Family Friendly?
Great for families
School Holidays & Travel Time
Most families travel during summer holidays (July/August). Plan early and book in advance – expect higher prices and more tourists during this time.
Kid-Friendly Infrastructure
Good facilities for families (changing rooms, childcare, etc.)
Travel advice (GOV.UK)Planning a family trip to Peru? Here are valuable tips, kid-friendly activities, and everything you need for an unforgettable journey.
Travel Climate for Families
Important information about climate, weather, and the best travel time for your family vacation in Peru.
10–13°C·4–15 mm(little rain)
For a classic trip through the Andes with Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca, the months from May to September are most favorable: There is little rain, days are sunny, but nights in the highlands are cold. April and October are good transition months. During the rainy season from December to March, landslides and road closures can occur, and the Inca Trail is completely closed in February.
The climate data shows Cusco in the Andean highlands (normal values 1991 to 2020 from the Peruvian meteorological service SENAMHI), because most trips pass through this region. However, Peru has three very distinct climate zones:Coast: In Lima, it almost never rains. From December to March it is sunny and warm; from approximately May to October, the Garúa often lies over the city, a grey coastal fog created by the cold Humboldt Current.Andes: Daytime temperatures are similar throughout the year; at night, temperatures can approach freezing in the dry season.Amazon Basin: Warm and humid all year round, somewhat drier from May to October.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dry season in the Highlands
Transition
Highland rainy season
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13.9 | 145 |
| February | 13.9 | 127 |
| March | 13.3 | 97 |
| April | 12.8 | 33 |
| May | 11.1 | 5 |
| June | 10.0 | 4 |
| July | 10.0 | 5 |
| August | 11.1 | 5 |
| September | 12.8 | 15 |
| October | 13.9 | 43 |
| November | 14.4 | 71 |
| December | 13.9 | 114 |
Consider School Holidays
The main travel times for families often fall during school holidays (July/August in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Plan early and book in advance, as higher prices and more tourists are expected during this time.
Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are the most popular travel time for families. In Peru, it can get very warm during this time – make sure to have enough shade, sun protection, and cool activities for the children.
Family Tips for Peru
Peru with ChildrenPeru offers families a lot: animals on the coast and in the rainforest, markets, and Inca ruins. However, long distances, high altitudes, and basic infrastructure outside cities require careful planning.Children need their own passport or child's passport, valid for at least six months upon entry.Altitude sickness can affect all ages. Plan quiet days in Cusco or Puno and seek medical advice in advance.Check with the Foreign Office about recommended vaccinations for children and health risks in the regions you plan to visit.Experiences for ChildrenIslas Ballestas: On a boat trip from Paracas, you'll see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and pelicans up close. It's windy on the boat, so pack a jacket.Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Markets, llamas, alpacas, and easily accessible Inca sites are suitable for short excursions.Machu Picchu: The train journey there is an experience in itself for children, but the visit involves many steps.Practical TipsOn cobblestones, stairs, and at archaeological sites, a baby carrier is more practical than a stroller.When booking rental cars and transfers, ask in advance for child seats or bring your own.Sun protection is especially important in the Andes due to the strong radiation.
General Tips
Planning Activities
Plan varied activities that are interesting for both adults and children.
Timing Your Trip
Keep school holidays, climate, and local events in mind.