City BuddyCityBuddy
English
View of the historic Coricancha temple in Cusco, featuring Inca stonework and gardens.

6-Day Family Adventure in Cusco & Lima

⚖️Balanced Mix👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Family with Kids
6 daysspring

A fun and family-friendly 6-day spring journey exploring the best kid-friendly attractions, parks, and interactive experiences in Cusco and Lima with a relaxed pace and practical tips.

|
Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Peru, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Explore Ancient Cusco with Kids Cusco
Morning

Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas

Explore Cusco's historic main square located in the San Blas neighborhood, watch local artisans and climb to nearby viewpoints for great family photos.

4.8(79k reviews)~2 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Morning

Cusco Cathedral

Cusco Cathedral

Visit this impressive 16th-century cathedral on the Plaza de Armas; take a guided tour to learn about its colonial art and Inca stone foundations.

4.6(2k reviews)~1.5 hours
Google Maps Directions
Lunch
Try family-friendly local restaurant

~1.5 hours

Choose a casual eatery near Plaza de Armas that offers mild-flavored traditional dishes suitable for children.

Afternoon

Qorikancha Temple

Qorikancha Temple

Explore the Temple of the Sun located a few blocks from the main square with interactive exhibits about Inca culture kids can enjoy.

4.7(20k reviews)~2 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Afternoon
Relax at Parque de la Amistad

~1.5 hours

This family-friendly park in the city center has playgrounds and green space for kids to unwind after sightseeing.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a cafe near Plaza de Armas and try a tamal with coffee. Tamales are steamed corn dough parcels often filled with meat or cheese.
5 PEN
Lomo Saltado
Lunch15 PEN

Find a casual restaurant near the Cathedral and order Lomo Saltado, a popular Peruvian beef stir fry with fries and rice.

Lomo Saltado
Api Morado
Dinner8 PEN

Look for a place serving Api Morado, a warm purple corn drink, paired with Alfajores cookies for a light, sweet dinner treat.

Api Morado
Walk around the city center as most attractions are close; use taxis for longer trips, book with Uber or Beat apps with prices about 0.5 PEN per km.

AccommodationSan Blas (artistic neighborhood near historic center)

Convenient to downtown sights, safe with quiet streets perfect for families.

Hotel in San Blas (artistic neighborhood near historic center)
$20-40/night

Convenient to downtown sights, safe with quiet streets perfect for families.

Search hotels in this area
Day 2Nature and Interactive Culture Cusco
Morning

Day hike to Humantay Lake

Day hike to Humantay Lake

Start early from Cusco to reach the trailhead on the road to Mollepata. The trail is moderately challenging with beautiful mountain scenery. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and dress in layers as temperatures vary.

4.9(763 reviews)~5 hours
Google Maps Directions
Lunch
Enjoy picnic at lakeside

~1.5 hours

Pack picnic supplies in advance or get local sandwiches and fruit from a market in Cusco to enjoy by Humantay Lake. The area is peaceful and perfect for resting after the hike.

Afternoon

Visit the San Francisco Convent

Visit the San Francisco Convent

Located in the historic center of Cusco, explore the convent's architecture and its library with ancient texts. The peaceful church interior and cloisters offer a quiet cultural experience suitable for children.

4.6(278 reviews)~2 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Afternoon
Explore a local artisan market

~2 hours

Visit the San Blas neighborhood artisan market. It has handicrafts suitable for children to see and buy, including textiles and small souvenirs. The area has cafes for breaks and is safe for families.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Alfajores
Breakfast~5 PEN

Find a local bakery in the San Blas neighborhood and try Alfajores, sweet biscuits filled with caramel, along with a hot coffee.

Alfajores
Lunch
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch by Humantay Lake with fresh sandwiches and seasonal fruit bought from Cusco markets before the hike.
~10 PEN
Rocoto Relleno
Dinner~15 PEN

Look for restaurants near San Francisco Convent serving Rocoto Relleno, a traditional spicy stuffed pepper dish, paired with a non-alcoholic Chicha Morada drink.

Rocoto Relleno
Use taxis to reach the trailhead early in the morning via Uber or Beat apps, priced about 0.5 PEN per km. Around town, walk or use taxis for safety and convenience with children.

AccommodationSan Blas (artsy neighborhood with close proximity to city center)

San Blas provides a family-friendly environment near key sites and markets with easy walking access.

Airbnb in San Blas (artsy neighborhood with close proximity to city center)
$40-60/night

San Blas provides a family-friendly environment near key sites and markets with easy walking access.

Search hotels in this area
Day 3Archaeology and Markets Cusco
Morning

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market

Explore San Pedro Market in the city center early morning to avoid crowds. Look for fresh fruits, local snacks and colorful textiles. Great for kids to see vibrant local culture and try safe street foods.

4.3(44k reviews)~2 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Morning
Sacsayhuamán

~2 hours

Visit Sacsayhuamán archaeological site just outside Cusco. Walk the large stone terraces and enjoy panoramic views. Kids will enjoy spotting the large stones and open space to roam.

Lunch
Find a kid-friendly café

~1.5 hours

Choose a café near Plaza de Armas with seating and kid-friendly menus. Look for sandwiches, fresh juices, and light pastries for a relaxed lunch break.

Afternoon

Visit Maras salt mines

Visit Maras salt mines

Travel by car or tour vehicle to Maras salt mines. Watch salt evaporation in the terraced ponds. Explain the traditional salt harvesting process to children and enjoy open natural scenery.

4.7(1k reviews)~2.5 hours
Google Maps Directions
Evening
Travel to Lima

~1.5 hours

Take an afternoon flight from Cusco to Lima Jorge Chávez airport. Book tickets in advance for best prices and punctual connections.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Alfajores
Breakfast$1-$2

Find a bakery near Plaza de Armas and try Alfajores, sweet cookies filled with dulce de leche, paired with coffee.

Alfajores
Lunch
Find a kid-friendly café near Plaza de Armas and order sandwiches with fresh juices and fruit salad for variety and health.
$5-$7
Lomo Saltado
Dinner$6-$8

At Lima airport or nearby eatery, find a place serving Lomo Saltado, a stir-fried beef dish with vegetables and rice, offering a taste of Peruvian comfort food.

Lomo Saltado
Use taxis for convenience and safety, book rides via Uber or Beat apps; expect about $0.5 per km.

AccommodationMiraflores (upscale district with parks and ocean views)

Miraflores is safe and family-friendly with easy access to dining and seaside parks, ideal for resting after travel.

Hotel in Miraflores (upscale district with parks and ocean views)
$40-70/night

Miraflores is safe and family-friendly with easy access to dining and seaside parks, ideal for resting after travel.

Search hotels in this area
Car30 mins

Travel by car from Miraflores to Historic Lima area, leaving early to avoid traffic. Use taxi apps Uber or Beat for reliable rides.

Day 4Historic Lima and Family Fun Lima
Morning

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor

Start your day in Lima's historic center at Plaza Mayor in the Cercado de Lima neighborhood. Arrive early to admire colonial architecture and watch locals set up market stalls on Jirón de la Unión street.

4.6(78k reviews)~1.5 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Morning

Convento de San Francisco & Catacombs

Convento de San Francisco & Catacombs

From Plaza Mayor walk 10 minutes to the Convento de San Francisco. Explore the church and dark catacombs underneath with care, suitable for children who are comfortable with slightly spooky but fascinating history.

4.6(18k reviews)~2 hours
Google Maps Directions
Lunch
Try local family-friendly eatery

~1.5 hours

Have lunch in the Barrios Altos area where you can find small family-run eateries. Order dishes like Lomo Saltado, a kid-friendly beef stir fry, and fresh fruit juices. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming.

Afternoon

Museo Larco

Museo Larco

In the afternoon take a taxi to Pueblo Libre neighborhood for Museo Larco, a museum with engaging pre-Columbian art and hands-on exhibits for kids. Allow time to stroll in the garden with native plants and rest on benches.

4.8(16k reviews)~2 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Afternoon
Find a neighborhood park for playtime

~1 hours

Close Museo Larco is Parque de las Leyendas or another nearby park in Pueblo Libre. Let kids run around the playground and enjoy open green space before dinner.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Alfajores
Breakfast$2-3

Grab a quick breakfast near Plaza Mayor with fresh bread rolls and hot chocolate. Check small bakeries along Jirón de la Unión street for sweet Alfajores cookies, a light traditional treat.

Alfajores
Lomo Saltado
Lunch$5

Find a family-friendly eatery in Barrios Altos and try Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian beef stir fry with tomatoes and rice. Pair it with fresh juice like maracuya (passion fruit).

Lomo Saltado
Chicha Morada
Dinner$5

For dinner, seek out a casual restaurant near Pueblo Libre offering simple grilled chicken or pasta. Enjoy refreshing Chicha Morada, a sweet purple corn drink kids and adults both like.

Chicha Morada
Use taxis with apps like Uber or Beat to move safely and quickly between historic center and Pueblo Libre. Expect about $0.5 per km and ask drivers for child seat if needed.

AccommodationPueblo Libre (residential area near museums and parks)

Staying in Pueblo Libre is convenient for visiting Museo Larco and nearby parks with kids. It offers a quieter family-friendly vibe than the city center.

Airbnb in Pueblo Libre (residential area near museums and parks)
$30-50/night

Staying in Pueblo Libre is convenient for visiting Museo Larco and nearby parks with kids. It offers a quieter family-friendly vibe than the city center.

Search hotels in this area
Day 5Coastal Views and Culture Lima
Morning

Huaca Pucllana archaeological site

Huaca Pucllana archaeological site

Located in Miraflores, this ancient adobe pyramid offers a safe and educational experience for kids. Arrive early to avoid crowds and explore the on-site museum with interactive displays.

4.6(18k reviews)~1.5 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Morning

Malecón de Miraflores

Malecón de Miraflores

Walk along the coastal promenade with views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the parks and playgrounds, ideal for children to expend energy safely near the cliffs.

4.7(3k reviews)~1.5 hours
Google Maps Directions
Lunch
Enjoy seaside family restaurant

~1.5 hours

Choose a family-friendly seafood spot along the Malecón with fresh fish and friendly service. Look for shaded outdoor seating with ocean views to keep kids comfortable.

Afternoon

Parque del Amor

Parque del Amor

Visit this colorful park featuring mosaic art and a large sculpture symbolizing love. Kids will enjoy running around the green spaces and parents can relax on benches overlooking the water.

4.5(30k reviews)~1 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Afternoon

Explore Barranco District & Puente de los Suspiros

Explore Barranco District & Puente de los Suspiros

Stroll through this bohemian neighborhood known for its street art, colorful houses, and charming bridge. Safe walking paths and cafes provide spots for rest and snacks appropriate for families.

4.6(24k reviews)~2 hours
Google Maps Directions

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a bakery in Miraflores serving fresh Andean corn bread with coffee to start the day.
$3
Ceviche
Lunch$8

Look for a seaside family restaurant on the Malecón and order fresh ceviche, a light and tangy fish dish popular in Peru.

Ceviche
Lomo Saltado
Dinner$7

Seek a casual eatery in Barranco offering lomo saltado, a flavorful stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, and onions served with rice.

Lomo Saltado
Use taxis to get around Miraflores and Barranco as they are quickest and most convenient. Uber and Beat are reliable apps. Taxi rates are around PEN 2 per km. Walking between nearby sites is also pleasant and safe for families.

AccommodationMiraflores (upscale residential and shopping area)

This area is ideal for families due to its safety, proximity to coastal attractions, and variety of dining options.

Bed & Breakfast in Miraflores (upscale residential and shopping area)
$40-60/night

This area is ideal for families due to its safety, proximity to coastal attractions, and variety of dining options.

Search hotels in this area
Day 6Interactive Water Fun and Departure Lima
Morning

Circuito Mágico del Agua

Circuito Mágico del Agua

Visit the interactive water fountain park in the historic center of Lima near Plaza Mayor. Arrive early for cooler temperatures and to avoid crowds with children.

4.5(83k reviews)~2 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Morning

Visit Museo Pedro de Osma

Visit Museo Pedro de Osma

Take a taxi to the Pedro de Osma Museum in Barranco, a safe bohemian district known for its art and gardens. The museum has elegant furniture and painting collections, enjoyable for kids.

4.6(2k reviews)~1.5 hours
Google Maps Directions
Lunch
Find a family-friendly dining spot

~1.5 hours

Look for a casual restaurant in Barranco with a kids menu and shaded outdoor seating for a relaxed meal. Order soft drinks and try local dishes that are mild in spice.

Afternoon
Travel to Airport for Departure

~2 hours

Use a taxi or Uber to reach Jorge Chávez International Airport from Barranco. Allocate extra time for travel and security checks, especially traveling with children.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Api Morado
Breakfast~5 PEN

Find a café near Plaza Mayor and try a cup of Api Morado, a warm purple corn drink with spices, plus fresh pastries.

Api Morado
Lunch
Choose a family-friendly restaurant in Barranco and order roasted chicken with rice and vegetables for a mild, kid-friendly meal.
~15 PEN
Dinner
Look for a casual dinner spot near the airport offering sandwiches or pizzas with a soft drink to keep kids comfortable.
~15 PEN
Taxis and Uber are the safest and most convenient way to get around Lima today. Use Uber or Beat apps to book rides with prices around 0.5 PEN per kilometer. Avoid buses with children for comfort and safety.

AccommodationBarranco (bohemian district with art and parks)

Staying in Barranco offers easy evening leisure after daytime activities and close access to the airport next day.

Hotel in Barranco (bohemian district with art and parks)
$40-60/night

Staying in Barranco offers easy evening leisure after daytime activities and close access to the airport next day.

Search hotels in this area

Export Your Trip

Get your trip plan as a PDF with maps and a CSV spreadsheet.

Loading

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$20
Food / day$6
Transport / day$3
Activities / day$10
Daily total$39
Trip total$234

Accommodation is budget hotel. Food is a mix of restaurant meals and safe street food. Transport budget includes taxis and occasional public transport. Activities include kid-friendly attractions and park visits.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Not safe to drink. Use bottled or purified water for all family needs.
Best Taxi Apps: Uber, Beat, TaxiBeat are reliable and safe for families.
Weather: Best months to visit are May to September. Springtime is ideal for outdoor activities.
Languages: Spanish is primary. Basic English is spoken. Useful to learn simple Spanish phrases.
Health: Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies.
Transport Safety: Traffic safety is average. Use seat belts and trusted taxis with apps.
Kid-friendly Places: Choose parks, interactive museums, and historical sites with gentle pacing and rest.
Tipping: Tipping is expected but not mandatory. Small amounts appreciated.
Internet: Internet speed is moderate at 8 Mbps, sufficient for basics and navigation.
Safety: Violent crime safety below average. Stay in safe areas and supervise children carefully.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Documents

Booking

Packing

Health

Connectivity

Get eSIM for Peru

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.