How to Travel Machu Picchu with Kids for the Ultimate Family Adventure

October 14, 2022 | by: Nadia Vizcarra

Learning how to travel Machu Picchu with kids is essential if you’re looking to enjoy the ultimate family vacation to South America. There’s no need to wait until your little adventurers reach a certain age! Children are welcome at Machu Picchu, and seeing this ancient wonder of the world is an enriching experience for curious young minds.

There are plenty of unique ways to visit this ancient wonder, so every family will find their preferred experience! From active adventures to more relaxing treks, you will be able to customize your trip depending on what your entire family wants during the trip.

Don’t delay your bucket list travel plans! This family travel guide will give you everything you need to know about visiting Machu Picchu with kids, helping you take off in no time.

Why Machu Picchu is the Ultimate Family Trip Destination

Machu Picchu is one of South America’s most important travel destinations for good reason. This sanctuary once served as a center of the Inca empire and now stands as a testament to the impressive social structure they once maintained.

An air of mystique engulfs Machu Picchu, which was only discovered by the modern Western world in 1911. Before then, only locals living in Cusco and the Sacred Valley knew of its existence! Legends about its one true purpose are always evolving, as historians question whether this city on a mountaintop functioned as a royal estate or a religious site. Dozens of ideas swirl about what the Incans used this location for. That sense of mystery, combined with the site’s historical significance and breathtaking scenery, is what draws hundreds of thousands of people in annually.

Families often feel intimate at the idea of exploring Machu Picchu with kids. Parents push their own dream trip to Peru back because they’re not quite sure that it’s safe to visit Machu Picchu with their children. As more and more travelers are drawn to Peru, local guides are offering various types of tours that are engaging, safe, and accessible for all ages!

While there are some essential things you need to know before you go, a family trip to Machu Picchu is educational and adventurous, giving kids an exciting history lesson and an unforgettable stop on their Peruvian vacation.

Preparing To Travel Machu Picchu With Kids

Staying safe and healthy during a family vacation is of the utmost importance. Many parents fear things like altitude sickness or difficult trekking trails will ruin their trip to Machu Picchu. However, if you prepare properly and know what to expect, you can prevent and prepare for your visit and avoid problems during your vacation.

Acclimating to the altitude is absolutely essential if you’re planning to travel Machu Picchu with kids. Every traveler, no matter the age, will need to spend a few days getting comfortable in the heightened environment! Macchu Picchu sits at a staggering 2438 meters above sea level (that’s nearly 8,000 feet!). Start with a pit stop in Cusco. This city offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy, so you will never be bored, but you’ll also be able to adjust more gradually to the high altitude!

If anyone in your family does feel a bit sick, you should be ready to hydrate with plenty of water and electrolytes. You’ll also need to rest for a bit since the only remedy for altitude sickness is getting fully acclimated or decreasing your elevation.

Take your time while traveling through Peru! This country is a rich, unique part of the world with plenty of vibrant experiences. Acclimating to altitudes won’t ever feel like a waste of time–you’ll be far too busy enjoying all that’s offered here!

How To Get to Machu Picchu With Kids

There are plenty of ways to reach the Incan mountain citadel with kids. Parents may decide on different guided tours depending on their children’s age, activity level, and how long your trip is!

• Hiking the Inca Trail with Kids

Among the most popular ways to reach Machu Picchu is the famous Inca Trail. This mountain trek is an exhilarating experience but can be very exhausting for any traveler, let alone kids. The classic version of the trek is a 4-day, 3-night excursion camping on the mountainside and weathering intense conditions. Since this specific trek is so intense, it is reserved for adults who can handle the intensity of the trip.

But do not worry! Families can still enjoy the lush scenery and thrilling Inca trail experience in a slightly altered way so you and your children can stay safe, healthy, and comfortable. Anyone looking to traverse the iconic Inca trail with kids should opt for the short trail, a 2-day travel journey.

You will start with a train ride from Cusco towards the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of the mountain. Disembarking from the train at marker 104 KM, you and your family will then begin the hiking journey towards Machu Picchu.

Ascending the Andes is no easy feat, with twists and turns along tight mountain paths and steep inclines. However, the hike will only take a few hours, rather than several days. You and your kids will arrive in Machu Picchu in time for sunset, enjoying stunning mountain views and wandering the unique city.

While hiking the Inca trail is a noteworthy experience, you will need to book permits well in advance. Peru limits access to the trail, so if this is your preferred trek idea be sure to plan your vacation ahead of time!

• Enjoy A Peaceful Train Ride to Machu Picchu

Another unforgettable travel experience is boarding a train ride unlike any other. Several options run from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and offer travelers a peaceful, low-stress way to explore Machu Picchu!

Among these train journeys, the Vistadome is the most well-known for its panoramic views throughout the journey. This is an ideal choice when traveling with kids because the commute is transformed into its own special experience. Watch birds flying overhead and spot llamas grazing in the surrounding valleys through the large windows surrounding the train.

The tracks don’t take you to the exact entry point of Machu Picchu, but you’ll have easy access from the pueblo at the base of the mountain. You can spend the night in the town, as well, and give your family ample amounts of time to explore the historic site.

• The Best Jungle Trek for a Family Trip to Machu Picchu

For a more entertaining approach to visiting Machu Picchu, families who love adventure should choose the Inca Jungle Trek, designed to give travelers a multitude of adrenaline-filled activities on the journey!

There are a few options for the length of this trek, but we recommend enjoying all 4 days and 3 nights on the adventure. This trip includes mountain biking, river rafting, and even zip-lining opportunities, so the hike to Machu Picchu goes from an intense walk to a sporty, action-packed paradise.

During the night, you will stay in several different hostels that offer much more comfortable conditions than camping on the mountainside. One big hidden benefit of this trek is that kids will be able to slowly acclimate to the altitude over the 4-day trip. The Jungle Trek is best for kids who are a bit older and already love sports and the thrill of outdoor adventures!

Plan Your Perfect Machu Picchu Trip With Kids

The best way to ensure your trip to Machu Picchu is suitable for the whole family is by customizing your very own private tour with a local expert. Kuoda will plan your family’s entire Peruvian vacation, and help you select the best option for visiting Machu Picchu!

Whether you’re looking for big adventures or slow, relaxing treks to the top of this ancient Inca site, there is an option that best fits your family’s needs. Talk to one of our travel experts now and let’s get started on your bucket list vacation itinerary!