Family holiday destination
Best family holiday destination in South America?
This week travel expert and parent of two kids Mark Smith gives us his top tips for what to do in Cusco for families and kids.
He writes…
“Cusco is the best family holiday destination” says our guide Mark Smith.
The Essex-born 41-year-old’s opinion has gravitas, considering he has worked in tourism for 23 years and lived for the last decade in Peru.
He said: “Cusco is the perfect place for a family holiday As the father of 5 and 7-year-old girls, it is nice to be in a place where you have options. There are plenty of things to do with kids in Cusco.
“While there are no Butlin’s holiday camps here, no ice skating rinks, cinemas or artificial entertainments, Cusco is the kind of place where kids can just be kids.
“Like we used to be before everyone got trapped behind the screens of laptops, smartphones and playstations.”
Multi activities
There are a plethora of activities, from stand up paddleboarding on local lakes, to horse riding around Inca ruins, from biking along hillside trails, to walking the Royal Inca Trail or rafting down the rapids.
A wander through the streets of this lovely old town is filled with reminders of the prowess of the old Inca empire, brought to life by our knowledgeable guides.
Mark said: “Yes, there are the Incas, yet this is a history still very much alive today.
“The colourful dress of local people, the smell of food cooking on the sidewalk, the vibrancy of frequent local festivals all attack the senses. It is the kind of place that makes you want to know more.
“You cannot help but ask questions. ‘Why are they dancing? Where does this path go? Why do cars not stop at red lights? What do you mean they eat guinea pigs?’”
Even more to do
Photos opportunities with cute baby llamas. The chance to make your own Inca pottery and even a wrokshop where you can make your own chocolates.
And Mark’s own kids like all the adventure?: “Gently trotting around the ruins above Cusco on horseback was for years their favourite.
“Now however there is nothing they like more than to grab one of our standup paddleboards and float around the lake on a sunny day.
“All this fresh air is great for tiring out the kids, leaving the adults to have a nice relaxing time too.
“So yes, you could take your kids to the beach, or somewhere where they will be occupied artificially all day long.
“But a trip to Cusco, can give you the kind of shared memories that are harder and harder to come by. And that will last a lifetime. Cusco is the perfect place to take kids on holiday”
