Explore Machu Picchu with Kids and your Family
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu with kids can be challenging. Yes, it is! But we are here to share useful information for an unforgettable adventure in the Andes of Peru with the best family experience. You’ve probably seen so many photos of Machu Picchu with llamas, misty peaks, and even better and unbelievable architecture atop the mountain. Traveling to Machu Picchu with kids requires patience, flexibility, and careful preparation. From adjusting to the high altitude to manage early starting days
Is Machu Picchu Suitable for Chindren? What Parents Should Know
The first question every parent asks for a trip to Machu Picchu is, “What age is the best?” We can’t answer it, but we can tell you some experiences and tips that can help you understand if your kid is the right age. Here is a rough guide based on what we’ve observed:
Find the right activity for your kids
- Infants: Considered from 0 to 3 years old. Although they often receive free entry to many tourist destinations in Peru, as in Machu Picchu, they require special attention and extra planning throughout the trip. You will need a sturdy baby carrier for the bus drive and train ride, which often takes four hours one way.
- Young Kids: From 4 to 6 Years Old. Still considering the train, they might need a separate train ticket and entrance fees, but definitely they will enjoy the wonder, but prepare for spontaneous attention while you are exploring Machu Picchu by walking up and down through its stairs. The circuits take about 2 to 3 hours depending on your choice.
- School Age: From 7 to 12 years old. If you often take your child hiking or play sports at school, they will have fun on a Machu Picchu tour. I have led some 10-year-old children through the Inca Trail for 4 days, and they were great, but this needs mental and physical preparation. By keeping them active 2 to 3 days a week before flying to Peru, they will be more than fine. The Short Inca Trail can be a fantastic option.
- Teens: From 13 years old and up. More of them are very active, and Machu Picchu will amaze them. They can hike the full Inca Trail, Inca Jungle, or even complete the Salkantay Trek. But make sure to keep them active with the right preparation before the trip. Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain can be the best option for them.
Ultimately, you know your kids best. Are they generally happy hikers? Do they adapt well to new environments? A lot depends on their individual temperament. Answering those questions will help you to take the right decision in choosing which route is for you and kids.
Choice the Right Adventure: Walking Tour or Train Trip
Here is where you need to switch into ‘survival mode.’ Choosing exactly how you’re going to get to Machu Picchu is crucial; it can honestly make or break the whole family trip.
Option 1: The Train – Your Best Friend with Young Kids
More families with young children take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. If you like comfort, the train is the best choice. The beautiful trip from Cusco or Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes is an adventure. From Aguas Calientes, families take a bus ride to the archaeological entrance. Keep in mind the bus roads in Peru are windy; prevent any issues by bringing some motion sickness remedies.
- PeruRail & Inca Rail: These are the only two companies that run trains to Machu Picchu. They offer different classes, from the budget-friendly “Expedition” to the luxurious “Hiram Bingham.” Think panoramic windows, comfortable seats, and often snacks or even gourmet meals.
- Why it’s great for kids: Less stress means more enjoyable. Less physical strain, easy access to bathrooms, plenty of distractions (the views!), and more flexibility. You can arrive in Aguas Calientes the day before, get a good night’s sleep, and be refreshed for an early start at the ruins. This is often the least stressful option for everyone.
Option 2: Hiking – More Things to See, More Preparation
This is the best option for younger children; hiking routes like the Classic Inca Trail are possible, but it is essential to have proper preparation and acclimatization. Even if they are fit enough, the altitude can affect them in different ways.
- Short Inca Trail: This is a great option that doesn’t require big demand, but preparation for difficult terrain is essential. You take the train to Km 104 and hike around 6 to 7 hours to the Sun Gate, where you will have the first glimpse of Machu Picchu, followed by a 30-minute walk down to the citadel. Explore Machu Picchu in the afternoon with no hurry. Check our itinerary; Short Inca Trail However, this trek also has some steep sections; on one side, you will have a mountain wall, and on the other, a significant drop into the valley, but the views are worth it.
- Hike to Machu Picchu: Instead of taking the bus from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu, some families walk, but it is 40 minutes uphill following the steep trail. If you have a plan to walk more in Machu Picchu with family, skip it and save energy for later.
- Huayna Picchu Hike: You want a better option for kids who want to hike, Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu peak. The views are worth it, but you need to be aware that these routes are steep, narrow and require strong balance and focus. Teenagers may enjoy them, but only if they are comfortable with heights.
Essential Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu with Family
Traveling to Machu Picchu is safe, but as everywhere, it is very important for parents to look after their children. Some stones can be slippery, especially during the wet season. Make sure your kids wear proper hiking shoes with good grip. Some sections of Machu Picchu run close to the steep drops; if your children are under 8 years old, holding hands is very important.
Another topic you should consider is the exposure to the sun. Even when days are cloudy, the UV ray in South America is very high. It is very important to use sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeves.
Keep in your pocket the mosquito spray; all year round exist tiny mosquitos. Although there is no malaria or other diseases in the area, bites can be itchy and annoying.
