Machu Picchu with Kids: a Practical Guide for Parents

Many families ask us if Machu Picchu is "kid-friendly." Short answer: yes, with a few adjustments. Here's what we've learned taking families for years.

What age is recommended?

There's no official minimum age, but in practice:

• Under 5: the journey (train + bus + walking) is long, and altitude can affect them without them being able to communicate it well. Doable, but requires more patience.
• 5 to 12 years old: usually the sweet spot — they walk well already, follow the guide's explanations, and get excited about llamas and open spaces to explore.
• Teens: no restrictions, they enjoy it just like an adult.

The altitude issue with kids

Cusco sits at 3,399 m (11,152 ft). Kids can get altitude sickness just like adults, sometimes with different symptoms (irritability, loss of appetite, instead of a clear headache). Recommendations:

• Give them 1-2 days to acclimate in Cusco before heading up to Machu Picchu.
• Keep them hydrated — dehydration worsens altitude sickness.
• See our full altitude sickness guide.

What to expect from the journey

• Train: 1.5-2 hours, with panoramic windows — most kids love this part.
• Bus to the citadel: 25 winding minutes; bring something for motion sickness if they get carsick.
• Walking circuit: 2-3 hours on cobbled trails with elevation changes. Not stroller-friendly.

Tips to keep them happy

• Bring snacks they like (there are no shops on the circuit).
• Explain beforehand what they're about to see — a bit of context ("a hidden city in the mountains, built 500 years ago") builds far more excitement than just walking.
• The llamas near the citadel are usually the kids' favorite photo op.
• Avoid the circuit that climbs Huayna Picchu or the Mountain if your kids are young — those stretches are demanding even for adults.

Is there a discount for children?

The entrance ticket has differentiated rates for minors; check the current price when booking, as it changes by age and nationality.

Traveling as a family? We can build an itinerary at a comfortable pace for everyone: contact us with your kids' ages.

Recommended family itinerary (5 days)

With kids, pace matters more than the number of places. This plan works best for most families:

1. Day 1 — Arrival and rest. No tours. A light lunch, a short walk around the Plaza de Armas and an early night. It's the key day for kids to adjust to the altitude.
2. Day 2 — Afternoon City Tour (US$15 per person, 1:00 to 6:00 pm). Sacsayhuamán is a huge open site where kids can walk around and explore the giant stones.
3. Day 3 — Sacred Valley VIP (US$32). Kids usually love the Maras Salt Mines and the circular terraces of Moray: easy to understand and very visual. The valley is also lower than Cusco.
4. Days 4 and 5 — Machu Picchu 2D/1N (US$380). With kids we always recommend sleeping in Aguas Calientes: you skip the 15-hour Full Day and go up to the citadel rested.

What to pack in the kids' daypack

• Plenty of snacks and water: no food is sold inside the citadel.
• Layers: cold mornings and strong sun at midday.
• Hat, sunglasses and kids' sunscreen: UV radiation is high in the Andes.
• Insect repellent: there are mosquitoes in Aguas Calientes.
• The child's passport: it's checked on the train and at the entrance, same as for adults.
• Something to keep them busy on the train, although the Urubamba river view is usually enough.

How to get them excited before you arrive

Kids who arrive with a story in their heads enjoy it much more. A few ideas that work with families:

• Tell them it's a city that stayed hidden for centuries and that the conquistadors never found.
• Turn it into a game: spot a llama, count the terraces in one sector, find a stone with lots of angles.
• Ask the guide to explain the Intihuatana as "the Incas' sundial".

For more context to share with them, read our guide to the meaning of Machu Picchu.

Tours we DON'T recommend with young children

Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake are above 4,000 m and start before dawn. With children under 10, unless they're very used to mountains, we prefer the Sacred Valley or a free day in the city.

The train with kids: prices and which class to choose in our guide to the train to Machu Picchu.

Frequently asked questions

Can babies enter Machu Picchu?

Yes, there's no minimum age restriction, but keep in mind there are no stroller-friendly paths; you'll need to carry them or use a baby carrier.

Is altitude sickness dangerous for kids?

In most cases symptoms are mild and temporary with good hydration and rest, but check with a pediatrician before traveling if your child has any respiratory or heart condition.

How much do kids walk on the tour?

Between 2 and 3 km inside the citadel on uneven terrain, over 2-3 hours with breaks.