Peru with Kids

South America, Peru

If you are wondering if visiting Sudamerica, Peru with kids is the right idea. Here is the information you need to take this decision. South America is located mostly in the Southeast hemisphere and Is the Spanish and Portuguese speaking area of the Americas. I am going to focus mainly on Peru on this blog.

The Spanish invasion to Peru in latest 1500, brings a strong influence of Spanish culture in Peru and in most South  Americas countries. There is so much to see in South America and Peru is the gem of Southamerica.

South America geography helps to created amazing cities and places to visit. It is surrounded by Ocean Pacific and Atlantic, and on the Western are dominated by the Andes;  while in the eastern side present a tropical area with lowland surrounded by major rivers. Peru is one of the few countries that geographically posses part of the coast, Andean and tropical area. Peru is a must visit Country due to their diversity, there is more than just amazing Machu Picchu is a country that will awe you.

Does Peru Have One of The  New 7 Wonders of The World?

Machu Picchu in Peru is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, together with:

The Great Wall of China

Christ the Redeem statue in Brasil

Chichen Itza in Mexico

Roman Coliseum in Rome

Taj Mahal in India

Petra in Jordan

What Should I know before Traveling to Peru with kids?

• Weather in Peru varies according to the City. This is happening due to its geography. Peru has a coastal city like Lima and Nazca. Andean Cities as Arequipa and Cusco, as well as tropical cities as Loreto and Madre de Dios, this last two located on the Peruvian Amazonian Jungle.
• Cusco is in high altitude, you need to take actions to prevent it.
• Cusco is located on the Andean while Machu Picchu is located in the tropical and warmer area.
• You would need to drink water from a bottle.
• Eat only cooked vegetables.
• Spend time in Lima. Lima has so many great places to visit
• If you take a picture you will be charged, especially in the tourist areas. don’t be surprised if you take a picture and then the peso ask you is “5 soles” please. Also, if you take pictures with them usually they charge you. Keep in mind is their main income and your sweet souvenir.
• If you are doing the Inca hike book your slot as earliest is possible months in advance.
• If you doing the Inca trail make sure you are in shape.
• There are two shifts to enter to Machu Picchu and a limited of 200 people per day to enter Huayna Picchu
• People start getting in Machu Picchu at 6:00 am you will need to be up sometimes from 4:00 am to get in there.
• You don’t need a VISA if you coming from the USA.
• Be ready for the unexpected

Is It  Safe to Travel To Peru with kids?

Thousands of people visit Peru each year and return home from a trouble-free trip. By taking the same basic precautions as you would traveling anywhere is safe for you and your family.

the official US Travel Advisory page says the following about Peru:

With my help, your Peruvian trip will be a safe and fun one 😉

• Safety precautions :
  1. Take precautions when withdrawing money
  2. Use licensed taxis remember while is not an issue in Peru. Use reputable transport services.
  3. If you are going to bring cash along with you just do your homework before you get here. Research the best exchange rates before you leave to avoid being ripped off.

  4. Use common sense on street safety: as be aware of your surroundings (something that I always ask my kids to do) and keep your valuables out of sight.

  5. When using cash machines use cash machines located at the bank, supermarket, or in your hotel to be extra safe.

Essential Things to Travel to Peru

1. Get a travel Credit Car.
2. Inform your bank you will be traveling.
3. Travel insurance is always a good idea.
4. Bring the money exchange.
5. Don’t forget your vaccination or medication for altitude sickness.
6. Pack light and bring good shoes. If you need clothes ypoi have plenty of choices there.

Check on my store my favorite products to travel with kids, this is a collection of items I used to check it here  Or click here: https://amzn.to/2EooNJ9

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What is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Peru?

If you want to avoid the crowd you can travel from April to May or September to October that is considered the low season. Although there are chances for rain May and October are generally great months to see everything greener and less crowded. I have been there on those months and once in heal, so an umbrella or poncho will be great to add to your packing list.

LIMA WITH KIDS

Is Visiting Lima a Good Idea?

Actually, there is so much to see for families in Lima, that is always a good idea to visit. Lima is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean is a Coastal City with good weather and many attractions.

Every time we visit Lima there is something new to see and I made a list of Everything You Need to Know about Lima.

Among Lima’s main attractions are: Plaza de Armas, Lima Catacombs, Paseo de Aguas, and explore the district of  Miraflores, Barranco, Ancon and Callao just to mention some. Also, here is the list of parks I recommend to visit if you travel with kids. Lima has a zoo and different theme parks for kids.

CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU WITH KIDS

Is Cusco, Peru a Safe Place to Visit?

Cusco is a definitely safe place to travel if you want ideas of what to do in Cusco check this blogs

Why is Machu Picchu Considered one of the Wonders of the World?

Machu Picchu is a citadel build in the 15th century on the top of a mountain located 7 970 feet. Above the Sacred Valley through where the Urubamba rivers run. This was the citadel where the Incas and his royalty family lived. Its impressive location and construction in classic Inca style well preserved despite earthquakes and harsh climate made it famous around the world.

It was built with big boulders and there are many theories on how they did that. No one has a final answer. Machu Picchu was voted in 2007 as one of the new Wonder of the world. After getting international attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, in an effort to help its preservation the Citadel was declared a sanctuary in 1981. Later in 1983, it was declared a World Heritage by the UNESCO before becoming a World Wonder of the World

How Easy is it to Visit Machu Picchu with Young children?

Traveling with kids has their own challenges, like anything with family, so in order to make the trip a briss, plan in advance. the experience is priceless and to me definitely worth it.

if you are nursing a baby be sure of their routine and bring wherever is need to keep the routine going. I traveled while nursing my kids, not to Machu Picchu but to Lima. keep hydrated is the clue so you can keep baby happy, I nursed my kids during take off to easy their ear pressure, or gave them a pinkie to suck on.

To get to Machu Picchu you need to take an airplane or bus, a train, and another bus. My kids appreciate all the rides. To travel with kids you need to be ready for the unexpected and have the best attitude. Machu Picchu with older kids is easier, but you need to expect them to wake up earlier to go to the ruins. One of us went to nake the bus line earlier and the other one stays, but your kids have to be ready at the bus station by 5:30. There is the option of the second shift later during the day, which is good for kids. We just didn’t want to miss the amazing show of the fog breaking through the sun.  We had great time kids were faster than us and they love exploring the Inca ruins.

High Altitude sickness?

Cusco is located at an Altitude of 3,400 meters (11,200ft) above sea level, everyone reacts to attitude different. I always get a slight headache, my older son got one too, on the other hand, my husband and the youngest kid didn’t feel discomfort. For attitude I always tend to have an easy first day in Cusco, arrive and don’t walk around too much. I take into consideration that some streets are on hills and it doesn’t help for your body to acclimate.

There is always mate de coca available in local restaurants and at hotels. Usually, hotels give you that as soon as you arrived. I recommend you to drink it. water is boiled so you won’t get sick for that. then, rest for a few hours before exploring the city, a good nap will help your body to the different amount of oxygen is getting.

What is The Weather Like in Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru?

Peru weather varies according to the area.

Lima weather:

Lima weather is average during the year not too hot or too cold, with temperatures ranging from 12 C or 54 F to 18C or 64 F in Winter. On the hot season temperature range from 24C or 75F to 28C or 82 F.

Winter is during the month of July and September and Summer from January to March.

Cusco Weather:

Cusco weather is different than Lima due to its geography, the Andeans have a great influence on it. It has two very mark seasons from November to April is the wet season or winter and May to October the dry season or summer. February is wettest. The dry season is partly cloudy and is cold year around. Over the course of the year, the temperature varies from 32F to 66F. the temperature varies so little then we can’t cold or hot season. when sunny during the day is pretty warm. Cusco is usually warm and sunny during the day and very cold at night.

Machu Picchu Weather:

The rainy season is from November to March and April to November is dry season. weather is part of the jungle so it can feel very tropical. The hottest temperature in 26C (79 ) and reaching temperatures of -2C (-36) in the coldest months. it always warm during the day and cold evenings, so bring layers.

What is the nearest airport to Machu Picchu?

The closest airport to Machu Picchu is Alejandro Velasco Astete located on Cusco. It is an international airport that received domestic flights as well as some international flights. Is located close to City Center. Machu Picchu is located 3 hours on the train from Cusco. You may want to know how we made it to Machu Picchu, route and costs.

Named after the first airplane Pilot that cross the Andean. Taxis are located just outside the landing area. Plan in advance your pick up. Although Cusco is pretty safe if not plan in advance taxis can be pretty expensive.

What Should I Prepare for a Trip to Machu Picchu?

Peru is one of the best places in the world to travel make the most of it planning it correctly.

• Make arrangements for you pick up from airport to hotel in Lima or Cusco
• Get your train to Machu Picchu ahead of time
• Stay in Cusco and acclimate

PERU WIH KIDS – NAZCA LINES

The Nazca lines drawings are a series of animals like monkey, whale, llama, duck, lizard, and dog. Also birds as the Hummingbird and Insects as the spider.

We can find plants like cactus, flower, tree and a humanoid shape called “astronaut” that seems greeting you. Check for your self here

Why Are the Nazca Lines a Mystery?

Nazca Lines has been studied for over 80 years and it still a mystery to many. First, because there is not a completely proved theory of how the geoglyph was made.

The studies of Nazca lines started on the earlies the ’20s by local Toribio Mejia Xesspe, a Peruvian archaeologist. However, more research started after it was flying over on the 1930s.

Earliest studies pointed out that the purposed of the geoglyph were astronomy related taking in consideration the position of the lines around the winter solscitice.

Later, Maria Reiche, a German archaeologist got to research them and concluded that its purpose was to be an astronomical calendar. She further believed that some of the animal geoglyphs were representative of groups of stars in the sky.

More recent researchs lean to believe that its purpose was related to water, a very valuable source in the arid lands of the Peruvian coastal were Nazca Culture developed. Some believe that Nazca lines were used to point to where water can be found. Later another theory said that the drawing was used to as a part of a ritual to the gods and effort to bring needed rain.

Research still trying to find the real purpose, but something is real, they are amazing creation that has survived 1000 years!

Are the Nazca Lines Visible from Space?

There are Nazca Lines viewing tower right off the side of the Pan-American Highway, which passes right through the desert where the ancient Peruvian symbols are found. However, the view of all the Nazca lines is limitated. We recommend to see them on the airplane if you can afford it.

Are Nazca Lines for Kids?

Absolutelly yes! our kids really enjoyed visiting and learn so much about ancient culture. There are Museums you can visit once there. Besides the fly, they were impressed with the mommies. You can check that here.

Nasca with kids was for us a great learning experience and I hope you you dont hesitated to do it with kids.

I hope this help you when take your kids to Peru and have fun in family!

I will keep updating this as we keep travelling back there.

Rocio