Cusco with Kids: A Family Travel Guide
Cusco and Machu Picchu can be a wonderful family trip. Children love the llamas, the Inca stories and the train through the canyon, and many sites are easy to walk. Two things need careful planning: the altitude and the pace. This guide explains both, and suggests the tours that work best for families.
Altitude and children
Cusco lies at 3,400 m, and children feel the altitude just as adults do; younger ones may not be able to say what is wrong. The basic rules apply to the whole family: take the first day very easy, drink plenty of water, eat light meals and watch for headache, unusual tiredness, nausea or loss of appetite.
- Talk to your paediatrician before the trip, especially with babies and young children.
- Consider sleeping lower: the Sacred Valley (about 2,870 m) is a gentler first base than Cusco.
- Skip the highest excursions with young children: Rainbow Mountain (5,030 m) is hard even for fit adults.
Our altitude guide explains prevention in detail.
The best tours for families
| Tour | Why it works with children | From |
|---|---|---|
| Cusco city tour | Half a day, short walks, the giant stones of Sacsayhuamán | US $18 |
| Maras and Moray | Half a day; circular terraces and white salt pans | US $30 |
| Sacred Valley | Lower altitude, markets, weaving and Inca terraces | US $35 |
| Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, 2 days | A night in Aguas Calientes, so no 4:30 am start | US $425 |
| Q’eswachaka | An easy day and a grass rope bridge to cross | US $40 |
A family day in the Sacred Valley
Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray and Chinchero at a lower altitude than Cusco — from US $35, with 5 % off for children.
Machu Picchu with children
Machu Picchu is very doable with kids. The train ride along the Urubamba is an adventure in itself, llamas graze on the terraces, and a good guide turns the visit into a story. Some tips:
- Sleep in Aguas Calientes if you can: the 2-day tour avoids the very long day of the one-day tour.
- Bring every child’s passport: tickets are issued with each visitor’s document, including minors.
- Choose the circuit to suit their energy; our tickets and circuits guide explains the options.
- Snacks and water: there is no food inside the site, so eat before entering.
Pacing the trip
The golden rule with children is not to over-schedule. Alternate a full day with a lighter one, keep very early starts to a minimum and leave free afternoons for rest. A relaxed six or seven days in the region is far more enjoyable than a rushed four. Our 3-day Cusco itinerary and the 4-day Cusco package are good starting points.
Practical tips
- Layers for everyone: strong sun at midday, cold mornings and evenings.
- Sun protection: children’s skin burns quickly at altitude; bring hats and SPF 50+.
- Familiar snacks and a water bottle for long drives.
- Private tours give more flexibility for naps and bathroom stops; most of our day tours offer a private option.
- Safety: Cusco is generally safe for families; see our Cusco safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Children can travel to Cusco, but the altitude must be managed: arrive gently, keep them hydrated and watch for symptoms. Consult your paediatrician before the trip.
Yes. The train, the llamas and the stories make it a highlight for kids. Bring each child’s passport, as tickets are issued in each visitor’s name.
Yes. Adolescents (12–17) and children (0–11) pay 5 % less, and groups of eight or more get an automatic discount.
The Cusco city tour, Maras and Moray, the Sacred Valley, Q’eswachaka and Machu Picchu with a night in Aguas Calientes.
It reaches 5,030 m and is demanding even for adults. With young children we recommend lower excursions; ask your doctor if you are considering it.
