Planning a family adventure to Peru can feel overwhelming with so many incredible destinations. We recently completed a journey through Peru with our girls, Buttercup and Spider Monkey, and now we’re sharing the ultimate 10 day Peru itinerary for families. This guide balances adventure, culture, and relaxation, showing how to experience Peru at a family-friendly pace. Whether you’re looking for Incan ruins, desert landscapes, or vibrant cities, this Peru trip itinerary has you covered.
Day 1 – Lima: Arrival and Exploring
Our Peru adventure began in Lima, where we had arrived the night before. After a long flight, we took it slow and let the girls get a feel for the city. Lima is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, colonial architecture, and stunning ocean views. Even if your arrival is late, a relaxed evening stroll through Miraflores or Barranco can set the stage for your trip. Buttercup and Spider Monkey were immediately captivated by the colorful street art and playful coastal parks.
We also recommend enjoying Lima’s food scene. From ceviche to fresh juice bars, the city offers a variety of family-friendly options. For ideas on what to explore and eat in Lima, check out our full guide on things to do in Lima with kids.
Day 2 – Day Trip from Lima to Paracas, Huacachina & Nazca
This day was action-packed, taking us from the coast to the desert. We started early with a drive to Paracas, a small coastal town known for its marine wildlife. The Islas Ballestas tour was a family favorite. Buttercup squealed when sea lions peeked out of the water, and Spider Monkey loved spotting pelicans in flight. The tour is short enough for little ones, yet full of memorable moments. You can read more about it here.
After exploring the wildlife-rich shores of Paracas and cruising among sea lions and seabirds on the Ballestas Islands, we continued inland to one of Peru’s most surreal landscapes: the Huacachina desert oasis. This tiny village surrounded by towering sand dunes feels like something out of a movie, with its shimmering lagoon and endless golden slopes rising dramatically around it. In our Complete Guide to Planning a Huacachina Day Trip from Lima, Peru, we shared how this stop became one of Spider Monkey’s and Buttercup’s favorite parts of our whole trip!
We finished the day with a scenic drive over the Nazca region, spotting the enigmatic Nazca Lines from above. It was a fast-paced day, but full of diverse experiences that highlighted Peru’s incredible landscapes and wildlife.
Day 3 – Arequipa
Arequipa is a city that immediately captivates with its colonial charm and white sillar stone buildings. We arrived mid-morning and began exploring the central plaza. The girls loved running around the open spaces while we admired the surrounding architecture. Arequipa has a slower pace than Lima, which is perfect for families adjusting to Peru.
The city is also packed with kid-friendly attractions. We visited Santa Catalina Monastery, where wandering the colorful streets inside the convent felt like exploring a small town. Local markets offered hands-on experiences with Peruvian crafts and snacks. For families wanting to explore Arequipa in detail, check out our guide on things to do in Arequipa with kids. The mix of history, culture, and interactive experiences made Arequipa a perfect introduction to southern Peru.
Day 4 – Arequipa & Cusco
We started the day with a fascinating Sillar tour. This hands-on experience taught the girls how locals carve the iconic white volcanic stone that defines Arequipa’s buildings. Buttercup loved hammering a small piece of sillar, and Spider Monkey couldn’t stop asking questions about the process. It’s a unique way to introduce kids to local craftsmanship while learning about the city’s history.
In the afternoon, we flew to Cusco. Arriving at high altitude can be challenging, so we took it easy, walked slowly, and focused on light activities. Cusco’s vibrant streets, colorful markets, and historic plazas immediately drew us in. The combination of cultural immersion and gentle exploration made the transition to the Sacred Valley both smooth and exciting.
Day 5 – Exploring Cusco
Cusco is more than just a city; it’s the perfect hub for exploring the surrounding Incan sites and villages that bring history to life. After wandering the cobblestone streets of the Plaza de Armas and admiring the mix of colonial and Incan architecture, we ventured beyond the city limits to discover the nearby ruins and scenic landscapes that make this region so special. Sites like Sacsayhuamán, with its massive stone terraces, left Buttercup and Spider Monkey wide-eyed as they imagined how the Incas built such incredible structures without modern tools. The open spaces also gave them room to run and explore safely, which is always a bonus for families.
A short drive outside Cusco brought us to Qenqo and Puka Pukara, fascinating archaeological sites with winding paths, ceremonial spaces, and natural amphitheaters. Walking through these ruins felt like stepping into another time, and our guides helped explain the history in ways the girls could understand, pointing out carvings and structures that had practical and spiritual purposes. We also visited Tambomachay, a serene site known as the Inca Baths, where the flowing water and tranquil surroundings provided a peaceful pause in our day. These excursions outside Cusco offered a deeper appreciation of the Incan ingenuity and allowed our family to experience the region beyond the urban center.
Back in town, we capped the day with a visit to a local artisan workshop, where the girls watched weaving demonstrations and tried their hand at creating small crafts. Exploring both the city and its surrounding sites gave us the perfect mix of culture, history, and hands-on learning.Cusco is also an ideal base for family adventures. The markets are vibrant and perfect for picking up handmade souvenirs, and small museums provide interactive learning for children. For a detailed guide on must-see spots, check out our post on things to see in Cusco. Spending a full day in Cusco allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture while preparing for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Day 6 – Transfer to Ollantaytambo
We left our main luggage at our Cusco hotel and traveled light with just backpacks, making the journey to Ollantaytambo more manageable. Along the way, we stopped at Manos de la Comunidad Farm, where the girls experienced local farming traditions firsthand. They helped feed animals and learned about sustainable practices. This interactive stop was both educational and fun, and it gave our family a break from driving while connecting with local culture.
Arriving in Ollantaytambo felt like stepping back in time. The Incan town is stunningly preserved, with cobblestone streets and a fortress overlooking the village. We settled into the Vertical Sky Suites, which offered both comfort and panoramic views. Buttercup loved spotting the mountains from our window, and Spider Monkey kept asking to explore the surrounding streets. See our full review here.
Day 7 – Train to Machu Picchu & Circuit 1B
A visit to Machu Picchu is a highlight for any family visiting Peru. We took the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, enjoying the scenic route through the Sacred Valley. Circuit 1B was our first exploration of Machu Picchu, offering a manageable route with breathtaking views. Buttercup loved climbing the terraces, while Spider Monkey marveled at the ancient stone walls.
Visiting Machu Picchu with kids requires patience and planning, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Walking along the less crowded paths gave us time to take photos, enjoy the views, and teach the girls about Incan engineering. For tips on visiting this iconic site with children, check out our Machu Picchu guide. The sense of awe and accomplishment made this day unforgettable.
Day 8 – Machu Picchu Circuits 2A and 3B, Return to Cusco
We returned early to Machu Picchu for Circuits 2A and 3B. Exploring deeper into the ruins offered a completely different perspective. With fewer tourists in the morning, we could truly appreciate the scale and ingenuity of the citadel. The girls loved spotting llamas wandering through the terraces and imagining life in the ancient city. For tips on visiting this iconic site with children, check out our Machu Picchu guide.
After a full day of exploration, we took the train back to Ollantaytambo and then transferred to Cusco for the night. This return journey allowed us to reflect on the magical experience while keeping the pace comfortable for our kids. By the end of the day, everyone was tired but thrilled by the memories we had made.
Day 9 – Sacred Valley Tour
The Sacred Valley is one of the most enchanting parts of Peru. We visited Pisac’s ruins and market, where Buttercup loved exploring the stone terraces, and Spider Monkey was fascinated by the colorful woven goods. Ollantaytambo fortress offered another adventure, with dramatic views and history that brought Incan culture to life for the girls.
Driving through the valley itself was a highlight! The landscapes are breathtaking, dotted with rivers, mountains, and small villages. We also had opportunities to meet local artisans and watch traditional weaving demonstrations. This day blended history, culture, and scenic beauty perfectly, making it a standout on our Peru trip itinerary. You can find our detailed guide to the Sacred Valley here.
Day 10 – Fly to Lima and Return Home
On our final day, we flew back to Lima and prepared for our journey home. Reflecting on the past ten days, it was incredible to see how much Peru offered in such a short time. Our girls had learned, played, and explored every step of the way.
This 10-day Peru itinerary strikes a balance between adventure, education, and downtime, making it perfect for families. Every destination brought something unique, and traveling at a comfortable pace allowed us to truly enjoy the experience. Peru left our family with unforgettable memories, inspiring curiosity, and a love for exploration that will stay with us forever.
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures in Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. Also, follow along on our full 10 day family adventure through Peru!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
