Vacationing in Peru with Teenagers

Visiting Peru with teenagers is a wonderful way to create amazing family memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether your children are high-energy tweens or restless older teens, Peru is a captivating country with much to offer for every age and activity level. 

To make the most of your family vacation with teens in Peru we recommend balancing the many cultural activities, like visiting temples, museums, and Inca ruins, with outdoor recreation such as mountain trekking, horseback riding, or white water rafting. This way, no member of the family goes into culture overload and your teenagers can enjoy plenty of fun and adventure while also learning new things. With such a rich mix of activities and attractions, it’s easy to see why Peru is one of the best places to travel with teens in South America.

At Scott Dunn, we can curate the best combination of experiences on a fully bespoke tour to make sure that no matter your teenager’s interests, your family will have an unforgettable trip.

Is Peru Good for a Family Vacation with Teens?

Peru is a fantastic destination for a family vacation with teenagers because there’s so much to see and do. Whether you trek to Machu Picchu on the legendary Inca Trail, head to buzzing cities for incredible Peruvian delicacies, or learn to surf under the endless sun in Máncora on the desert coast, there’s something for everyone. The real question is: where to travel first with your teens?

Adventure hot spots

Peru is an adventure-lovers paradise, so if your teens are looking for thrills and excitement, it’s the perfect destination. To start the fun, take them mountain biking near Cusco or on a trek through the cloud forest to the colossal Gocta waterfalls near the town of Cocachimba. We can also arrange an amazing inflatable canoeing trip on a beautiful section of the Urubamba River that’s perfect for families with older kids (minimum age is 10).

The world-famous Sacred Valley is a great place for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on well-traveled trails that wind through rugged mountain landscapes once home to the ancient Inca civilization. Of course, it’s also home to one of the best places to travel with teens, Peru’s iconic Incan citadel: Machu Picchu. If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley, one of our favorite accommodations is the charming Sonesta Posadas del Inca in Yucay, which is perfectly situated to provide some respite from the altitude of Cusco so your family can recharge between adventures. 

For a change of scenery, trek through the dense greenery of the Amazon rainforest on a canopy walk. Your family will get a unique perspective of the jungle while coming face-to-face with brightly colored toucans and rambunctious monkeys swinging through the treetops. It’s a great way for everyone to learn about the fascinating wildlife at each level of this diverse ecozystem.

Culture-rich cities

Taking in the different sights, sounds, and experiences of Peru’s vibrant cities will give your teenagers the chance to broaden their horizons beyond what they know at home. Cusco in particular is sure to be popular with teens, thanks to its youthful energy and interesting mix of quaint streets, colonial churches, and buzzing local markets.

Vibrant Lima is an ideal place to start your vacation to Peru if you’re traveling with teens who are very much into their food. Set on Peru’s wild desert coast, Lima is known for its thriving culinary scene, with trendy restaurants serving up traditional Peruvian specialties and local seafood, including fresh ceviche! Kids of all ages will also love the chance to take part in a hands-on workshop at the ChocoMuseum (also in Cusco), where they can make their own chocolate concoctions.

Our travel specialist, Julie Norton, shares some of her top suggestions for things to do in this incredible country:

"There's plenty to keep restless teens entertained in Peru! Adrenaline-inducing white water rafting, stand-up paddle boarding on lakes, mountain biking around Inca sites, and horse-riding through the scenic Sacred Valley. Of course, there are also lots of day hikes that we can suggest which aren’t overly strenuous or difficult and can be broken up with visits to indigenous villages and picnic lunches.”

Can You Do Machu Picchu with Teens?

If you’re thinking of traveling to Peru on an exciting family vacation, Machu Picchu is bound to be on your bucket list. Peru’s most iconic attraction offers teenagers the opportunity to soak up the cultural history of the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in existence.

But you may be wondering: can you do Machu Picchu with teens? And is this part of Peru good for teens?

The short answer to both questions is: yes! 

You can definitely visit Machu Picchu with kids, especially teens - all it takes is a little preparation and choosing the best activities for your family, depending on the ages and abilities of your children. 

Everyone who goes to Machu Picchu must pre-purchase entry tickets and be accompanied by a guide. But don’t worry, our travel specialists will organize everything for you in advance.

Visiting Machu Picchu with teens

Going to Machu Picchu with older children and teens will be easier than traveling with little ones, as they will be better able to navigate the large stone steps around the citadel, as well as all the walking involved. Active teenagers can also hike the famed Inca Trail. 

Otherwise, you can choose from rail services, including ultra-luxurious Inca Rail options, ideal for families that include younger children, or those who just want to enjoy the vast mountain, valley, and river views from the comfort of their seats. which is ideal for families with younger kids or simply anyone who wants to take in the breathtaking views along the way from the comfort of their luxury carriage.

However you get there, Machu Picchu is one of the best places to travel with teens in Peru. Whether it's the jaw-dropping scenery of soaring, forested peaks and bright-green Inca terraces sprawling down the mountainside, or the captivating history and spirit of this cultural icon, visiting Machu Picchu with your teens is sure to be a deeply memorable and mind-expanding experience.

Is Machu Picchu Safe for a Family Vacation? 

The Inca Trail and the areas around Machu Picchu have large numbers of visitors year-round and are generally safer than other parts of the country.

To keep your family safe and protected from the elements, make sure to pack enough sunscreen, waterproof clothing, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and take into account that you'll need a bit of time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.

Our Suggested Itinerary for a Peru Family Vacation

Our trusted travel specialists will plan your family vacation to Peru with an itinerary that includes the best places to travel with teens and tailor it perfectly to your family’s needs. 

Check out some of our highlights to include in your vacation to Peru:

• Visit the colossal Colca Canyon and watch huge Andean condors gliding peacefully overhead
• Explore the sights of Cusco, including great museums, churches, and markets
• Hike the world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and call in at other ancient ruins in charming villages
• Discover the incredible Sacred Valley on a mountain biking adventure or hiking excursion
• Experience the thrill of white water rafting and canoeing on the Urubamba River
• Learn about the fascinating history of Lake Titicaca and the indigenous communities who live on its man-made floating reed islands
• Introduce your teens to Peruvian delicacies in Lima
• Head into the Amazon rainforest to see brightly colored macaws descend on salt licks, and spot amazing wildlife on a fun cruise or jungle trek

Best Places to Stay in Peru with Teens

Let our team of knowledgeable travel specialists find the ideal luxury hotels for your family from our carefully curated collection of properties across Peru.  

The first step is choosing the ideal location, whether that’s a city or out in nature.

Cusco

Known for its lively energy, Cusco is a great place to base yourself for your family vacation with teens. Peru’s ancient Incan capital exudes a rich sense of culture and history, and you’ll be close to the action at the stunning JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, set in the historical center with major attractions nearby.

Lima and the Desert Coast

Many travelers start their Peruvian adventure in Lima, to spend some time at a lower altitude before heading higher up. We recommend exclusive Lima hotels in oceanside Miraflores, the perfect spot to base yourself for activities teens will love, from cycling on the beach promenade to paragliding. 

For an extra treat, stay at the Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort on the central coast, a three-hour drive from Lima. This contemporary resort features a beautiful outdoor pool, an indulgent spa, and a private boat dock - ideal for taking a sailing trip to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands.

Sacred Valley

While staying in the famed Sacred Valley, base yourself close to historical Inca sites at boutique, rustic-style hotels with beautiful gardens and on-site horse stables. We can arrange stunning accommodation close to the epic Colca Canyon, where luxury casitas provide plenty of space for everyone to spread out, and unbelievably scenic locations set you up for the perfect family vacation.

Amazon

For stays in the sensational Amazon rainforest, our travel specialists can secure beautifully rustic accommodation for your family at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, near Puerto Maldonado. At this eco-focused jungle lodge, your teens can go on tree canopy walks or guided nature excursions for the chance to see extraordinary wildlife, and the whole family can enjoy a sunset river cruise led by an expert guide.