A Guide to Family Vacations in Peru

Belmond Miraflores Park is set overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the fashionable Miraflores district. This luxury hotel has an ideal location within easy reach of famous historic sites, plazas, restaurants, cafeterias, boutiques and open-air entertainment, offering plenty of excellent opportunities for family exploration. The hotel also offers morning yoga and meditation sessions, as well as gastronomic tours and cycling excursions. When not out sightseeing, your family can relax by the pool, or play a round of golf or tennis. Children will feel very welcome at the Belmond Miraflores Park, cots and babysitting are available, and there is a children's cinema on the second floor which has regular screenings of children's films and has complimentary snacks including cookies and popcorn.

Hacienda Concepcion, in the Southern Amazon, is nestled within more than 2,000 acres of lush rainforest, it’s home to rich ecosystems, tropical plants and wildlife. This family-oriented lodge offers special accommodations, such as additional beds, or bed railings; as well as highchairs, child-friendly guides, a children’s menu, and a child’s explorer kit with a flashlight, cap, colored pencils, magnifying glass, and granola in a belt bag. Treasure hunts are organized for children from 5-12 years. All excursions here are led by bilingual guides, with some being specifically recommended for children. While here, your family can observe giant river otters, blue and yellow macaws, dusky titi monkeys, agoutis, two-toed sloth, peccaries, prehistoric-looking hoatzins and black caimans. In addition to wildlife experiences, your family will also be able to learn about the lodge's history and its botanical gardens featuring local medicinal plants.

The Libertador Paracas, overlooking Paracas bay, is the most luxurious hotel on Peru's coastline and makes an ideal base for visiting the Nazca Lines as well as exploring the Ballestas Islands with their amazing diversity of marine wildlife, from sealions and flamingos to dolphins and penguins. Families are well taken care of at Libertador Paracas. There is a children's club, playground, family pool and a children's menu on offer in the restaurant. Cots can be provided and connecting rooms are available. The Balcony Suites and Solarium Suites both have a sofa in the living room, which can sleep two children up to the age of 10 years. Babysitting can also be arranged on request, giving adults some much needed relaxation time by the pool.

Exotic yet reachable, Reserva Amazonica sits in a private reserve on the banks for Madre de Dios River, an unforgettable introduction to this amazingly biodiverse region. The 35 jungle cabanas and suites are illuminated at night by lanterns, have beds shrouded with muslin and hammocks swinging in the porch ways. The sound of the jungle in the background adds to the magical and enchanting ambience. The lodge features one of Latin America’s largest tree canopy walkways, comprising a system of towers and hanging bridges high in the forest canopy. Carefully camouflaged, it allows your family to watch and interact with species. The reserve also features the ‘Anaconda walk’, a series of raised platforms at ground level to make exploring the forest floor easy. You can also take to the river for a sunset cruise to explore deeper into the amazing Amazon jungle, accompanied by an expert bilingual guide. All excursions can be customized to your children’s interests.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is home to some of the best Inca sites, and is a great place to start your visit to Cuzco. The Valley generally has year-round good weather, stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, folk arts and crafts and friendly indigenous people, offering a real authentic Peruvian experience for your family. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, surrounded by wild flowers and trees and is the perfect place for mental and physical rejuvenation. Popular with outdoor lovers, this is a great place for eco-friendly activities such as trekking, horseback riding, rafting and mountain biking. Discover ancient Andean traditions on the ecological farm tour, take a trail walk at twilight while learning about the importance of astronomy in the Andean world, go on an educational tour learning about the medicinal uses of plants, and sample indigenous food and drinks. With a variety of excursions on offer in the Valley and its surroundings, this is a perfect retreat for families.

Titilaka is a contemporary style lodge which offers a luxurious refuge from which to explore this mystical region of Peru. Wrap around terraces create a privileged vantage point for breathtaking sunrises and peaceful sunsets. 18 fully serviced lake view suites feature heated floors and spa bathrooms, with oversized tubs and massage showers and an array of amenities for a comfortable stay. There is also a fantastic restaurant serving local specialties such as trout and alpaca steak. The hotel is a haven for re-energizing after a day excursion by boat or by 4x4, mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking. Explore the Andean communities on the islands of Taquile, Amantani and Uros, among others, visit the archaeological sites of Sillustani, Inca Anatawi, Aramu Muro, Tiahuanaco and the Sun Island, as well as the splendid colonial churches of Lampa, Juli and Pomata, or simply absorb the spirit of the region.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is just steps from the entrance to the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain. The hotel’s privileged location allows guests to enjoy magical sunrises and sunsets in relative solitude at the ruins before and after the majority of other visitors have arrived or departed. Of course, the main highlight of a stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge are the tours and treks around Machu Picchu, Huanya Picchu, the Sun Gate, the Temple of the Moon, Putucusi and the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes. The trekking is challenging at times and goes to high altitude, so participants should have a good level of fitness. Other activities include a Pachamama tribute ceremony, coca tea leaf reading, star gazing with a resident astrologist, meditation and yoga, and for younger guests, treasure hunts in the hotel's gardens. After a day spent exploring, your family can unwind with a massage using traditional Inca techniques or in the relaxation space for yoga and meditation.

Hotel Sol y Luna’s forty-three individual casitas, including some that are perfect for families, are located 1km outside Urubamba between the famous market of Pisac and the Incan archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. They offer the perfect base for exploring one of the most intriguing parts of the Andes. Your family can enjoy a range of activities here including horse riding, trekking, rafting and mountain biking. Additional hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, gift shop and Yacu Wasi spa. The spa features a fully-equipped gym, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and Spanish bath. A wide selection of spa therapies are offered including facials, wraps and masks, along with newer treatments such as music therapy, and energy therapies such as Reiki. Massages include traditional Swedish massage, shiatsu, aromatherapy and reflexology massages. Classes or personal sessions in yoga and tai chi are also available.

The Mountain Lodges of Peru Lares Adventure offers a fabulous 4-night itinerary through the Lares Valley in the Sacred Valley of the Incas outside of Cuzco. The trek offers unique adventures, ideal for a variety of hiking levels and abilities. At the end of the day, relax in a comfortable lodge with wonderful amenities —it’s the best of both worlds! Expert guides travel with the group for the entire journey and share their knowledge of natural history, culture, and local traditions. The trek includes exploration of the breathtaking Inca sites of Pisac, with its remarkable stone structures, Ollantaytambo, where the rebel Inca leader Manco Inca defeated the Spanish in battle, and incomparable Machu Picchu. Comfortable mountain lodges serve as deluxe “basecamps” for daily hikes bringing you to remote passes with views of a panorama of waterfalls, snow peaks, and turquoise glacial lakes, with the occasional condor soaring above, and to tiny Andean highland communities unchanged for centuries, where your family can meet local weavers...

Designed in line with its surroundings, Explora Valle Sagrado has traditional hacienda décor combined with modern fixtures and fittings to promote the feeling of luxury and comfort. There is no Wi-Fi or television in rooms to encourage guests to withdraw from everyday life and maximize the opportunity to relax in peace after a long day of exploration. All of the 20 outdoor adventures on offer have been carefully designed to make the most of the extraordinary surroundings. All are included with your family's stay and are guided in small groups (private excursions can be arranged). Activities range from treks in the surrounding mountains and villages where you can enjoy biking through the countryside and visits to markets and Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu. The excursions focus on archaeology, history and local culture and ensure an intimate experience, off the beaten track in one of Peru's most stunning regions. Yoga packages can also be arranged for those family members who want to focus on wellness.

Mountain Lodges of Peru's Salkantay Trek is a 6-night lodge-to-lodge itinerary that culminates at the sacred city of Machu Picchu. You will cross high Andean pastures and rocky passes, walk along Inca staircases and through cloud forest in the shadow of snow-capped peaks, and have the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, from hummingbirds to condors. The route lies far from civilization, which means that the people you meet are interested in welcoming you into their way of life and making sure you have a wonderful experience. One of the route’s highlights is the recently restored Inca citadel of Llactapata, which affords rarely glimpsed views of Machu Picchu. Groups are small, with a maximum of 12 participants, with a highly experienced team of guides and mule trains to carry your luggage, so that you can enjoy each moment fully. At the end of each day’s walking, relax in comfort at your lodge. Very comfortable ensuite rooms await, as well as excellent cooking using fresh local ingredients, a well-stocked bar and hot tubs...

A stylish beach retreat just south of the charming surf town of Mancora, Arennas Mancora offers plenty when it comes to relaxation and is perfect for a bit of beach time. Families with children are very welcome at Arennas and all room categories can accommodate twin beds, making this perfect for families wishing to enjoy a bit of relaxation after visiting the inland highlights of Peru.

Arennas Mancora boasts plenty of beautiful outside space, with direct beach access, a large palm garden and a relaxing pool area. Guests can also indulge in spa treatments and tuck into delicious cuisine at the restaurant which serves an elegant fusion of Peruvian cuisine mixed with international dishes and favorites. Plenty of fresh seafood and ceviche also features on the menu and the cocktail list is extensive. Explore nearby Mancora for a laid-back evening out and plenty of other fantastic dining options.

Belmond Hotel Monasterio combines the decor of a colonial monastery with the luxury, elegance and comfort of a modern five-star hotel. Just off Cuzco's main square, the hotel is set around a shady courtyard surrounded by graceful arches. It is steeped in history, dating back to 1592 and has been sensitively designed to reflect the building's story as well as offering beautiful modern touches. Many of the guest rooms and suites afford fabulous views of the city and its colourful rooftops and guests can enjoy exquisite cuisine at the Illariy and El Tupay restaurant, the original refectory, where Inca dinners are held with live folkloric music and dancing.

Children will love the many cultural tours offered in and around Cuzco particularly the more active activities such as mountain biking, horse riding and rafting (only suitable for older kids). Other activities include archaeology and agriculture programs, botany and weaving. At the end of a day of epic exploration, you can relax with a massage or jump in a hot bath...

The Colca Lodge is a rustic-style lodge set at 3,250 meters above sea level and 3 hours from the city of Arequipa in the heart of Peru's famous Colca Valley amongst ancient Inca terraces and overlooking the Colca River with its thermal springs.

This calming and quiet space is inspired by the Inca world and offers a range of treatments using indigenous products from the Colca Valley and the highlands of Peru. Children are sure to enjoy the numerous adventure activities on offer.