https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:56:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898253 Tue, 01 Oct 2019 10:17:44 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 2898253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@woodentulip: I would love more details, especially about where you stayed...this sounds like a trip our family would take. I was actually looking into Peru recently but decided to hold off because I'm pregnant (went hiking in Chile while pregnant and decided I'd rather wait and enjoy it more). But in a year or two would for sure consider it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898173 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:10:20 +0000 woodentulip 2898173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's so interesting to read other people's opinions on this. Our daughter was 5 when we went, about a month after her birthday. I lived for a year in Quito and would not describe that as child friendly, but that was before I became a mom and perhaps I was just seeing the parts of the city that I wouldn't want to take kids. On the other hand, we had a great time in Lima with our kids--sticking mostly to Miraflores but exploring a bit during the day. </p> <p>Our kids did so well in the mountains--we arrived and went into the Sacred Valley before going to Cusco and/or Machu Picchu. We hired a driver who took us to a lot of other Incan sites, most of which we saw as the sole tourists. Our kids LOVED them. They did cartwheels, climbed, explored and had a blast. Our day going to Machu Picchu was a long day from the Sacred Valley on the train/bus combo, and was absolutely not the highlight of the trip for the kids, but they did last all day. </p> <p>The absolute best part of our trip was 3 nights at a jungle lodge. It was magical for the kids, and so cool for us as parents. The staff at the lodge bent over backwards to show our kids a good time (including showing them some local crafts, making them foods they knew would be a hit and providing us with our own guide so that our days were taken at our own pace). We saw almost all our bucket list animals, lost a rubber boot when piranha fishing and met a local farmer from the edge of a dugout canoe. It was freaking fabulous. </p> <p>Would I take a 2 year old? No. Would I take a 4 year old? If it were either of my kids, totally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898092 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 07:43:45 +0000 peachykeen 2898092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've spent about 3 months in Peru and I would totally take a toddler (and actually plan to take young kids in the next year or 2). The Miraflores area of Lima is the best for kids/tourists and there is a lot to do in that area. I do have an irrational fear of my kids falling so would probably babywear my toddler at Machu Picchu because she likes to explore and it would make me nervous to have her untethered. I would plan to spend a few days in the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu as it's more authentic culturally and will also help you acclimate to the altitude. Peruvians are some of the most friendly and kind people I've met while traveling and they love kids :heart: I would probably skip the Amazon for now but would absolutely visit that area with older kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898045 Sat, 28 Sep 2019 15:45:07 +0000 periwinklebee 2898045@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to be the outlier here and say that I'd do it, though I haven't tried. I spent time in the area, granted a long time ago and pre-kids, and have wonderful friends still there who someday I very much would like to take LO to visit. </p> <p>People in the sierra ding on Lima for being a total dump, and sure there are a lot of not so nice things about it, but it also has really nice areas, food, hotels.... I personally wouldn't feel a need to spend that much time there because I don't think it's that long to see the interesting things. I'll also put in a plug for Arequipa, which is lovely. </p> <p>I'm not a doctor, but wouldn't have thought the elevation in Cusco would be a problem for a toddler as long as they don't have coronary or respiratory problems, or other pre-existing health problems that can be exacerbated by altitude. It's not even that high by Peruvian standards; other (also great to visit) places like Puno are quite a bit higher. It's truly delightful, and the majority of tourists don't find the altitude to be an issue, if so typically it's a minor inconvenience. Machu Picchu is much lower. There are some really nice hotels around there if that's your thing. Sure, don't do precarious hiking trails with your toddler, but I think in general safety shouldn't be an issue as long as you are watching your child. You do see a fair number of kids there. </p> <p>For me the main argument to wait would just be that it's a really cool and unique place with a super rich history that lots of kids find interesting, and your daughter might enjoy it more when she's a bit older if it's going to be a one time trip. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898044 Sat, 28 Sep 2019 14:41:00 +0000 yellowbeach 2898044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks ladies. This was kind of my suspicion so it helps to know I wasn’t off base considering pushing this trip til later. </p> <p>@MrsBubbleTea: I love Central America- been to Guatemala twice, Belize and Costa Rica. Loved all of them, just looking for something a little new. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898043 Sat, 28 Sep 2019 14:08:02 +0000 pachamama 2898043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbeach: hey! Thanks for thinking of me! I used to be an adventurous traveler and have been to Peru twice, once to Lima and the other time an extended stay volunteering in the Sacred valley (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Urubamba) etc. I personally would not take a toddler. And actually I really didn't like Lima. It was my least favorite city of all time. Cusco and the sacred valley were my favorite but I am a Spanish teacher and was embedded in the culture so it was very rewarding. I was also young and carefree and anxiety-free lol. The altitude in Cusco (12,000ft) is astonishing and definitely can make you sick. Maybe it's different but I didnt find Lima very child-friendly at all. It's really quite far and not terribly safe. I've also been to Quito Ecuador which is definitely not a fun place for kids!<br /> Sorry I can't be more positive. Again I'm more of a hesitant traveler (I have a 3.75 year old). I'd probably take him to Portugal, Costa Rica or Puerto Rico in the next few years. Hope this helps?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898022 Fri, 27 Sep 2019 22:49:33 +0000 woodentulip 2898022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While we didn't travel with a toddler to Peru, we went with two kids in 2017 who were 5 and 7 at the time. They did so well. I would say that younger than that, and I might have found it a touch more difficult. I would be happy to share what we did on that trip with you, if you want to wall me :) </p> <p>Short story is that we went to the mountains (incl. Machu Picchu), the jungle and then some time in Lima before going home. Happy to share details of the trip if it would be useful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898021 Fri, 27 Sep 2019 22:29:11 +0000 MamaCate 2898021@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbeach: so the short answer is no, I have not taken a toddler to Peru...but it is something I have considered. DH and I lived in Peru for a year and did a ton of traveling and have talked about taken the kids when he has gone back but haven’t done it yet.</p> <p>We went to Machu Picchu in 2010 so this may be dated. To me the concerns would be the altitude and the accessibility to Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is the town at the base of the mountain and is very touristy. You take a bus up from town and then either take the bus down or hike down. We hiked down but it would be a little daunting with kids. The actual site is amazing but full of sheer drop offs and cliff faces so I would worry about a small child who would like to explore. How old is your kiddo?</p> <p>I think googling would be a great option but I just wanted to add my two cents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898019 Fri, 27 Sep 2019 22:02:56 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2898019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We took our then almost 1 yo to Quito Ecuador. Not really the same at all, no adventuring really, just hanging out with family and some small day trips. I think I would google exactly what you said, Machu Picchu with toddler, and I bet you would totally find people who have done it and have a lot to say about it! I know you have to do some stuff slower to help them adjust to the altitude. We went to a really high place in Quito and couldn’t bring our son because of his age, like it wasn’t even an option. Would you consider visiting Central America? I went to Guatemala in nursing school and would love to bring my family there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898015 Fri, 27 Sep 2019 21:34:05 +0000 yellowbeach 2898015@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You guys have provided such great travel advice the past year and a half (Greece, Italy, Copenhagen), so I'm coming back to ask if anyone has taken a toddler to Peru. DH and I are contemplating Lima, Peru in late Jan/early Feb 2020. I've never been to Machu Picchu, and it's certainly on my bucket list. I've heard it's not doable with young kids. Is that the case? If so, we'll probably hold off on Peru as if we went now and skipped Machu Picchu, I doubt we'd ever get down there again. </p> <p>@Pachamama: Can you offer any insight? I seem to remember you have some connections to Peru. </p>