WhyYou’ll Love This Tour
Easy, Family-Friendly Travel
Short trips, kid-friendly activities & smooth days.
Adventures Kids Will Love
Llamas, weaving, and playful exploration of ruins.
Fun & Relaxation for All
Light adventure, culture & downtime together.
Overview
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with our signature family trip to Peru. This 12-day Peru family tour itinerary is meticulously crafted to balance high-energy exploration with comfortable, kid-friendly pacing. Among our family tours in Peru, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, wildlife, and family-friendly activities for travelers of all ages. From the vibrant coastal life of Lima to the ancient mysteries of the Andes, we provide a comprehensive family trip to Peru. Built on our motto of “German precision, Peruvian passion” we handle every logistical detail with total reliability, ensuring your family enjoys authentic experiences backed by over 1,500+ 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
Planning a Family Trip to Peru: Lima and Optional Paracas & Huacachina
Your Peru family vacation begins in Lima, where you will indulge in world-class flavors before continuing either to Cusco or choosing our Optional Paracas & Huacachina Desert Adventure. Discover the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands by boat and experience the thrill of sandboarding and dune buggy rides across the towering dunes of the Huacachina oasis – an unforgettable mix of nature and adrenaline for the whole family. We apply “German precision” to all logistics, ensuring top-tier safety, professional guides, and kid-friendly activities.
Sacred Valley Heritage: Family-Friendly Exploration and Culture
The second phase of your family trip to Peru itinerary takes you to the Sacred Valley. To ensure your family’s comfort, we head straight to lower altitudes for proper acclimatization. Our strategy to avoid the crowds allows you to explore the Maras salt mines and the Moray ruins in peace. Because we offer 100% customizable tours, we can include hands-on activities like traditional weaving workshops or chocolate making. This ensures that your Peru family vacation Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu is not just a sightseeing trip, but a deep cultural connection for all ages.
The Magic of Machu Picchu: An Unforgettable Family Milestone
The undisputed highlight of your Peru tours in 12 days is the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. We manage the complex train and entry logistics with total precision, choosing the most comfortable services and optimal entry times to ensure a stress-free visit. Our expert guides specialize in storytelling that engages both children and adults, bringing the history of the Inca Empire to life. This visit is the centerpiece of your comprehensive family trip to Peru, providing a shared family milestone in one of the world’s most spectacular settings.
Adventure and Relaxation: Concluding Your Peru Family Vacation
To round out your 12-day Peru family tour itinerary, we provide a final immersion into the colonial charm of Cusco. Depending on your family’s interests, you can choose between a relaxed city exploration or a soft-adventure day trip. Every aspect of our planning reflects a commitment to quality and safety, ensuring that your family vacation to Peru ends on a high note. As with all of our 2-week Peru itineraries, this journey is carefully paced to balance iconic highlights with authentic local experiences, allowing every member of the family to fully enjoy the adventure. Trust in our proven track record to deliver a flawlessly executed journey that combines the logistical excellence of “German precision” with the warm, local heart of “Peruvian passion.”
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1 : Arrival in Lima (Optional Culinary Tour)
- Day 2 : Bike Tour in Miraflores & Barranco + Culinary Experience
- Day 3 : Flight to Cusco & Transfer to Sacred Valley
- Day 4 : ATV or Bike Tour to Maras & Moray + Local Community Visit
- Day 5 : Ollantaytambo, Pachamanca Experience & Train to Machu Picchu
- Day 6 : Machu Picchu & Stay at Llama Lodge
- Day 7 : Morning at the Lodge, Cusco City Tour & Stargazing
- Day 8 : Llama Walk & Textile Workshop
- Day 9 : Rainbow Mountain
- Day 10 : Return to Lima or Optional Paracas & Huacachina Desert Adventure
- Day 11 : Ballestas Islands & Beach Day
- Day 12 : Return to Lima & Farewell
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Lima
Today’s Highlight: Arrive in Lima, settle into your hotel, and unwind along the scenic Pacific coast.
Upon arrival in Lima, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to recover from your journey.
You can take a gentle stroll along the Malecón, enjoy ocean views, or relax at your hotel in preparation for the adventure ahead.
Overnight in Lima
Optional: Add our Lima half-day city tour and explore the city’s beautiful neighborhoods, local markets and more.
Day 2 : Bike Tour in Miraflores & Barranco + Culinary Experience
Today’s Highlight: Ride along Lima’s cliffs and discover its flavors in a fun, hands-on cooking experience.
Start the morning with a guided bike tour along the scenic coastal cliffs of Miraflores and Barranco, passing through parks, local cafés, and vibrant street art. This gentle ride is a great way to explore Lima’s most charming neighborhoods.
After the ride, enjoy a hands-on culinary experience where you learn more about Peru’s gastronomy hype, taste the most famous dishes and even prepare your own!
Overnight in Lima
Breakfast & Lunch included
Day 3 : Flight to Cusco & Transfer to Sacred Valley
Today’s Highlight: Fly into the Andes and explore Chinchero’s colorful textiles and mountain charm.
Fly to Cusco in the morning and travel directly to the Sacred Valley to acclimatize. On the way, stop in Chinchero, an Andean village known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional textile workshops. Here, you will see local artisans creating colorful handwoven fabrics using ancient techniques. Afterwards, enjoy a fresh and delicious lunch in Urubamba before heading to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 4 : ATV or Bike Tour to Maras & Moray + Local Community Visit
Today’s Highlight: Explore Maras and Moray by bike or ATV and connect with Andean life in a local village.
Today, you can choose between an adventurous bike tour or an exciting ATV ride through the Sacred Valley, passing through beautiful Andean landscapes and local farmlands. The journey includes visits to the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds create a breathtaking view, and Moray, a fascinating circular Incan agricultural site.
The day continues with an immersive visit to a local Andean community, where families can participate in weaving, farming, or playing traditional Andean games with local children. A delicious home-cooked lunch will be served before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 5 : Ollantaytambo, Pachamanca Experience & Train to Machu Picchu
Today’s Highlight: Walk through Inca history, savor a traditional Pachamanca, and ride the train to Machu Picchu.
Begin the day by exploring the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Peru. Afterwards, experience a traditional pachamanca meal, where food is cooked underground using hot stones, a unique Andean culinary tradition.
In the afternoon, board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. For more adventurous families, there is an optional opportunity to hike the two-day Inca Trail, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 6 : Machu Picchu & Stay at Llama Lodge
Today’s Highlight: Discover Machu Picchu’s ancient wonder, then relax among llamas in the Sacred Valley.
Spend the morning exploring the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu with a knowledgeable guide who will bring history to life through engaging storytelling. Learn about the fascinating Incan civilization while exploring ancient temples, terraces, and hidden corners of this world wonder.
Later, return by train to the Sacred Valley and head to the Llama lodge, a serene retreat surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. Here, you can enjoy interacting with alpacas and llamas or just relax and take in the peaceful setting.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight at Llama Lodge (Sacred Valley)
Day 7 : Morning at the Lodge, Cusco City Tour & Stargazing
Today’s Highlight: Enjoy a slow morning, explore Cusco’s highlights, and gaze at Andean constellations.
Enjoy a slow-paced morning at the lodge, where your kids can play with the animals while you take in the spectacular mountain views.
Then, travel back to Cusco for a guided city tour, visiting the Koricancha Temple, the Plaza de Armas and the impressive Sacsayhuamán ruins overlooking the city. As the evening falls, take part in a magical stargazing experience, where a local expert will share Incan legends about the cosmos while pointing out constellations in the clear Andean sky.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 8 : Llama Walk & Textile Workshop
Today’s Highlight: Take a family llama walk and learn the art of traditional Andean weaving.
Start the day with a family-friendly llama and alpaca walk, a fun and interactive way to learn about these gentle Andean animals. Your kids will enjoy feeding and leading the llamas through scenic countryside trails.
Later, visit a traditional textile workshop to discover the intricate art of Andean weaving. Learn how local artisans use natural dyes and ancient techniques to create beautiful handmade fabrics, and try your hand at weaving a small piece yourself.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 9 : Rainbow Mountain
Today’s Highlight: Witness the vivid colors of Rainbow Mountain on a gentle, scenic Andean route.
An early morning departure takes you to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, known for its striking natural colors. Instead of the traditional long hike, you will take a shorter and more accessible route to enjoy the incredible landscape without strenuous trekking.
Along the way, admire the Andean scenery, spot alpacas and llamas and take in the panoramic views of this unique geological wonder.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 10 : Return to Lima or Optional Paracas & Huacachina Desert Adventure
Today’s Highlight: Relax in Lima or set out for dunes, desert oases, and coastal adventure.
You can choose to return to Lima for a relaxing day before your departure or take an optional adventure to Paracas and Huacachina. In Paracas, explore the scenic coastline, or head to the desert oasis of Huacachina for an exciting dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience. This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a different side of Peru’s landscape while taking in the warm coastal climate.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Lima or Paracas
Day 11 : Ballestas Islands & Beach Day
Today’s Highlight: Cruise to the Ballestas Islands, spot penguins and sea lions, and unwind by the sea.
Embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, where you will see sea lions, penguins and a variety of marine birds in their natural habitat. This wildlife-rich excursion is often called the “Galápagos of Peru.” Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing day at the beach in Paracas, with plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing or exploring the local area. In the evening, return to Lima.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Lima
Day 12 : Return to Lima & Farewell
Today’s Highlight: Enjoy your final morning in Peru before your flight home, filled with lasting memories.
Spend your final morning in Lima before transferring to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Peru’s landscapes, culture and adventures.
- Included
- Airport transfers with our staff accompanying you
- All tours stated in the itinerary with fluent English speaking licensed local guides
- Private tours with all entrance tickets
- Hotels with breakfast if selected
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above (vegan and vegetarian options available). We eat in some of the best restaurants in the area.
- Trekking pole, first aid kit and oxygen for the hikes
- Welcome kit and virtual support during your trip
- Not Included
- Domestic and international flights (domestic flights will be added in the quote if desired)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not specified
- Travel insurance
Prices
Based on double/triple occupancy and the hotels mentioned below or similar ones in the same category.
- Service
- Comfortable 3-start hotels
- Standard train to Machu Picchu
- Shared/private transfers
- Daily breakfast
- Service
- Upgraded 4-start hotels
- Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- More comfortable transport
- Restaurant upgrades
- Service
- Luxury 5-start hotels
- Hiram Bingham train (optional)
- VIP private transfers
- Exclusive experiences
Hotels
JW Marriott
- 250 m from the oceanfront
JW Marriott Miraflores offers ocean-view rooms, excellent dining, and a well-equipped gym, in a prime waterfront location beside Larcomar for an upscale stay.
Souma Miraflores
- 650 m from Parque Kennedy
Souma Miraflores offers modern comfort near Parque Kennedy and Larcomar, with air-conditioned rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, rooftop terrace, restaurant, and convenient access to Lima’s highlights.
Lima 18 Boutique Hotel
- Steps from Huaca Pucllana
Lima 18 Boutique offers charming, intimate accommodation in the heart of Miraflores, with just 11 air-conditioned rooms featuring curated artwork and modern touches, a serene garden terrace, complimentary à la carte breakfast, and attentive personalized service — all within walking distance of Parque Kennedy, Huaca Pucllana, and Larcomar.
Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection
- 500 m from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Palacio del Inka, beside the Koricancha Temple, is a luxury hotel built on original Inca foundations, featuring stunning colonial architecture and guided historical tours.
Novotel
- 350 m from Plaza de Armas (main Square)
Novotel Cusco, set in a restored 16th-century building just three blocks from the main square, offers modern comfort, local charm, and a heated courtyard for relaxing.
Rumi Punku
- 300 m away from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Hotel Rumi Punku is a charming 3-star stay just 300m from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, offering cozy rooms with private bathrooms and cable TV, free WiFi, and a traditional courtyard garden.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- 250 m from the oceanfront
Inkaterra El Pueblo sits at the foot of Machu Picchu near the train station, offering upscale comfort, lush nature, and an immersive stay for your visit.
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu
- Next to train station
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu is a luxury retreat near the train station, with elegant rooms, modern comforts, private bathrooms, mini-bars, satellite TV, luggage storage, and attentive concierge service.
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
- 5 min from the bus station
Tierra Viva Cusco Machu Picchu offers peaceful rooms with cable TV, mini-bars, and private bathrooms, some with hillside views, plus a panoramic sun terrace and free WiFi, just a short walk from Machu Picchu.
Tambo Del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
- Next to Urubamba River
Tambo del Inka is a luxury Sacred Valley resort with a private train station to Machu Picchu, elegant rooms with local details, a spa, pool, and stunning mountain views.
Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado
- 11 km from Ollantaytambo
Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley offers mountain views near Ollantaytambo, with a spa, outdoor activities, gardens, playgrounds, and an observatory for relaxed stargazing.
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
- 11 km to Ollantaytambo
This hotel offers 36 spacious rooms with warm wood and stone accents, lush gardens, Andean mountain views, and an on-site sauna for a relaxing retreat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 12-day Peru family tour suitable for young children?
Yes, our family friendly trip to Peru is designed with kids in mind. We prioritize lower altitudes in the Sacred Valley first to help with accLimatization and use private transport to keep the travel time between sites efficient and comfortable for the whole family.
How much does a family trip to Peru cost for 12 days?
The cost of a Peru family vacation package depends on your group size and level of customization. However, because our tours are 100% customizable, we can tailor the hotels and activities to fit your family’s specific budget and preferences.
What is the best time of year for a Peru family vacation with Amazon?
The dry season (May to October) is ideal for both the Andes and the Amazon. During this time, you’ll have clear skies for Machu Picchu and easier trail conditions for jungle excursions, ensuring the best family tours of Peru.
Do you offer private family guided tours in Peru?
Absolutely. We specialize in family guided tours Peru that are private and personalized. This allows your family to move at its own pace and focus on the activities that interest your children the most.
What should we pack for a 12-day family trip to Peru?
You will experience multiple cLimates, from the humid Amazon to the cool Andean nights. We recommend layers, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. We provide a detailed packing list once your Peru family trips are booked.
