ChocoMuseo in Cusco
Where else can you find a museum that makes you want to lick your fingers? The ChocoMuseo has the right idea: each colorful little store offers free tours to learn a more about making chocolate, the cocoa fruit and producing the final product. They have tables and terraces available to sit and try all kinds of chocolate. The creamy, tailor made hot chocolate is delicious: choose the sweetness, the grain and the bitterness. The chocolate fondue: dip fruits into warm, melted chocolate, ideal for sharing with the family. There is a gift shop on site as well.
Price: The simple tour is free. If you want to have more fun, there are 40-minute workshops in Lima (at 1:30pm and 4:30pm), Cusco and Ollantaytambo (upon request), 3 years and up, for 30 soles. More complete, 2 hour workshops are available for 6 years and up, 50 soles for children under 12 years and 70 soles for adults.
Where? Miraflores, Barranco (with all the machines necessary to make the transformation), Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
Zipline in the Sacred Valley
Sometimes children are more daring than us adults. If you enjoy the feel of real adrenaline, we have the perfect proposal for you: soar high above the Sacred Valley. The writer confesses that it was a little difficult and was set off just like a child: holding onto an instructor. Little ones passed my path laughing, gliding down 6 lines or cables with a total distance of about 6,000 feet. It is 100% safe. A canopy harness, helmet, gloves and carabiners come with the package. Here, unlike other facilities, no brake system is needed. You drop your speed as you approach the end of the cable. Check out our episode of My Favorite Destination, it tells all. (blog.starperu.com/es/?p=210)
The other option is to climb the Via Ferrata. Spectacular views and maximum security: each climber is secured at all the times to a steel cable (life line) that runs along the entire route. Use the metal stairs or suspension bridges to ascend. Use a 300 foot long rappel, the Via Ferrata and hike a bit to get down.
Price: 165 soles for the zipline tour (3-4 hours) (6 years and older) or the Via Ferrata (9 years and older). 255 soles covers both activities. The price includes transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, guides, equipment and a snack.
Where? In Pachar, passing Urubamba and before Ollantaytambo.
The Inkariy Museum in Calca
This is the Sacred Valley´s new attraction and many were astonished on their visit. They offer a 10,000 year pre-Hispanic civilization tour, taking you through rooms with very realistic characters depicting scenes of the time. The darkness, the music, the costumes, the details and the staging, that will all be a part of a trip through time in 8 rooms. Seize to discover other pre-Incan civilizations: Chavin, Nazca, Moche, Wari, Chimu. The challenge? Making it an experience for all to enjoy. You will come to imagine that all of the characters have a secret life as soon as the doors close.
Price: 35 soles, free for children under 6 years old.
Where? In Calca, between Pisac and Urubamba.
Manatees and The House of Butterflies in Iquitos
When it comes to the jungle, the charm is seeing wildlife. Going on an expedition with children is not very easy and if you are lucky to stumble upon its wildlife, is to be observed in silence and wait a while with the chance that the animals escape from your sight. Iquitos is well equipped to please the little ones. Magical Moment #1: Bottle feed the manatees at the Amazon Rescue Center, CREA. These tender, chubby animals, also known as “sea cows”, were very much in danger. Here, illegal trafficking victims are received and are returned to their natural habitat, in places such as the Pacaya Samiria Reserve or Tamshiyacu Tahuayo. Magical Moment #2: Enter the The Pilpintuwasi House of Butterflies. Over time this peace haven, thanks to an Austrian, was filled with capuchin monkeys, baby lions and pichicos, turtles, parrots and macaws, 2 and 3 clawed sloths, tigers and jaguars. Magical Moment #3: Enjoy the jungle with all the comforts and a swimming pool. The Ceiba Tops is one of the lodges located just an hour up the Amazon from Iquitos by boat. Find piranha fishing, Monkey Island and walk along the Victoria Regia. The cabins are air conditioned and all amenities are available. Book your “full day” tour with ExplorNapo and visit the Puentes Colgantes (¨The Hanging Bridges¨) and walk on the tree tops that are over 120 feet high.
Parque de la Reserva, The Magic Water Circuit in Lima
We will not deny that Lima is a large, bustling and somewhat chaotic city. But when you go to the Magic Water Circuit we all feel like children once again. Night falls, the lights come on and the atmosphere is filled with poetry. Mazes, colorful fountains, a fountain shaped tunnel where water flows over your head and a special fountain for children to play in can be found. The park is opened from Wednesday to Sunday and all holidays, it is worth a visit, 3pm to 10:30pm. If you want to see the Fuente Fantasia spectacular, be there at 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm or 9:30 pm to hear music and see the lights and choreography. Do not miss it. What better than picarones bathed in honey to end the evening? Fortunately there are carts nearby with aromas that will make you salivate.
