peru, people,
Families having fun in Peru

Exploring Peru: A Family Adventure

Jun 28 - Jul 7, Aug 2 - 11, and Dec 20 - 29, 2013; Mar 22 - 31, Apr 12 - 21, Jun 28 - Jul 7, Jul 26 - Aug 4, 2014, and Dec 26, 2014 - Jan 4, 2015
For more details or to book your family vacation, enter your name and email below or Call 1-888-466-3590 M-F, 9 am-5:30 pm (EST)!
Adult Starting at $4,490
Child Starting at $4,290
Call 888-466-3590
    *First Name
    *Last Name
    *Email
    *Required
    |
     
     
    Overview
  • Join us in Peru to open new windows of understanding, knowledge, and wonder for your family. Introduce your children to history and archaeology in an exciting way at the famed “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. You’ll learn about the construction of this mountain citadel, have the chance to hike to the sacred summit of Huayna Picchu for stunning views, and explore other Incan sites such as Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.

    You and your family will also experience unique cross-cultural opportunities, such as meeting a renowned Peruvian ceramicist who works with traditional techniques and designs. Learn about the importance of llamas and alpacas to the Peruvian way of life at the Awanacancha Llama Center. Cuzco, with its blend of Inca and Spanish architecture, promotes further historical discussion, plus, you’ll meet with a local family who shares secrets of Peruvian cooking. Travel by chartered boat out on Lake Titicaca to the magical floating reed islands of the Uros people, where you can explore the islands and meet with the local families who live there. Spend an afternoon at the remote and bucolic village of Santa Rosa, where the local people still gather potatoes and grow quinoa on the shores of Lake Titicaca, much as they have for centuries. Our local guides provide insight throughout your vacation, as well as take care of all the details so that you’ll have time to relax and enjoy being with your family as you create lifelong memories. Our family adventure to Peru is geared for families with kids ages 10 and older.
    • Special Highlights
  • Explore Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The “lost city” of Machu Picchu was so remote and so well hidden that it wasn’t rediscovered until 1911, when Hiram Bingham stumbled onto the astonishing site hidden in the mists on a rocky ridge. No longer “lost,” your family can discover first-hand why Machu Picchu was recently voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Discover the charms of colonial Cuzco. Founded in the 11th century and capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century through the arrival of the Spanish in the mid 16th century, Cuzco is a delightful mix of Inca and Spanish architecture. Around the city you can still see the remains of Inca buildings and foundations—many of which have proven to be stronger than buildings constructed in the present day!
  • Meet llamas and alpacas at the Awanacancha Llama Center. Here your family can learn about and see up-close llamas, alpacas, and other New World cameloids, which have been important to the way of life here for centuries.
  • Visit the studio of renowned ceramicist Pablo Seminario. Pablo Seminario’s work is dedicated to rediscovering and preserving the ceramic techniques and designs of ancient Peruvian cultures—an important part of this area’s cultural heritage.
  • Explore the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca. Board a small chartered boat to cruise out onto Lake Titicaca. Your destination is a floating reed island in Puno Bay, home to a traditional Uros community. This lively visit is very popular, and you will have time to explore these unique islands and talk with some of the residents.
  • Explore other important pre-Inca and Inca archaeological sites. Walk the pre-Inca burial ground at Sillustani, created by the Aymara culture, which was conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. Explore the ancient Inca site of Raqchi, which features the remains of a temple and granary, good examples of the Inca construction technique of building in trapezoids—a design feature intended to help buildings withstand earthquakes.
  • Hike to the remote community of Santa Rosa. Leave the main highway and follow a secondary road over a low range of hills down to the lakeshore. Then hike to the top of a ridge to meet local villagers and enjoy the spectacular rural surroundings.
  • Visit the Mercados Indios in Lima. You can opt to visit the Mercados Indios, a popular open-air market that draws the best folk art from all over the country.
    • World Heritage Sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites in Peru:
    • City of Cuzco
    • Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
    • The cultural heritage of Aymara communities in Peru (Intangible Cultural Heritage)
    See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.


    •