PERUVIAN CULTURAL EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN
Adding a few cultural experiences to your itinerary in Peru is a great way to get engaged in this beautiful place and interact with the people who live here on a deeper level. These experiences may range from ancient civilizations to the present city life of Peru’s cities. This kind of trip is an incredible opportunity for children to learn about the various parts of the globe while also providing them with a thrilling and enjoyable journey at the same time.
Peru was once the center of the powerful and expansive Inca Empire, and later it was a Spanish colony that was admired for its wealth of natural resources. Both of those eras are represented by the country’s complex history. Indigenous and Latin American groups coexist together in the country at this moment, which is a wonderful turning point in its history.
It is a perfect place for families who desire an educational vacation packed with fun activities since tradition and modernity are woven together in such a way that they are compatible with one another. The following cultural activities may be enjoyed by children of any age in Peru, and they would be wonderful additions to any trip that a family takes to this country.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE COLONIALISED HISTORY OF PERU, A REQUIPA IS THE PLACE TO GO.
Arequipa, often known as the White City, because to the beautiful volcanic stone that was utilized throughout the city’s construction, is a lovely location that has some fantastic spots to visit. The present city was found in the 16th century, and before it became a colonial city, it was the home of a pre-Incan tribe that was tied to the civilization of the Tiwanaku people. When visiting this area, tourists will find that the more they look into it’s past, the more history and culture they will uncover.
Beginning your journey around Arequipa in the distant past with a visit to the neighboring Sumbay Caves is a great way to get things rolling. According to the estimates provided by archaeologists, the earliest hunter-gatherers in the Colca region made their home in this cave roughly 5,000 years ago. In addition, based on the artwork that was discovered in the cave, we may deduce that people living during the Paleolithic period had some kind of relationship to this location.
The age of the artwork ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. Arequipa’s caverns are a fantastic spot to begin your exploration of the city’s history and to get information about some of the very earliest people to live in the area. If you are interested in gaining a comprehensive grasp of Arequipa’s whole history, the caves are a wonderful place to start.
Arequipa is a city in Peru that was founded during the Spanish colonial era, so be ready to investigate its historic buildings! Visit the Plaza de Armas to get started, since it is located in the heart of the city’s historical district. The towering cathedral is surrounded by ethereal white buildings, and it rests in the shadow of two massive mountains on the horizon, making it one of the most beautiful major squares in all of Peru. This plaza is also known as the Plaza de Armas.
The Santa Catalina Monastery is another location in Arequipa that visitors just must miss out on seeing. There was a time when the monastery, which was entirely isolated from the outside world, was home to more than four hundred nuns. Approximately twenty nuns are responsible for the upkeep of the area at current time, and they welcome visitors to explore the inside of this walled city within a city, where they may enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful refuge.
CHINCHERO IS LIKE A TOWN THAT HAS BEEN CAPTURED IN TIME, AND YOU CAN DISCOVER IT.
Going off the beaten road and immersing oneself in the culture of the people who live in the Chinchero neighborhood of Cusco, which is situated in the Andean region of Peru, is one of the most extraordinary and one-of-a-kind cultural adventures that can be had in Peru. This is the “birthplace of the rainbow,” and owing to the hardworking residents who are battling to maintain their culture, the local traditions are being preserved alive here. This spot has been known as “the place where rainbows are born.”
Visit one of the “awanas,” which may be roughly translated to “workshops,” and watch as the artisanal process of weaving textiles is performed right in front of your eyes. This age-old tradition of making bright and intricate designs is something that a lot of people don’t have the chance to see in person. When individuals buy a Peruvian textile as a memento, they often do so without being aware of the location of the cloth’s point of manufacture. However, at this particular location, you and your children will have the opportunity to see one of the ladies handcrafting their work before you make your purchase of a memento to keep as a unique reminder.
In addition, the town of Chinchero is the location of an important Incan archaeological monument, which is comprised of the ruins of Tupac Yupanqui’s palace. The one-of-a-kind trapezoidal niches are positioned immediately adjacent to Chinchero’s central plaza and create an amazing terrace. In the past, this terrace was used to defend the palace. You may also see the ruins of a number of enclosures and walls all around the archeological site. These structures served to protect Tupac Yupanqui’s palace until the 16th century.
YOUR FAMILY VACATION WOULD BE MUCH MORE MEANINGFUL IF YOU INCLUDED SOME VOLUNTEER WORK IN IT.
Volunteering in Peru, despite the fact that it is not a very common addition to a family holiday, is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the local culture. It is incredibly useful for youngsters to understand the value of being a responsible, courteous traveler who is willing to leave a good impression on the area they are visiting by participating in an activity that enables them to make a tangible contribution to the community they are visiting.
Volunteer opportunities are particularly beneficial for children who are a little older since they will be able to get their hands dirty and have a more profound appreciation for the significance of the experience they are having. There is a wide variety of programming available to pick from, and you should base your decision on your children’s skills and the interests they have. Participating in a construction project that focuses on constructing schools, residences, and even healthcare facilities in smaller communities in Peru is a wonderful opportunity for children who like working with their hands and are enthusiastic about design.
Help the Amazon rainforest recover from destruction by participating in conservation efforts there. This will be good for the environment. You can also discover volunteer opportunities in English-teaching programs, which would be an excellent choice for young individuals who wish to have as much direct interaction as possible with the natives.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE A SPECTACULAR SHOW, YOUR TRIP TO PERU SHOULD COINCIDENCE WITH ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FESTIVAL SEASONS.
Attending one of the many exciting festivals that take place in Peru during the course of the year is, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable cultural experiences that can be had in the country. Experience authentic Peruvian culture during one of the country’s many large-scale celebrations, including Inti Raymi or Virgen de la Candelaria. People from all over the nation go to be a part of these events so that they may see traditional dances, musical performances, theatrical productions, parades, and more!
When you go to Peru in the latter half of June, you will be able to take part in Inti Raymi, the country’s most important and extensive festival. This festival pays homage to a deity of the sun that was revered in the culture of the Inca people, and it is unquestionably a show that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Families that are interested in participating in Inti Raymi should go to Cusco, since this city hosts the most important celebration of the holiday.
The celebrations that accompany this festival include music, dance, and theatrical presentations to greet the new Inca year with spectacular displays of Andean culture. There are about 800 artists that take part in these events.
The Virgen de la Candelaria Festival is a unique form of Peruvian event that takes place in Puno and brings folkloric traditions to life on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The festival is named after the Virgin of the Candles. During the celebration held in honor of “Mamacha,” the patron saint of Puno, thousands of musicians and dancers dressed in traditional garb come together. It takes place once a year in February and is a fantastic opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the traditions of the local people.
DISCOVER THE CITY OF CHACHAPOYAS IN THE AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST
A settlement known as Chachapoyas can be found tucked away on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in Peru. Although it is known as a hidden treasure, most tourists pass it by. The mystical ancient sites of this Amazonian area are waiting to be discovered by children, and they may also add some exciting activities to their agenda while they are here.
Kuelap, a walled city that goes back to the 6th century A.D., is one of the attractions that should not be missed and is located close to the main town. Although nothing is exactly like Machu Picchu, this monument is sometimes likened to that ancient citadel owing to its distinctive design and spectacular views of the canyon. Visitors have the option of hiking to the destination, or, if they are traveling with children of a younger age, they may take use of a brand-new cable car that provides a more convenient means of reaching the location.
Another one of the Chachapoyas people’s cultural experiences that is really one of a kind is one that focuses mostly on the natural world but also debunks a long-standing urban legend. Hike up to the Gocta Waterfall to hear the legend of the lovely mermaid who is said to reside at the base of this enormous waterfall that plunges vertically into the pool below.
Any trip that you take with your family to South America is certain to be packed with exciting new experiences that will teach you and your children something new about the many peoples and cultures that live in this region of the globe. If you plan your vacation in such a way that it includes participation in some of Peru’s cultural activities, your children will have the opportunity to interact with members of communities they have never before met, receive a more in-depth understanding of the country’s rich history, and develop a more profound respect for the world in which they find themselves.
Have a conversation with one of the travel specialists we have here at Sparrow Explorer Travel to get the ball rolling on the trip planning process for your next vacation to Peru with the family.
