Travel for Kids Peru for Kids





		Peru



		Peru is a multifaceted, complex country where layers of history have created a unique texture of culture. Traveling with your kids in Peru, you'll explore the dazzling Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and Cusco, encounter remnants of the ancient Moche and Paracas cultures, soak up the sights and sounds of artisans markets, ride in reed boats on Lake Titicaca, and experience the people and wildlife living in the tropical rain forests.


			Fun food –

			Peru is famous throughout South America for its food. Before you leave the country, be sure to sample these dishes: Pescado y mariscos (anything with fish is a great bet), trucha (the local fresh Andean trout), traditional Peruvian dishes such as aji de gallina (chicken stew) and lomo saltado (stir-fry beef). Inca cola – the color of this soft drink is bright yellow and it smells like bubble gum, but it's a lot of fun.

			Shopping –

			At the markets, Peruvian flutes, vests with woven patterns, alpaca sweaters and shawls, gloves, hats and knitted alpaca socks, lovely silver jewelry.



			Home to the Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, and everyone's favorite llamas, a trip to Peru will stay with your kids forever. It's a fabulous adventure for families, but you may not feel like blazing the trail on your own. Here's our editors' choice for a Peru family tour. Whether it's exploring ancient Inca ruins, see Machu Picchu at sunrise, hiking Colca Canyon, local festivals, or zip lines in the Amazon rainforest, this tour company will arrange an unforgettable trip:

			Quivertree Family Expeditions

Zonia's Rain Forest
Juana Martinez-Neal

Zonia lives in the Peruvian Amazon rain forest. Every morning she goes out, guided by a blue Morpho butterfly. Zonia greets her friends – two-toed sloth, coati, jaguar, pink dolphin, giant anteater, boa constrictor. But when she returns home, the forest has been chopped down. "We must all answer." (Picture book)

Where is Machu Picchu?
Megan Stine, John O'Brien

Illustrated history of Machu Picchu – who were the Inca, building the palace and stone building complex at Machu Picchu for the Inca king Pachacuti, conquest by the Spanish, discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham. (Chapter book)

Also, picture book: Machu Picchu

Run, Little Chaski!
Mariana Llanos, Mariana Ruiz Johnson

It's Chaski's first day as a royal messenger, he's bringing a khipu (information) to the Inka (Inca) king before sunset. He swiftly runs along the Inka trail, helping animals along the way. Plus more information about the Inka, animals of the Andes, and Quechua words. (Picture book)

Inca
Lawrence Kovas, Farah Rizvi

Discover the culture and geography of the Inca – history, religion, festivals and food, cities, clothing and textiles, with 25 different projects – make an Inca battle club, miniature rope bridge, herbal tea, dried potatoes, and more. (Activity book)

Late Lunch with Llamas
(Magic Tree House)
Mary Pope Osborn, Natalie

Jack and Annie are whisked back in time to the Inca Empire. To rescue a special baby llama, they travel to Secret City (Machu Picchu), meet the Inca Emperor, hike down the mountain trail, and give a message to a flying condor. (Easy reader)

Also, nonfiction companion, info about animals of the Andes, and the Inca: Llamas and the Andes

Secret of the Andes
Ann Nolan Clark

Young Cusi lives in a hidden valley high in the Andes, tending llamas. Lyrical story of Cusi's trip from the high mountains to the lush lowlands, to Cusco and back, as he discovers the mystery of the Incas, his ancestors. A gem. (Chapter book)

The Inca Empire
Sandra Newman

Get to know the great Inca civilization – Cusco, the center of the empire that extended 2,500 miles, was ruled by the Inca emperor, the city with amazingly constructed palaces, temples, schools, houses, history and leaders of the Inca. (Picture book)

The Amazon
DK

Discover the world's largest rain forest and mighty Amazon River. Find out about fascinating animal, birds, fish, insects, trees and plants, traditional life of native peoples, and conservation today. (Picture book)

Fourteen Monkeys: A Rain Forest Rhyme
Melissa Stewart, Steve Jenkins

Manu National Park in Peru has more monkeys than any rain forest on earth. How can so many monkeys survive together? They don't compete for food and live in different parts of the rain forest, from upper canopy to forest floor. Fourteen different species of monkeys, gorgeous collages! (Picture book)

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