Travelling with kids around countries like Ecuador and Colombia is not the norm, not by any stretch of the imagination. But the longer we are on the road, the more travelling families we meet. While it may not be the norm at present; the tide is turning and more and more families are taking the plunge, moving out of their comfort zone and exploring the beauty this amazing world has to offer.

Termed world schooling, we are giving our kids (Emilia 10 and Matthew 5) an alternative education, an opportunity to learn from the world around them. They can learn about Ecuador from a book or they can experience the diverse backdrops the country has to offer. They can read about the troubles of Colombia or they can come to the country to understand that it is a beautiful country, worth visiting despite its colourful history.
​
We choose to partake in slow travel – we spend a number of months or even years in some cases in a country to understand what makes it tick, and each of these countries we visit becomes our home for a limited period. We have ‘settled’ in countries such as China, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia and our journey is not over yet. In a few weeks, we will cross over to Central America and start the slow return to Canada, our home for as long as we choose to stay.

And again we are not alone. We enjoy catching up with other travelling families on the road, as few and far between that might be. More common in well-known countries like Peru, we are yet to meet other travelling families in Colombia, but I have no doubt they are here somewhere. The people we meet on our travel journey is what, in reality, enriches our travel.

As a ghostwriter, I choose to write for clients on the road and earn money as we travel. To save on accommodation, we offer our services as a volunteer which creates many new travel experiences. Today we are managing a hostel just on the outskirts of San Gil, Colombia; one month ago we were helping set up a permaculture and eco-hostel in the heart of the coffee district in Colombia; in a month who knows where we will end up. That is all part of the journey too.

Not everything has gone according to plan on our trip. We have broken down on numerous occasions, been ‘robbed’ by mechanics charging through the nose for shoddy work and even had all four of our tyres slashed. But we persevere as that too is all part of the experience.

Long term travel is not easy; in fact, some days it is more difficult than we would like to imagine. But the rewards are worth the heartache and the hard work that needs to be done to make it happen. We aren’t on a permanent holiday as many would like to believe; we are just living our lives like everyone else. We just choose to do it out of the confines of a traditional lifestyle. We might not do it forever, but at the moment it suits us.

​“What will you do once you get back to Canada?” is a common question asked of us. Our response is always the same; we have no idea. That too is part of the fun – the not knowing. That space provides much room for adventure and we like that a lot.

(Originally published on Helium Whale.)

Now that we are safely in Ecuador and thinking about all the wonderful things we want to explore here, it got me reminiscing about all the things we wanted to see in Peru before we left for our life changing trip.

Machu Picchu was always at the top of my bucket list and our whole family had the chance to see it. We got to explore Cusco, experience the culture, taste the delicious food and visit amazing places like Lake Titicaca and Nazca; however I can still recall the excitement before we left to go on our trip.

I remember counting down the days to our big adventure.

I remember doing Google searches with the kids to find pictures of parks in Peru so they could share in some of the excitement.

I remember looking at the pictures of the Nazca Lines, the historic city of Cusco and the Uros Islands, dreaming off what lie ahead in our future.

And the best part, all of this happened and much more besides.

But of course, it's not just me who generates a high level of anticipation before a big trip.

Chatting with Adonis from Always Wanderlust, he kindly shared his reasons for why he wants to visit Peru. And even more exciting, he is due to visit following his upcoming Argentina and Chile trip. You can join along in his adventures here.

I want to visit Peru because of rich history spanning thousands of years.  I’ve always been fascinated by the ancient Inca ruins, the mysteries surrounding them, and the people that built them.  There are some that are seemingly built by methods so advanced for its time that some consider the technology be extraterrestrial in origin!  The Nazca lines, for example, they appear to be designed to be seen in the sky and airplanes wouldn’t even exist for another thousand years.

Aside from the sights, there’s the Peruvian cuisine I want to indulge in.  I’m into spicy and heavy food.  I’ve tried dishes like Peruvian Rotisserie chicken and Ceviche in restaurants, but I want to try other dishes that you can only find in Peru. 

I also want to immerse in the culture.  Many Peruvians have direct ties to their ancestors, the Inca.  Seeing how they live and sharing experiences with them would make an awesome experience.

​Simone from The Aussie Flashpacker had the chance to visit Peru and like me, Machu Picchu was also at the top of her bucket list. Here are here personal reasons for wanting to visit Peru (you can check out her Facebook page for more exciting adventures). 

Hiking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I have memories of gazing in awe at pictures of the magnificent ruins in the jungle in Peru from when I was a child. Studying Incan and Mayan art and architecture in my High School Art classes only intensified this dream.

Health and fitness became a huge part of my life in the year or two leading up to my South American trip and despite being at my fittest I had ever been, it was still incredibly tough hiking at altitude along the Inca Trail. This made the reward at the end once we reached Machu Picchu even sweeter because we truly felt we had earned the right to be there (through plenty of blood, sweat & tears)!

The three months in spent in South America were some of the favourites from my travels, with the highlight being our time in Peru. It is such a beautiful, unique country with a wonderful culture and the friendliest of people. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting.

Day 1: Peru to Ecuador (Arequipa to Chala)
​
We set off early and were very excited when we spied the ocean. The kids were happy to camp at Puerto Inka once again. It was nice to fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping right at our doorstep!

Day 2: Peru to Ecuador (Chala to Ica)
​
We set off relatively early but were held up for 5 hours by a car race. On the way through, the kids picked up their souvenir bracelets in Nazca; we stopped for olives in Yauca and arrived in Ica on dusk.

Day 3: Peru to Ecuador (Ica to Huarmey)
​
Stopped early on by a policeman wanting to take a bribe for incomplete paperwork - so what did we do? We made sure our paperwork was up to date in Chincha and bought some wine while we were there. Drove through Lima and stopped by another two policeman late in the evening near Huaco for a totally unrelated issue - $122 in bribes paid altogether at their request. Arrived in Huarmey about 11.30pm.

Day 4: Peru to Ecuador (Huarmey to Trujillo)
​
A slightly later start today as we felt a bit tired from our late night of travel. While we did get stuck in the sand at one point, a kind stranger pulled us out preventing us from running behind schedule. We got our photo taken with a large turtle, went through many toll booths on the road and finally checked into our hostel in Trujillo in the early evening. Went for a late night wander around the Plaza de Armas after dinner.

Day 5: Peru to Ecuador (Trujillo)
​
A work day for me but we managed to get to the Plaza de Armas, visit the toy museum, go out for coffee and hit the mall for a spot of window shopping. Tomorrow we are back on the road...

Day 6: Peru to Ecuador (Trujillo to Chiclayo)
​
A shorter travel day today (approximately 200km) - we arrived at the hotel just after lunch so the kids could enjoy a swim in the pool.

Day 7: Peru to Ecuador (Chiclayo to Mancora)
​
We did the dusty drive across the desert from Chiclayo to Mancora. No police fines or bribes; try as they might. We have definitely seen a variety of scenery on our cross-country trip. Ecuador is in our view...

Day 8: Peru to Ecuador (Mancora to La Cruz)
Today was not so much a driving day but a day to search for cheap accommodation for the next couple of days while we regrouped; we found it just past Zorritos in a little campground by the beach. The cost: $10 per night with free internet. The day started in Mancora by the beach and a surfing competition and ended up in La Cruz by the beach. A perfect day all in all!

Day 9: Peru to Ecuador (La Cruz to Tumbes)
​
We drove to Tumbes in search of a grocery store or at least something resembling it. We found a small market which did the trick and picked up some supplies. A quiet day hanging out in the campground enjoying the sound of the waves ever constant in the background.

Day 10: Peru to Ecuador (La Cruz to Ecuador Border)
​
We drove to the Ecuador border in the morning to familiarise ourselves with the departure process. Our exit date is set for Wednesday so two more days to hang out and relax. We picked up some more supplies in Tumbes to last us the next couple of days and enjoyed some time at the beach this afternoon. Saw some fellow travellers on the road who had made it all the way from Canada to Peru - our journey in reverse.

Day 11: Peru to Ecuador (La Cruz)
​
A beautiful day at the campground by the beach. Matt has taken the kids to the beach to play while I do some work. These early campground mornings mean that come 10pm my brain wants to shut down and sleep.

Day 12: Peru to Ecuador (La Cruz, Peru to Guayaquil, Ecuador)
​
Tonight we are reporting from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Yes, you heard me right! We crossed safe and sound and will be heading to Puerto Cayo tomorrow.

Mention Nazca and the Nazca Lines are generally the first things that spring to mind and with good reason. They are a massive series of geoglyphs located in the middle of the Nazca desert – miles from anywhere. These fascinating designs were believed to be created between 500BC and 500AD and resemble flowers, hummingbirds, trees, spiders, monkeys, fish and lizards.

Due to the dryness of the Nazca climate, these lines are immaculately preserved and some designs are still being unearthed today, with 24 new images discovered in 2015 alone.

You can opt to take a flight over the Nazca Lines to view the lines from above, which are your best vantage point, or you can climb the tower where you can see an image of the frog and a tree with ease. We opted for the latter choice and still enjoyed our visit immensely.

The Palpa Lines are not as well known as the ones closer to Nazca but they are as equally intriguing. You can see a number of the lines from the nearby carpark and you can also opt to climb the tower to see them from a greater height.

In all honesty I think I preferred these more - mainly because they were concentrated in one area and it was easier to see a selection of them in one place. Archaeologists believe that these are much older than the Nazca Lines, possibly by 1,000 years, and that they were created to please the gods  to help control the natural elements: earthquakes, floods and droughts.

If you choose to take the flight over the Nazca Lines then the plane will also fly over the nearby Palpa Lines giving you a bird's eye view of a selection of both the geoglyph fields.

Whichever way you choose to view them, there is no denying the creativity and the mysteriousness of the images. Definitely a highlight of our visit to Nazca. 

Walking around Santa Catalina, the city within a city, is an enjoyable experience and you can't help but appreciate the history as you wander within the grounds of what is still a working monastery.

The monastery only accepted women from upper class families and, at its height, the monastery housed 450 people (approximately 1/3 nuns and the rest servants). The dowry which was paid by the families for the women to enter the monastery was the equivalent of US$150,000 and they also had to bring a list of 25 other items including clothing, a statue, a painting and a lamp.

There are approximately 20 nuns living within the walls of the monastery today.
 

Unless you live under a rock or are not a fan of travelling, then you will have surely heard of Machu Picchu, the 15th century Inca site, named one of the new 7 wonders of the world in an Internet poll and designated a UNESCO world heritage site.

Set amongst an amazing mountainous backdrop, Machu Picchu is indeed a sight to behold. Built in around 1450 and abandoned during the Spanish conquest, the estate was hidden from the outside world until its discovery by Hiram Bingham, an American historian in 1911.

Fast forward to 2015 and it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in South America and the most visited attraction in the whole of Peru.

What is amazing about Machu Picchu is that it sits so neatly in amongst its surroundings. It seems so serene, yet surreal, at the same time and certainly needs a few hours of exploration to appreciate.

Machu Picchu is open every day, all year-round, however peak season is generally somewhere between June and September, with July and August being the busiest. Note that the rainy season is from October to April however Machu Picchu is always a popular tourist destination regardless of the weather.

Please note that tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked in advance - they are not sold at the gate. Entry is also limited to 2,000 visitors a day, so once sold out, you have no choice but to wait until another day.

How To Get There

To get to Machu Picchu you have a variety of options.

Train from Ollantaytambo

You can catch a bus, collectivo (a minibus) or taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then one of the trains to Machu Picchu Pueblo (or Aguas Calientes), the town nearest to the site itself. This was our preferred method and we really enjoyed the scenic train ride along the Urubamba River both to and from the ruins. If you know your dates make sure to book a little way in advance as the trains can sell out during the busy season. The train takes approximately 2 hours to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Both Peru Rail (www.perurail.com) and Inka Rail (www.inkarail.com) service this line.

Train from Cusco

Peru Rail does offer the option of a train direct from Cusco in three classes: Expedition, Vistadome, Hiram Bingham all at varying prices. You can book online direct at www.perurail.com. This journey will take approximately three and a half hours.

Hiking

If you choose to hike you have a number of options.

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is the most popular of hikes and takes a few days of your time. It must be booked through a reputative tour agency and the hike is limited to only 800 vistors per day. It often sells out months in advance although if it is sold out, dont panic as there are other hiking options.

Salkantay Trek

This 5 day, 4 night hike is the second most popular trek to Machu Picchu. It connects Mollepata to Machu Picchu and will take you through snowcapped mountains and tropical rain forests. It is not currently limited in numbers like the Inca Trail.

Choquequirao Trek

These seem to range from 4-8 days and take you through the ruins of the same name. It is still rated from moderate to difficult in terms of fitness, so be prepared for some strenuous activity whichever trek you opt for.

Lares Trek

The Lares trek takes 3-5 days and passes through the hot springs of Lares providing welcome respite. You also pass by many high altitude lakes and mountains ending near the ruins of Ollantaytambo where you will need to board the train for the final stretch.

Whichever way you choose to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo, be prepared for an early morning rise. You can opt to walk up the mountain (about a 90 minute hike) or take the bus (a 20 minute ride), but either way you will want to depart early so you have plenty of time to explore. The buses start leaving for Machu Picchu at 5.30am and there will be long queues to board. Do not expect to jump on a bus immediately, you will be extremely disappointed.

Huayna Picchu

If it is your intention to climb Huayna Picchu, you will need to book your ticket in advance as there is only a limited number of tickets available each day (400 at the time of publication). The views I am told are worth it but the climb is quite strenuous. If heights are not your strong point, then it is best you leave this one to those who like a bit more of an adreneline rush.

Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

The town of Machu Picchu Pueblo is only small however you can choose to visit the thermal springs located on the edge of town or visit the handicraft market. There are also plenty of accommodation and dining options ranging from the excellent to the dire, so read reviews accordingly.

Visiting Machu Picchu is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is well worth the effort of getting there. Despite the large number of tourists who visit you can still appreciate the vast ruins relatively interrupted.

Have you been to Machu Picchu?

While Machu Picchu is the draw card for hikers and historians alike, the Sacred Valley offers up other interesting ruins which are definitely worth adding to your list if you have the time.

Sacsayhuaman

Of all the ruins in Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is by far the most impressive. Totally accessible from Cusco on foot or by car, the fortress of Sacsayhuaman is indeed a sight to inspire. What is so amazing about the structure is the size of the rocks which fit precisely together without any mortar. Sacsayhuaman was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1983. Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay are also a short distance away from Sacsayhuaman and worth visiting if you have the time.

There are many interesting things to see and do in and around Arequipa. You can stroll the historic centre or visit the nearby Colca Canyon. Here are some of our favourite places to visit within the city of Arequipa itself outside of the popular historic district.

Fundador Mansion

While perhaps not a mansion by today’s standards the property was once home to Arequipa’s founder, Garci Manuel de Carbajal. It is located approximately 9km from the city centre and has been restored with original furnishings and paintings. The mansion is set in immaculate grounds and even features its own chapel. This building is a perfect example of the widespread use of sillar, the white volcanic ash which was used to build many of the stately homes in the area. This white stone ultimately gave rise to Arequipa being known as the white city.

Sillar Quarry

If you are fascinated by the sillar which is at the foundation of many of the local buildings, then it is worth visiting the quarry, located a short distance outside of the city centre. Here you can begin to understand the grand scale of the quarry operation and even see some of the workers cutting the stone blocks. 

Sabandia Mill

Sabandia Mill, built in the late 1700s out of sillar in the Sabandia district, was Arequipa’s first stone mill. It provides an interesting view into the past where you can still see the stone grinding wheel techniques for wheat processing. Now also a popular picnic spot, it features hiking trails, horseback riding, a petting zoo with pristine views of El Misti in the distance.

Carmen Alto Viewpoint

For wonderful views over Arequipa, the mirador is a lovely spot to relax in. Perfect for panoramic shots and a popular spot for the tourist buses, it is still worth making your way to the top if you have the time. With a café at the top, you can enjoy a cold drink overlooking the nearby Misti and Chachani volcanoes before making your way down the natural scenic spot.

Arequipa, Peru is a wonderful family-friendly destination and during our time here we have discovered many fun things to do with the kids. Here are some of our favourites.

Cooking Classes

My 10 year old daughter and I did a cooking class with the amazing restaurant, Zingaro, and we got to try our hand at making Causita de Pollo and Lomo Saltado. I also had the pleasure of trying my hand at making a Pisco Sour - a definite favourite of mine. We definitely enjoyed the experience and of course were able to sit down and relish in our work once the meal was cooked. There are a few cooking opportunities available around town but we especially liked this one as Zingaro is a quality restaurant and we enjoyed the "behind the scenes" experience it gave us.  This experience was actually part of a half day tour with Peru Inside Out which also takes in the local market and the volcanic rock quarry.

Mundo Alpaca

Mundo Alpaca is a great place to wander around with kids - they have llamas and alpacas there to see, an informative area to view the wool and the dying and weaving process as well as a museum of wool processing machinery all set in a lovely garden complete with art gallery and cafe.

La Cueva del Pirata Minigolf

Located in Parque Lambramani, four floors down, we discovered this pirate glow in the dark minigolf course. Featuring 18 holes, the kids had fun trying to putt the balls and sink a hole in one. A fun way to spend an hour, the course costs 12 soles per person.

Parque Los Ccoritos

As the weather in Arequipa is so agreeable, it makes sense that you would want to spend much of your time oors. Parque Los Ccoritos is a great little park for dinosaurs lovers featuring dinosaurs, swings, slides and much more to keep the kids amused. We went on a week day and it was extremely quiet, although saying that, not everything was open. We were told however it got very busy on the weekends so pick your days wisely.

Selva Alegre Park

Selva Alegre Park is a lovely park in walking distance from Plaza de Armas. You can choose to take a picnic and just hang out in the grounds, purchase some Queso Helado at the gates and enjoy it on a park bench, play on the climbing equipment or rent a boat and paddle around the lake. Quite often on weekends, there are food fairs or markets there providing an opportunity to sample the local food and other delicacies.

City Bus Tour

You can't miss the Arequipa city bus tours - there seem to be many companies offering the same tourist route but admittedly it is a lot of fun for the whole family. The tour takes four hours and for 25 soles this is a real bargain, however if you enter the Fundador Mansion and Sabandia Mill, you will be expected to pay the entrance fee for those on top of the tour. Starting at the main square, the tour will take you from the historic district to Yanahuara, Cayma, Sachacha and beyond giving you a good feel for the city of Arequipa.

Sabandia Mill

While the city bus tour does take you to Sabandia Mill, it is also possible to see it on your own and spend an extended visit there. Sabandia Mill was Arequipa's first stone mill built in 1785 and restored in 1973, after which it was subsequently opened to the public. You can picnic in the grounds, go horse riding, see the animals in the petting zoo or just relax while enjoying the views of El Misti in the background.

Chocolate Making Classes

Chaqchao Chocolate Factory offers chocolate workshops to kids aged 7 and up, who are accompanied by their parents. The smell of their chocolate kitchen is enough to tempt anyone and their store offers a fun range of chocolate goodies to purchase. Even visiting their store or enjoying a hot chocolate in their upstairs cafe, is a fun way to spend an hour or two if you choose not to partake in their classes.

Santa Catalina Monastery

Whether you choose to go during the day or in the evening, Santa Catalina is an enjoyable destination for the whole family. While not seemingly kid friendly at first glance, kids will enjoy wandering around this picturesque mini-city and learning about the history of this fascinating place.

Parque Aquatico de Tingo

We always try to source out a swimming pool wherever we go and the kids definitely favoured the one at Tingo. It had a lovely pool for kids complete with water slides of all sizes and was cheap to enter. Admittedly it was out of town a bit, but definitely worth the visit in our opinion. The only issue we had was the pool was not heated but they had fun nonetheless. Note that swimming caps are necessary in order to enter the water, generally a non-issue as you can purchase them there on the premises.

Mono Blanco Aventura

Mono Blanco Aventura is the name of a centre on La Marina filled with a myriad of climbing walls for kids of all ages (and adults as well). There is a section where the kids can just free climb "for fun" or there is the harder wall where the kids need to be harnessed with a helmet. Definite fun for all ages and good value as well. We visited on a Monday when the centre opened at 4pm so it is definitely worth contacting them ahead of time to check their schedule.

Arequipa is really a family-friendly city and we spent countless hours just wandering around the streets and seeing what we could find. If you have anything you would add to this list, let us know.

If you talk to anyone about visiting Peru, the general consensus is that Machu Picchu is totally worth the visit, and without a doubt it is. However there is so much more to this part of Peru that many travellers just don’t seem to be aware of. Tourists book their trip to Machu Picchu avoiding many of the nearby gems, however our recommendation is take the time and add these to your itinerary as well.

Cusco – This historic capital sees approximately 2 million visitors a year however many just use it as a stepping stone to get to Machu Picchu. Take your time to embrace the city, visit the ruins, sit atop the double decker bus, shop at the markets, dine at the restaurants – there is so much culture and tradition to be found here that it would be a shame to miss out on it.

Pisac – Just a short ride from Cusco is the wonderful little town of Pisac, with a strong bohemian vibe. There are many quality eateries and accommodation options and it is well worth staying a night or two to check them out. Pisac has a slower pace than neighbouring Cusco, so you will have plenty of time to walk the ruins, visit the market, go for a hike, take a swim or just relax.

Ollantaytambo – Ollantaytambo is the gateway to Machu Picchu, whether you are choosing to walk the Inca Trail or take the train directly to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Not stopping to take in the sights as you pass by would be slightly remiss. It is a lovely town with some very interesting Inca ruins situated directly in the town centre and on the outskirts. You can choose to explore the town on foot or by even by horse if you are so inclined.

Puerto Maldonado – A 10 hour bus ride or a short plane flight away from Cusco, is the Amazonian jungle city of Puerto Maldonado. There are many tours on offer to explore the inner jungle area but for those staying in and around the town, we recommend a tour up the river to view the local wildlife and a trip to Mariposario Tambopata Butterfly Farm. While there aren’t many quality accommodation options available in Puerto Maldonado itself, you can’t go past The Anaconda Lodge. It features jungle style bungalows, a swimming pool to relax in and the in-house restaurant offers the best Thai food around.

Lake Titicaca – Again using Cusco as a base, you can easily head to the lakeside town of Puno. Most visitors don’t tend to spend a lot of time in town, instead opting to tour the largest lake in South America, Lake Titicaca. You can visit many of the islands and even stay overnight on the island of Amantani to experience traditional island life. The islands of Uros, although extremely touristy, are fascinating to view as they are made entirely of reeds.

Arequipa – Known as the ‘white city’ because of the myriad of white buildings situated around the centre, the city is popular because of its locale to Colca Canyon, a canyon which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. You can choose to hike down into the canyon or stop by to view the Andean condors which call this region home. The Monasterio de Santa Catalina, the Museo Santuarios Andinos (home to the Ice Maiden Juanita) and the picturesque Plaza de Armas are worth visiting in Arequipa itself.

Nazca – You may or may not have heard of the Nazca Lines but if you have, these are not the only fascinating thing to see in Nazca. The Palpa Geoglyphs, the Cahuachi Pyramid and the Chauchilla cemetery are all worth a look as well although you may find it easier with a vehicle of some kind as there are quite a stretch of kilometres between these locations. There is so much history in one small area as well as a number of museums which look to provide some kind of background for the sites, that it is a must-see travel destination for those who love history and mystery.

Huacachina – A real life oasis in the desert and this is your chance to visit, but beware the mermaid in the lake, or so the legend goes. Mermaids aside, Huacachina is a great place to hang out by the pool, visit a winery and take on some of those sand dunes via a dune buggy ride. And be prepared, once you are at the top you will be presented with a sand board to make your way down the massive dunes where your designated driver will be waiting for you. Much fun in the sun to be had here.

Peru sounds amazing doesn’t it, and that doesn’t even begin to cover the wide variety of things you can do in Lima and the North of Peru. It’s a vast country, rich in history, with so many great experiences on offer.  So what are you waiting for?