Planning trips is usually difficult when a child is in the family, especially to distant places. The doubts are even greater in the case of Peru, a country with numerous tourist attractions. The social and cultural context are inevitable factors you must consider before planning your next trip.
To do this, you should consider some important points, which will give you a clear idea of the situation. In this regard, the Machu Travel Peru team prepared a brief article about visiting Peru with a baby. This is precisely because the rich cultural country offers interesting options for family fun. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu, we recommend considering the following points.
All considerations to take when exploring the Andean country with a child
- Planning
- Security and health
- Transportation
- Altitude and weather
- Food and water
- Hikes
- Accommodation
- Additional tips
Planning
Traveling to Peru with a baby can be a unique, enriching, and memorable experience, provided you plan accordingly. Although it may present certain challenges, proper preparation several months in advance will make the trip much smoother. Below are some key points to keep in mind during the initial planning stages:
Travel with a trusted tour operator
Planning a family trip can be much easier if you have the support of a specialized travel agency. Choosing a tour operator with experience in family travel or customized packages can make a difference. These professionals can help you select comfortable lodgings, safe transfers, nice schedules, and family-friendly restaurants. Additionally, having their support will help you feel safe in any eventuality.
Choose your attractions wisely
Peru offers a wide variety of tourist destinations, however, not all attractions are suitable. Therefore, we suggest choosing attractions that offer adequate infrastructure for young children, such as quiet rest areas. Accessible natural parks, zoos, spacious plazas, interactive cultural centers, and museums with children’s areas can be great allies. Remember that the most important thing isn’t the number of places you visit, but the quality of the time.
Organize the necessary documentation
One of the most important aspects of traveling with a baby is having all the pertinent documentation. Your family needs valid passports, and depending on your country, you may need to obtain a visa. For that, check the website of your country’s Peruvian consulate in advance to verify immigration requirements. Likewise, bring physical and digital copies of key documents and have everything on hand.
Get ready smart
Packing strategically is essential when traveling with a baby. Beyond your suitcase, it’s advisable to pack a handbag or backpack with essential daily items. Diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, a light blanket, and small toys will provide comfort, especially on the flights. Therefore, a pre-travel checklist will be helpful so you don’t forget anything important.
Security and health
Although Peru is a fairly safe country, it is not exempt from minor and even major crimes. This is precisely common in South American destinations because, commonly, authorities register cases of theft or accidents. However, this will depend specifically on the places you travel to. Some places may even receive neglect, but you should stay in central, tourist-friendly areas.
Additionally, consult your main pediatrician for appropriate guidance before embarking on your journey. Following a thorough examination, the expert will assess if your infant is fit for travel. They will offer tailored advice for your situation and, if required, prescribe specific medications.
Another important suggestion is to purchase good travel insurance for you and your family. This way, you will protect yourself against any relevant problems that may arise in the Andean country. Finally, remember to always keep your personal belongings in sight. Also, don’t carry too many valuables while traveling, as it can be difficult to keep track of them.
Transportation
When traveling in Peru, you’ll have multiple transportation options, although they will depend on your chosen destinations. Boats, ships, launches, buses, small planes, and others are just some means of transport that will allow you to reach your destinations. However, you can take precautions for greater comfort, especially for traveling with babies.
Regarding conventional vehicles, one of the most popular options for some parents is renting a car. Although it’s not the most economical option, you’ll have absolute control. Likewise, it’s also important to note that driving and some laws may be different from those in your home country.
On the other hand, some buses offer special car seats, although this isn’t common. In particular, if you’re traveling to Peru, buses can be uncomfortable because of a lack of some services. Furthermore, drivers don’t always accept continuous stops; therefore, it’s important to research the vehicles’ use during your trip.
Another viable option is traveling by taxi, although you should take some precautions. Undoubtedly, verified companies and secure apps are the best options for traveling around the city. Although rare, authorities report cases of fake taxis or those without proper documentation. Therefore, one of the best options is Uber or Cabify, and check the profiles of the drivers you hire.
Finally, if you plan to do tourism in Peru, especially Machu Picchu, the best option is to travel by train. A popular way to reach the town near Machu Picchu is by taking a comfortable train. The seats and facilities are more comfortable than other alternative means of transportation that are also popular.
Altitude and weather
One of the most common recommendations is to pack layered clothing, which will help you avoid sudden climate changes. Likewise, researching the climate of your next destination will help you plan what to wear. For example, Lima is humid and temperate, Cusco is cool and dry, and the Amazon is rainy and hot.
Regarding acclimatization, most children and babies don’t have any more difficulties than adults. However, it’s advisable to take it easy for a few days before embarking on extensive excursions or activities. Take advantage of activities that don’t require much physical effort during these first few days.
At high elevation, altitude sickness can be a problem for first-time visitors. To achieve this, it helps to plan your visit step by step with a specialist. Likewise, starting with lower altitude places and moving to higher ones is the best way to confront the high altitude. Likewise, staying hydrated also helps your body remain oxygenated.
Food and water
Another important point is nutrition and hydration; for example, tap water isn’t suitable for direct consumption in Peru. Therefore, purchase bottled water, which is easy to find at any store or supermarket. Furthermore, Peru’s variety of fresh foods allows you to try delicious and especially nutritious dishes. Likewise, we suggest asking about the ingredients because many may be new to you.
Hikes
One of the most special activities to do in Peru is hiking. Its incredible trails offer unique experiences, which do not exclude the children. Likewise, a baby carrier will be your best ally for those planning to travel with babies and hike. Additionally, you can find alternative options to enjoy outdoors, the most common option being horseback riding.
Therefore, it is best to avoid long hikes lasting more than one day, which could be exhausting for your little ones. Postponing tours like the Inca Trail is a way to travel safely to Peru. However, it is best to do this activity with preteens and older children, who will likely enjoy it more.
Accommodation
Even if you’re traveling with a trusted travel agency, you should keep in mind some special considerations. A clear example is the accommodations, because hotels usually have their own policies. Some of them may charge extra for cribs, which are only suitable for children under 2 years old.
Likewise, another common policy is that children under 11 years old can share a room with their parents. However, some Machu Picchu hotels can house you with special amenities for your little ones. Therefore, we recommend always checking each establishment’s general policies, because they may vary.
Additional tips
Although good planning is the foundation of a successful trip, you can find some details along the way. Therefore, we add other recommendations that can make all the difference when traveling with babies or young children. These tips help you enjoy a more comfortable, safe, and meaningful family experience.
Connect with local wildlife safely
One of the most memorable experiences for little ones is meeting the iconic South American camelids. You can appreciate llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas in various tourist spots, which are part of the Andean landscape. Places like the Awanacancha Textile Center or the Alpaca Park allow you to see these animals up close. Likewise, be sure to respect the rules of interaction and maintain a safe distance to avoid incidents.
Consider Sacred Valley
While Machu Picchu is the most essential point of Peru, we suggest spending a few days exploring the Sacred Valley. Its peaceful villages, milder climate, and natural surroundings make it an ideal place to rest and relax. In addition, the family hotels, local markets, green spaces, and cultural points are perfect to share with little ones. Moreover, you can try the local delicious gastronomy, such as the guinea pig and many more.
Choose the ideal age to fly
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend flying with babies younger than six weeks, except in necessary cases. Likewise, we suggest consulting with your pediatrician before planning your trip. Every baby is different, and their health and nutrition are important before embarking on an international adventure. Therefore, doesn’t exist no specific minimum age for a baby to travel, but take the pertinent precautions.
Enjoy Machu Picchu without pressure
Visiting Machu Picchu with a baby is entirely possible, although it requires certain considerations. The citadel does not allow strollers, so bringing an ergonomic baby carrier is an excellent option. Likewise, purchase tickets in advance, plan your visit time based on the weather, and your child’s pace. The key is to enjoy the experience without putting pressure on yourself!
Apply the “travel slowly” philosophy
Try to avoid overcrowded activities and prioritize quality over quantity. Choose your stops wisely, plan ample time for rest, and allow your baby to calmly explore new environments, sounds, and colors. Traveling slowly not only prevents fatigue and stress, but it also creates space for family connection. In addition, savoring the small moments and discovering the country from a more genuine and leisurely perspective is rewarding.
Be patient and flexible
No matter how much planning you do, traveling with children always brings surprises. Mood swings, unexpected issues, or simply bad days are okay, and it is acceptable. Keep an open mind, adjust your plans, and remember making family memories, not fulfilling a bucket list. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the small accomplishments, and allow every moment to become a valuable experience.
CHILLHOOD MEMORIES ARE THE MOST PRECIOUS AND HOLD NOSTALGIA LIKE NO OTHER
As we saw, being able to travel to the Andean country with a baby does not represent a greater challenge. It can even be a unique experience traveling with the whole family. Together with the Machu Travel Peru team, we hope we have helped answer your questions and clear the panorama. If you have more doubts, you can always consult our advisers.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Peru and any tours around it. Let us help you make your Peru travel experience unforgettable! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
