Tales from Peru
One of the things I love most about Silvia Rico, the CEO of Enigma in Peru, is that she's always travelled with her children – since they've been tiny. And it's always been really adventurous, educational travel. They never just sit by a pool in a resort.
"I want them to learn," she says. "It has to be a mix of great experiences and real-world education. Of course, we make time for a little relaxation, too.”
Silvia's been across Africa and Asia with her children, whom she calls her best travel buddies. "I went on a round-the-world adventure with my kids when they were 4 and 6, just the three of us," she says. We went to Barcelona, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, parts of Australia, and finally the Cook Islands before returning home to Lima."
I've seen the exacting briefs Silvia gives to other DMCs: great guides and plenty of learning experiences for the little ones are a must. The result? She's raised two of the most worldly young people I know. My point is there are few who understand traveling with children better.
"Over half of our trips are designed with families in mind," says Silvia. "And all the experiences have been thoroughly tested first-hand." It helps that most of Enigma's travel designers are mothers themselves. There's nothing like a bit of lived experience to make sure the particulars of travelling with little ones have been considered. "We make sure hotels are children-friendly, activity levels are adapted and prepared for everyone's age and also – among a trillion other details – that guides are amazing with the children."
Machu Picchu is a good case in point. You'd imagine the whole experience to be a bit much for young families, but Silvia and her team select the right kind of guides to make the whole thing fun for everyone. Guides with a near-magical ability to conjure a sense of mystery, excitement and intrigue. An approach that playfully immerses young minds into the historical significance of this wonder of the world. Elsewhere, the lesser-known northern coast is perfect for family surfing experiences. Máncora, in particular, has the weather and swells for all abilities to surf year-round. "We work with local instructors whose talent is in keeping the children's interests piqued throughout the experience – it's amazing to watch," says Silvia. After that, families can swim with turtles, whale watch or ride on horseback across pristine beaches.
A few days in the Amazon also a must, staying at the Tambopata Research Center (TRC). It’s the most remote lodge in the Peruvian Amazon and the only one inside the boundaries of the Tambopata National Reserve. Families are invited to explore pristine forest with the best naturalist guide. You might even spot jaguar on the drive there!
I have to mention Enigma's new treasure hunts, too. It doesn't matter what age you are – they're brilliant. Half city tour, half scavenger hunt, they're designed to quiz the whole family on the places they're visiting, while keeping everyone smiling and on their toes. My group did one when I was in Cusco, and I must say, it really does help you to see the city in a different way. I retained quite a few fun facts, too. Did you know that Cusco is 3,000 years old? The oldest city on the entire American continent!
"I'm a firm believer that travel for children – no matter how young – builds and adds, little by little, to their life experience," says Silvia. "It contributes to the future version of this little person."
Agreed, Silvia. Though, it contributes to the future version of the big person standing next to them, too.