OVERVIEW

Location: Peru
Duration: 9 Days
Type: Special Packages and Holidays in Peru
Destinations: Lima, Cusco Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu.
Description: This is a Special Christmas Tour for Parents and Children who want to spend these important dates having fun and exploring the best sites Peru has to offer. It is a unique mix of history, archeology, architecture, culture, food and wonder. Private transportation and private attentive guides add to the experience and provide unforgettable memories, fun and adventure amongst man-made marvels created over 500 years ago.

Day 1 – Arrive to Lima

Morning:

Arrive at Lima international airport and be greeted by a private representative. Relax during your luxury transfer to your hotel in the upscale Miraflores district. Breathtaking ocean-view properties or family-friendly boutique hotels are available depending on your preference.

Afternoon:

Settle in and enjoy leisure time strolling the “Malecón” along the Pacific Coast or sample artisanal Peruvian chocolate and churros at a café. Optional visit to Parque Kennedy to begin soaking up the holiday atmosphere with lights and music.

Evening:

Enjoy a welcome dinner (optional upgrade: reservation at Astrid y Gastón or Central) and meet your guide for tomorrow’s city exploration. Overnight in Lima.

Day 2 – Lima City Tour

Morning:

After breakfast, embark on a private historical tour of Lima. Visit the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral of Lima, and the San Francisco Monastery catacombs. Learn about Spanish colonial architecture and the city’s nickname, “The City of Kings.”

Afternoon:

Stop for a deluxe lunch along the Costa Verde. Continue to Huaca Pucllana pre-Inca ruins, then visit a traditional Christmas market where local artisans sell handmade nativity sets, ornaments, and Peruvian sweets like panetón and hot chocolate.

Evening:

Free evening to explore Barranco (bohemian district) famous for family-friendly restaurants and seasonal music shows.

Day 3 – Lima to Cusco Flight

Morning:

Early private transfer to Lima airport for your brief flight across the Andes to historic Cusco. Upon arrival, your driver and guide welcome you and escort you to your hotel near the main square.

Afternoon:

Light acclimatization schedule: sip coca-leaf tea, explore San Blas artisan district, and discover local Christmas decoration traditions such as “Santurantikuy,” Cusco’s famous December market.

Evening:

Optional folklore dinner show or private chocolate-making class for children. Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4 – Sacred Valley Tour

Morning:

Private tour to Pisac ruins and Andean craft market. Children can interact with alpacas and learn ancestral weaving techniques.

Afternoon:

Continue to Urubamba for an Andean buffet lunch. Explore Ollantaytambo fortress and Inca terraces. Enjoy spectacular views, local stories and Christmas legends told by your guide.

Evening:

Return to Cusco or optionally stay overnight in a Sacred Valley lodge for a peaceful countryside Christmas ambiance.

Day 4 – Sacred Valley Tour

Morning:

Private tour to Pisac ruins and Andean craft market. Children can interact with alpacas and learn ancestral weaving techniques.

Afternoon:

Continue to Urubamba for an Andean buffet lunch. Explore Ollantaytambo fortress and Inca terraces. Enjoy spectacular views, local stories and Christmas legends told by your guide.

Evening:

Return to Cusco or optionally stay overnight in a Sacred Valley lodge for a peaceful countryside Christmas ambiance.

Day 5 – Train Ride to Machu Picchu Town

Morning:

Private transfer to the train station for your scenic journey to Aguas Calientes aboard the Vistadome or Belmond Hiram Bingham (upgrade). Panoramic windows reveal snow-capped peaks and river valleys.

Afternoon:

Arrive in the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time at artisan markets or local hot springs.

Evening:

Holiday briefing with your private guide for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu, followed by a cozy family dinner.

Day 6 – Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

Morning:

Meet your guide at your hotel and take the shuttle bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a 2-hour private tour walking among Inca temples, terraces, and astronomical sites while learning about the history and mysteries surrounding this World Wonder.

Afternoon:

Free time to explore independently or walk to the Inca Bridge. Later descend to Aguas Calientes and board the return train toward Cusco. Snacks and beverages are offered onboard.

Evening:

Arrive to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. Relax with a restorative dinner or festive Christmas show in town.

Day 7 – Cusco City Tour

Morning:

Private tour begins at Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) to uncover golden Inca foundations beneath Spanish churches. Continue to the Cathedral in Plaza de Armas.

Afternoon:

Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, Qenqo ceremonial cave, and Tambomachay water temple just outside Cusco. Children often enjoy feeding llamas and alpacas en route.

Evening:

Return to hotel. Optional Pisco-making class or Christmas folkloric dance show in downtown.

Day 8 – Free Day in Cusco

Morning:

Enjoy a day at your own pace. Recommended activities: visit San Pedro Market for souvenirs, take a family cooking class, or explore charming San Blas artisan quarter.

Afternoon:

Optional horseback riding or via ferrata adventure in Sacred Valley (advanced booking required). Ideal for active families.

Evening:

Dinner at your hotel or in a local restaurant such as MAP Café or Cicciolina.

Day 9 – Return Flight to Lima

Morning:

Private transfer to Cusco Airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, connect with your international departure flight.

Afternoon:

Optional day use of a Lima hotel or Lima city/beach tour if flight departs late at night.

Evening:

International departure. End of services.

Included in Your Christmas Family Vacation

• All private airport/train/hotel transfers
• Round-trip domestic flights: Lima–Cusco–Lima
• 8 nights accommodation in 4★–5★ family-friendly hotels
• Luxury train tickets to/from Machu Picchu (Vistadome or upgrade)
• All tours with professional English-speaking private guides
• Entrance fees for Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco ruins & museums
• Daily breakfasts + selected lunches (Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu)
• 24/7 on-call travel assistance
• Personalized Christmas amenities for children upon request

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour good for young children?
Yes, our guides are experienced working with families. We adapt the pace and can include child-friendly activities such as chocolate workshops, puppet shows, or animal encounters.

What kind of weather should we expect during Christmas?
Expect warm summer conditions in Lima (70–80°F), and cooler weather in Cusco/Machu Picchu with chances of showers (50–70°F). Layers are ideal.

Are meals kid-friendly?
Absolutely. All hotels offer children’s menus, and guides will recommend restaurants that cater to younger palates while allowing adults to enjoy Peruvian cuisine.

Can we celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with a special dinner?
Yes, we can reserve festive dinners with live music, gourmet menus, and gifts for children in either Cusco or Sacred Valley depending on your travel dates.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Our itinerary is designed for gradual acclimatization. Private transport, oxygen, light excursions, and coca tea help you adjust comfortably.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Pack comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, rain jacket, and layered clothing for changing temperatures. Lima is warm and coastal, while Cusco and Machu Picchu can be cooler and damp in December. Bring cash for local markets (soles), souvenir shopping, and tips. Families traveling with children should consider carrying snacks and refillable water bottles. Electricity is 220V (adapters available). Wi-Fi is widely accessible in hotels. Early booking is highly recommended for Christmas departures due to peak season limited availability.