When you're craving one last adventure before summer ends, Peru offers the perfect blend of excitement, culture, and unforgettable experiences. For me, it was a special trip with my two kids (ages 6 and 8) and our amazing nanny, as we celebrated my youngest turning 6. This trip had been on my bucket list for a while, and Peru didn't disappoint in the slightest.
The journey from Seattle was about 14 hours, including a layover, but traveling with kids in Peru has its perks. After landing, we breezed through customs thanks to family priority lines. Flying Latam (a Delta partner) also meant our bags came out priority, which was a small but appreciated relief after a long journey. A driver was waiting for us with a sign, and we were whisked away to our first stop: the Arawi Hotel in Miraflores. Situated in the heart of Lima's modern downtown, the hotel was not only luxurious but also conveniently close to all the attractions.
Our first full day kicked off with a bang—we headed to the Palomino Islands for an experience that had been on my radar for a while: swimming with sea lions. A scenic 6-mile boat ride off the coast of Callao brought us to the islands. The water was chilly, around 57°F, but the excitement and curiosity of the sea lions made it all worthwhile. They swam right up to us, playful and full of energy. Yes, the island smelled a bit—sea lions aren't known for their cleanliness—but the experience was absolutely worth it. It easily ranks as one of the most fun activities I’ve ever done. If you're ever in Peru, this is a must!
After drying off and warming up, we spent the afternoon exploring downtown Lima. We grabbed lunch at Parquetito and then strolled through Kennedy Park, which is known for its population of homeless but adoptable cats. The park is a local favorite, and the kids were obsessed with the cats. Each one has its own little "home" in the park, and yes, they are all up for adoption! We couldn’t resist stopping at Manolo’s for churros, which are rumored to be the best in town. Spoiler alert: they didn’t disappoint. We wrapped up our day at Larcomar, an open-air mall perched on the cliffs above the Pacific, and had dinner at Mangos, where the view of the ocean was as good as the food.
The next morning, we caught an early flight to Cusco, and that’s when the real adventure began. The altitude in Cusco is no joke—at 11,000 feet, it hits you as soon as you step off the plane with lightheadedness. Fortunately, I was offered flower water, which helps with altitude adjustment (ask for this). On our way to the Sacred Valley, we made a stop at Awana Kancha, an alpaca and llama farm where the kids got to feed and pet the animals. The farm also has a small shop where local artisans demonstrate traditional weaving and dyeing techniques. One of the coolest things we learned is that the red dye used in textiles is made from cochineal, a tiny parasite that lives on cacti. I also picked up two stuffed animals made of baby alpaca fur for $80 each—not cheap, but worth it for their softness and authenticity.
Our base in the Sacred Valley was the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, a tranquil escape nestled between the mountains. The property is stunning, with a koi river running through it and an infinity pool that was a hit with the kids. I tried my first Pisco Sour here, the national drink of Peru, and it lived up to the hype—delicious and refreshing. For dinner, I went for the local trout, which was surprisingly similar to salmon in both flavor and texture. My kids and nanny indulged in dessert, while I enjoyed a local Malbec. The whole vibe at the Aranwa was peaceful, the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
The following day, we geared up for our river rafting adventure on the Urubamba River. It was just us, our guide, and an additional kayaker who played photographer for the day. The scenery was breathtaking, with the river snaking through the Sacred Valley, surrounded by towering mountains. The rapids were exhilarating, and at one point, our guide and nanny teamed up to paddle us right under a waterfall—totally unexpected but hilarious. After rafting, we stopped in Ollantaytambo to explore the ruins, which are some of the best-preserved in Peru. The kids were fascinated, and the town itself has a charming vibe with its cobblestone streets and local shops. We grabbed lunch at a small restaurant—I had more trout (when in Peru, right?), while the kids opted for quesadillas.
The highlight of our trip, of course, was Machu Picchu. We took the Vistadome train, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The journey itself is beautiful, and by the time we arrived at Machu Picchu, the anticipation was palpable. Words can’t really do it justice—the scale, the history, the setting... it’s a place that truly takes your breath away. Getting tickets ahead of time is crucial, as the entry process can be chaotic. I highly recommend hiring a guide to make the experience richer and more informative. Also, don’t forget the mosquito spray! The bugs are tiny but relentless, and you won’t even notice them until the bites appear. After a full day of exploring, we had a late lunch at the Inkaterra hotel, where I enjoyed a cold beer to wind down. The train ride back to Cusco included entertainment in the form of a fashion show and traditional dancing—so much fun for the kids!
We spent our final evening in Cusco, doing a bit of souvenir shopping and exploring the town’s vibrant streets. I cannot recommend enough trying the local cream soups—they’re delicious and a safe option to avoid any potential stomach issues. After a good night’s rest, we headed back to Lima for the final leg of our trip.
Back in Lima, we were lucky enough to catch the celebrations for Santa Rosa Day, which honors the patron saint of the police. The city was alive with parades and performances, and it was the perfect way to cap off our trip. We visited the historic center, saw the presidential palace, and learned more about Lima’s colonial past. I even managed to squeeze in some last-minute shopping, picking up a few pieces of high-quality silver jewelry.
Our final meal in Peru was a treat: dinner at Maido, ranked number five in the world and number one in South America by the 50 Best. I indulged in the full 15-course tasting menu with wine pairing, and it was every bit as incredible as you’d imagine. My nanny tried guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy, but I stuck to my pescatarian diet. The surprise hit of the night? My youngest, who typically avoids fish, devoured three crispy fish sandwiches without realizing what they were. He gave them a perfect 10/10!
After dinner, we headed to the airport for our 1AM red-eye flight home. Traveling overnight with kids can be tough, but it worked out perfectly this time, and we arrived back in Seattle just in time for a smooth custody exchange.
Peru was everything I’d hoped for and more—a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments. If you’re looking for a destination that offers it all, I can’t recommend it enough. It was the perfect way to wrap up our summer with an incredible adventure.
Comments