruins and uneven trails are hard on unprepared feet |
| Sun & Insect | SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brim hats, insect repellent (DEET or picaridin) | UV intensity is extreme at altitude; mosquitoes carry dengue in jungle regions |
| Health & Meds | Oral rehydration salts, children's paracetamol, any prescriptions, basic first-aid kit | Pharmacies exist in cities but may lack specific brands or children's formulations |
| Documents | Passports (valid 6+ months), copies stored separately, travel insurance details | Children require valid passports; some sites need printed booking confirmations |
| Tech & Comfort | Universal adapter, portable charger, downloaded offline maps | Remote areas have limited or no connectivity; offline navigation is a lifesaver |
| Snacks & Hydration | Reusable water bottle + filter, familiar snacks for picky eaters | Tap water is not safe to drink; altitude suppresses appetite in children initially |
Staying Safe
Safety Tips for Families in Peru
Peru is a welcoming and generally safe destination for families, but like any international trip it rewards a little preparation. The main considerations are petty theft in busy tourist areas, food and water safety, and the health risks particular to remote or high-altitude environments.
Water & Food Safety
Drink only bottled or filtered water throughout Peru — including for brushing teeth. Stick to hot, freshly cooked food at busy local restaurants. Raw salads and street ice cream carry higher risk for children with sensitive stomachs.
Petty Theft & Valuables
Keep passports and extra cash in a hotel safe. Use a basic anti-theft day bag in markets and busy squares. Don't flash expensive cameras or phones in crowded areas — this applies in Lima, Cusco, and any major hub.
Medical Facilities
Lima and Cusco have good private clinics used to treating tourists. In remote Amazon or rural highland areas, serious medical care may be hours away — comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover is non-negotiable for families.
Vaccinations
Consult a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Common recommendations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and — for Amazon travel — yellow fever. Check current CDC or NHS guidance for the most up-to-date advice for children.
Transport Safety
Use reputable, licensed transport — your hotel or a trusted travel agency can arrange this. Avoid informal buses on mountain roads at night. Taxis booked via apps or hotel desks are safer than flagging down unmarked vehicles.
Wildlife & Environment
In the Amazon, always follow guide instructions — don't touch plants or animals you can't identify. Wear covered shoes on jungle walks. High-altitude UV is intense year-round; reapply sunscreen every two hours even on overcast days.
Managing Costs
Budget Planning for a Peru Family Trip
A Peru family holiday can suit a wide range of budgets, from comfortable mid-range travel to fully guided premium experiences. The biggest cost variables are accommodation style, whether you book independently or through a specialist, and how many bucket-list sites (Machu Picchu, Amazon lodges) you include.
Entry fees to major sites like Machu Picchu are charged per person regardless of age, so they add up for a family of four. Book tickets as early as possible — slot times are limited and prices can rise. Working with a recommended family travel agency often saves money on bundled transport and accommodation, and significantly reduces stress in a country where logistics can be complex.
For a deeper look at what to see and where to spend your time, explore our guide to Peru's top destinations for families and the range of cultural experiences that work especially well with children.
Ready to Plan Your Family's Peru Adventure?
Every family trip is different. Whether you want a highland-focused journey around Cusco and Machu Picchu, an Amazon rainforest immersion, or a mix of both, we can help you put it together.