Peru – top tips for taking the kids
Andean Trails director Kathy and her son (now eleven) are frequent travellers to Peru.
Their latest trip was earlier this year and top of their list was the Lodge to Lodge Lares trek, a community tourism project in the Sacred Valley and a homestay with some day walks in the Ausangate area.
Kathy is sharing some ideas for Peru family holiday activities and some top tips for taking kids to Peru.
Walking holidays in Peru with kids
Now my son is eleven he is up for pretty much anything and certainly can trek as much as most adults. Since he was six I have been taking him with me when I go on multi-day walks in Peru.
On the first trek he did with me, aged 6, he sat very happily on a horse for 4 days, while I walked (the Moon Temple trek). Now he is older, fitter, stronger and used to Andean walking he is certainly able to trek as much as I do. But he does still like the occasional horse ride, so I always make sure there is an option for him to ride the emergency horse if he doesn’t feel like walking. We can offer this on any of our treks, except the Inca Trail where horses are not allowed.
The rather luxurious Lares lodge to lodge trek is ideal for families as each day there is an option of activities, some tougher with up to 7 hours of walking, and some short walks or cultural visits. The guides are happy for kids to go along without the parents. So, families can split up. We also asked for a horse to be on hand, so Lewis had the option on the long steep ascents, of the horse’s help. This fabulous trekking itinerary works for any age of kids as the activities offered each day can accommodate all interests and abilities.
Many of our other treks are also suitable for active kids, including the Inca Trail. Check with us about kit lists as making sure the kids are well equipped is essential to their enjoyment. Good boots, sleeping bags and waterproof jackets are essential, as well as hats, gloves and warm clothes, especially in July and August when night time temperatures can fall below freezing.
Community tourism and homestay in Peru with kids
The homestay adventure and community tourism projects in the Sacred Valley and the Ausangate area are quite basic in terms of facilities, but offer plenty to do for kids. There are activities like milking cows, potato digging, alfalfa chopping, guinea pig feeding and visits to a cheese plant and guinea pig breeding centre, plus rides on a moto taxi and a chance to hang out with the local kids.
Other places to go with kids in Peru
Cusco is a great base for families. The town offers hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. There are markets, museums, numerous restaurants, cafes and bars, plus Inca sites where kids can run free, chocolate making, cooking classes and dance classes to name but a few.
Pisac town, in the Sacred Valley is well known for its fabulous Inca site, and indigenous market. It also has a 50 metre indoor swimming pool, so a great day out from Cusco with a chance to relax a bit as well as be cultural.
Alternatively choose to stay in the Sacred Valley, where there are day walks, horse riding, rafting, kayak, biking, and Inca sites to explore. Just ask for our suggestions of what would best work for your family.
Free time
Do plan in some free time. It is tempting to fill each and every day of your holiday with activities but almost without fail, adults and kids alike feedback to us that they would have liked an extra day or two in their trips, just to chill out, relax and wander, with no planned activities.
The Amazon jungle – a highlight for many
Our advice is DO take your kids to the jungle – it is often a highlight for children once they get used to the warmer, humid conditions. The wildlife is right on the doorstep, with birds and monkeys readily spotted and a full range of activities to get involved in such as walks, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, tree climbing.
Many of the lodges have excellent guides specifically trained to work with kids. They are expert at engaging all ages in the life of the Amazon.
The lodges often have play areas suitable for smaller kids, hammocks for all ages and most now have WIFI.
A big plus is that food in the Amazon lodges is usually served as a buffet so kids can pick and choose for themselves.
To protect yourselves from the insects dress appropriately with long sleeves and use repellent. In my experience the mozzies are not nearly as bad as you think they would be – and in and around lodges there don’t seem to be many at all. Just don’t camp if you don’t like mosquitoes – the one time I did, on a sand bank by a river it really was bad for bugs and bites.
Plan your holiday
Are you thinking of going to South America with your family?
If so, and you want to start planning your adventure then do get in touch with us.
