Highlights
- Navigate the rapids of the Río Urubamba
- See the famous ruins of Machu Picchu and meet friendly local llamas
- Explore the Sacred Valley of the Inca
- Take in the sights and tastes of Lima
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cusco, Transfer to the Sacred Valley | Urubamba |
| Day 2 | Rafting on the Río Urubamba, Lunch at Mountainview | Urubamba |
| Day 3 | Machu Picchu Family Excursion | Urubamba |
| Day 4 | Sacred Valley Tour & Llama Sanctuary Visit | Cusco |
| Day 5 | Cusco City Tour, Fly to Lima | Lima |
| Day 6 | Lima City & Food Tour | Lima |
| Day 7 | Depart Lima |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cusco, Transfer to the Sacred Valley
Welcome to the Peruvian Andes! Upon arrival in Lima, you'll catch a short domestic flight to the ancient city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and home to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Meet your driver and transfer to Urubamba, the largest Andean town in the Sacred Valley, nestled in the shadow of the snow-capped Chicón mountain. As you and your family travel through the dramatic Andean scenery, look out for the tiny villages perched between eucalyptus forests, rice fields, and the imposing peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Urubamba's location in Peru's highlands and its accompanying lower altitude gives you and the kids plenty of opportunity to acclimate over the next few days. Settle the kids in, grab a bite to eat, and relax before tomorrow's adventures.
Day 2: Rafting on the Río Urubamba, Lunch at Mountainview
After breakfast, shake off yesterday's day of travel with an adventure combining the Sacred Valley's beauty with the thrill of whitewater rafting. You'll transfer to the Chuquicahuana area of the Río Urubamba, affectionately known as "Chuqui," where after a safety briefing from your experienced guides, you and the kids will progress from Class I to higher rapids of Class II and III.
It's a memorable moment as you zoom along the whitewater with your family and take in the breathtaking views surrounding the river. For older kids and families with adventure running through their veins, there's also a zipline that spans 328 feet (100 m) across the river. Afterward, reward yourselves with lunch at the unforgettable Mountainview, where the local llamas are sure to be a hit with the kids as you enjoy a feast and gaze straight out to the Andes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Family Excursion
No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and justifiably one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. A masterpiece of engineering that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Emperor Pachacutec and his royal court, Machu Picchu is nestled high in the slopes of the Andes mountains at 7,970 feet (2,429 m). Abandoned 100 years after its construction following the Spanish conquest, this breathtaking site remained largely hidden from the outside world until the early 20th century.
This morning, you and your family will enjoy a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo and journey through a narrow valley next to the Río Urubamba before arriving in Agua Calientes. Meet your guide before the 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu. Even the world's weariest kids will be stunned by the grandeur and majesty of this "city in the clouds" as you take a guided tour of the site and learn about the citadel's fascinating history. Watch the kids roam among the ruins as you explore the vast complex and look across to the towering forested peaks of the Andes.
Day 4: Sacred Valley Tour & Llama Sanctuary Visit
It's an early start this morning as you rally the kids and head out with your guide to Ollantaytambo. Walk through the streets with Inca-era canals and see the ancient houses still in use today. The highlight is a visit to the vast stone terraces and spectacular Inca ruins that rise above Ollantaytambo. The ruins of a vital temple and military fortress mark where the Inca won one of their most significant (but short-lived) battles against the Spanish conquistadors in 1536. It's an awe-inspiring spot with plenty of inspiration for your young adventurers.
Next up is Pisac, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, with ancient Inca burial grounds and astronomy centers to capture the kids' imaginations. Spend time wandering the ruins before heading to the town at the bottom of the valley, where you'll find Pisac's famous textile market, full of beautifully-colored and intricately-woven goods. After a leisurely hour or so, walking the cobbled streets, refuel with lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.
End your tour of the Sacred Valley with a visit to the delightful Awanakancha Llama Sanctuary, where the whole family will enjoy meeting the adorable llamas and alpacas. You'll also get a chance to watch a weaving demonstration using wool obtained from the alpacas. Afterward, your driver will take you to your hotel in Cusco, where the evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 5: Cusco City Tour, Fly to Lima
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with the kids, and when you're ready, pop on some comfortable shoes for a guided walking tour of the city. Start at the legendary Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important temple of the Inca Empire and Cusco's crowning jewel. Explore the 13th-century ruins with the kids as you discover the smaller temples dedicated to the rainbow, stars, lighting, and thunder. Then, wander the local markets and old neighborhoods as you stroll the historic center, soak up the atmosphere and go at a pace that suits your family.
Break for a bite to eat and then visit the important religious site of Sacsayhuamán, a ruined citadel on the northern outskirts of Cusco, where kids can unleash their inner explorer among the vast stone ruins. Just next door is the archaeological complex of Q'enqo, a site built to represent the Andean constellations, with a fascinating underground labyrinth. Wrap up the tour with visits to other archaeological sites of Tambomachay and Puka Pukara, after which your driver will drop you at your hotel, ready to transfer for your three-hour flight to Lima.
Day 6: Lima City & Food Tour
Start your tour with a visit to a local mercado (market) in Lima's historic center, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site packed with Spanish colonial architecture. Perfect for curious kids, the colorful market has a buzzy atmosphere where you'll have fun perusing the stalls and sampling the fresh produce. Then stroll over to the beautiful 16th-century Cathedral, built in the grandiose style of the Spanish Empire.
Adults won't want to miss a visit to an organic Peruvian coffee roastery, while older kids will enjoy a stroll through one of Lima's trendy districts and spot the city's must-see attractions. Stop for lunch at one of Lima's notable restaurants and dine amid views of pre-Inca ruins before you sample and discover how to make the perfect pisco sour—a Peruvian classic. Finish with a stroll to the bohemian district of Barranco, where teens will love the easy-going vibe of this popular oceanside neighborhood, popular with artists, tourists, and locals.
Day 7: Depart Lima
It's your last day in Peru, but depending on your flight times, there is still time for one last wander around Lima to pick up souvenirs and see any of the sights you missed yesterday. Stroll the Pueblo Libre district, where art enthusiasts will love the private collections of pre-Columbian art in the Larco Museum, housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion. Depending on the timings, don't miss a visit to Casa Aliaga, where kids can hear how Francisco Pizarro granted the colonial mansion to his right-hand man and conquistador Jerónimo de Aliaga.
After a final lunch in Lima, it's sadly time to say your goodbyes and make your way to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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