Peru with a Toddler: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Let me be real with you, if you are looking for a “relaxing vacation” taking a toddler to Peru may not be your cup of tea. But would I do it again? Absolutely. Just maybe with a few more backup plans.
Essential Gear That Actually Matters
After lugging stuff through airports and up ancient stone steps, here's what you actually need:
The Game-Changer: A Quality Hiking Carrier This was hands-down our most important purchase. When you're carrying a tired, potentially cranky toddler up 2,000-year-old stone steps while pregnant (don't ask), you need something that distributes weight properly. Look for carriers with good waist support and multiple adjustment points. We have a
Harness Backpack for Crowds Peru's tourist sites get PACKED. I get it, nobody wants to “leash” their child. The good news - the connecting wrist strap is detachable so most of the time you just have an adorable backpack your child can use to carry a few small toys. Then if it gets particularly chaotic in a dangerous area you can whip it out. Having a harness backpack meant I could keep Asher close in packed train stations and when he kept attempting to dart between hundreds of people towards the track. I might have only connected him for 10 minutes, but it was worth it to ensure he was close.
Portable Snacks Are Your Lifeline When you're stuck on a train for hours or waiting in line for buses, having familiar snacks can save your sanity. Pro tip: pack way more than you think you need.
The Altitude Reality
Here's what the guidebooks don't tell you: altitude sickness doesn't discriminate by age. Our toddler actually handled the altitude better than we expected. but we took precautions. We spent a couple of night in the Sacred Valley after Lima (lower altitude) before heading to stay Cusco, which helped with gradual acclimatization.
What Worked (And What Didn't)
Worked:
Staying in family-friendly accommodations with playgrounds nearby (In Lima - Miraflores near the parks and in Sacred Valley - Casa Andina)
Keeping days flexible with plenty of nap time
Bringing entertaining packable toys for long travel days
Having backup plans when someone gets sick
Doesn’t Work:
Trying to stick to rigid schedules
Expecting picture-perfect moments (spoiler: most of my photos at the top of Machu Picchu feature a pouty toddler)
Packing too much stuff
The Bottom Line
Is Peru with a toddler challenging? Yes. Will you question your sanity at least once? Probably. But watching your little one's face light up at seeing alpacas or hearing their excited "wow!" when they first see Machu Picchu? That makes every tantrum worth it.
Just remember to pack patience, lower your expectations, and maybe bring an extra phone charger. Because yes, someone will definitely leave their phone in an Uber.
