Cusco with Kids: Activities and Tours for the Whole Family

Cusco with Kids: Activities and Tours for the Whole Family

Traveling to Cusco with children might seem like a grand adventure, and indeed it is! This ancient Inca capital, steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes, offers a unique and enriching experience for families. While the altitude and some long travel days require careful planning, Cusco is surprisingly family-friendly, providing a wealth of activities and tours that can captivate curious young minds and create unforgettable memories for everyone.

This guide will help you navigate Cusco with your little explorers, offering practical tips and highlighting the best activities and tours designed to make your family trip both smooth and incredibly fun.

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Key Considerations When Traveling to Cusco with Kids

Before diving into activities, it’s essential to address the unique challenges of traveling to Cusco with children, primarily the altitude.

• Acclimatization is Paramount: This cannot be stressed enough. Children, like adults, need time to adjust to Cusco’s high elevation (around 11,152 feet / 3,399 meters).
  • Take It Slow: Plan for at least 24-48 hours of very light activity upon arrival.
  • Stay Hydrated: Encourage frequent sips of water. Coca tea (mild and traditional) can also be helpful for older children, but check with your pediatrician.
  • Monitor Symptoms: Watch for signs of altitude sickness like headaches, nausea, unusual fatigue, or irritability. If symptoms are severe or persist, seek medical advice.
  • Sleep: Ensure they get plenty of rest.
  • Consider Lower Altitude First: Some families opt to fly into Lima, then take a direct flight to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley (lower altitude) or a lower-altitude hotel in Cusco’s outskirts, starting their trip there before ascending to Cusco city center.
• Pacing is Everything: Don’t overschedule. Build in plenty of downtime, breaks for snacks, and opportunities for unstructured play. Children have shorter attention spans and tire more easily at altitude.
• Snacks and Hydration: Always carry plenty of water and familiar snacks. Local options are great, but comfort food can be a lifesaver.
• Sun Protection: The sun is incredibly strong at high altitudes. Apply high-SPF sunscreen frequently, and ensure children wear hats and sunglasses.
• Stroller vs. Carrier: Cusco’s cobblestone streets are not stroller-friendly. A baby carrier or a sturdy toddler carrier is much more practical for younger children. For older kids, be prepared for lots of walking.
• Engage Their Curiosity: Frame the trip as an adventure! Talk about the Incas, the mountains, and the unique animals they’ll see.

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Family-Friendly Activities in Cusco City

Cusco’s vibrant core offers plenty to keep children engaged, even without specific “kid zones.”

1. Explore the Plaza de Armas

The main square is a fantastic place for families. It’s spacious, lively, and offers plenty of room for kids to wander (under supervision, of course).

• People-Watching: Sit on a bench and watch the street performers, local vendors, and diverse crowds.
• Architecture: Point out the impressive colonial buildings and the blending of Inca walls.
• Pigeon Feeding: Many children enjoy feeding the numerous pigeons that gather in the plaza (vendors sell birdseed).
• Horse-Drawn Carriages: For a unique perspective, consider a short ride around the plaza.

2. San Pedro Market: A Sensory Adventure

This bustling local market is a feast for the senses and an exciting experience for children.

• Colorful Sights: Rows of vibrant fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
• Exotic Tastes: Try unique local fruits or freshly squeezed juices.
• Local Life: Observe locals going about their daily routines.
• Souvenirs: Kids might enjoy picking out a small, inexpensive souvenir like a colorful woven bracelet or a small alpaca figurine.

3. San Blas Neighborhood: Art and Views

The charming, uphill streets of San Blas offer a quieter, artistic side of Cusco.

• Wander and Explore: The narrow, winding alleys feel like a labyrinth, which can be fun for kids.
• Artisan Workshops: Pop into open workshops where children can watch artisans at work, crafting ceramics, carvings, or textiles.
• City Views: Seek out one of the miradores (viewpoints) for fantastic panoramic views of Cusco, perfect for a photo op.

4. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): History Comes Alive

This ancient Inca temple, now the site of the Santo Domingo Convent, is a powerful example of Inca engineering and history.

• Intriguing Walls: Kids might be fascinated by the perfectly fitted Inca stones and the stories of how they survived earthquakes.
• Gardens: The central courtyard and gardens offer open space.
• Engage with Stories: Tell them tales of the Inca sun god or imagine the golden walls that once stood here.

5. ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum)

A definite kid-pleaser, the ChocoMuseo offers an interactive and delicious experience.

• Chocolate Making Workshops: Most popular are the workshops where families can learn about the history of cacao, roast beans, and make their own chocolate from scratch. It’s messy fun and you get to eat the results!
• Free Tour: Even without a workshop, you can take a free guided tour of the museum, learning about chocolate production.

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Family-Friendly Day Tours from Cusco

These excursions offer a chance to explore beyond the city, with options that balance sightseeing with comfort for children.

1. The Sacred Valley: Culture and Gentle Exploration

A full-day tour of the Sacred Valley is highly recommended for families. It offers diverse sites without overly strenuous activity.

• Pisac Market: Kids will love the vibrant colors, diverse crafts, and the chance to interact with local vendors. Try a local pastry or empanada.
• Ollantaytambo: This impressive Inca fortress and living town is easier to navigate than Sacsayhuamán, with fascinating terraces and stone structures. The town itself is charming for a stroll.
• Chinchero: Visit a traditional weaving cooperative where children can see how alpaca wool is dyed and spun, and how intricate textiles are created. It’s educational and engaging.
• Gentle Pace: Opt for a private tour or a small group tour that allows for flexibility and breaks.

2. Maras Salt Mines & Moray: Unique Landscapes

These two sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Inca ingenuity and natural beauty, often combined in a half-day tour.

• Maras Salt Mines: Thousands of terraced salt pools cascading down a hillside. It’s a visually striking sight that children often find fascinating. They can walk through the pathways (carefully!) and see the salt being harvested.
• Moray: The unique circular Inca terraces, believed to be an agricultural laboratory, are an impressive architectural feat. Kids might enjoy running down (and then back up!) the terraces.
• ATV Tours (for Older Kids/Teens): For adventurous families with older children (check age and height restrictions, usually 10+), an ATV tour to Maras and Moray can add an exciting element, making the journey part of the adventure.

3. Humantay Lagoon (with caution for altitude)

While stunning, the hike to Humantay Lagoon is challenging due to the altitude and requires a good fitness level.

• Consider for Older, Fit Children: Only recommend this for families with older children or teens who are well-acclimatized and experienced hikers.
• Horse Rental: If you go, consider renting a horse for part of the uphill climb, which can make it more manageable and fun for kids.
• Stunning Reward: The turquoise lake at the base of the glacier is truly breathtaking, a memorable reward for the effort.

4. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca – with caution for altitude)

Similar to Humantay, Rainbow Mountain is a high-altitude, strenuous trek.

• Consider for Older, Fit Teens: This is best suited for families with older, athletic teenagers who are well-acclimatized. Younger children are likely to struggle significantly.
• Horse Rental: Horses are available for a good portion of the trek, which can aid in the ascent.
• Amazing Views: The colorful mountain is undeniably impressive and makes for incredible family photos.

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Tips for Making Treks and Tours Enjoyable for Kids

• Book with a Reputable Agency: Choose a family-friendly tour operator (like Ausangate Trail) that understands the needs of children, can offer flexible itineraries, and has experienced guides.
• Private Tours: If your budget allows, a private tour offers the most flexibility for stops, breaks, and catering to your children’s energy levels.
• Engaging Guides: Request a guide who is good with children and can tell stories and answer questions in an engaging way.
• Pack Snacks and Entertainment: Bring favorite snacks, small toys, books, or games for downtime during bus rides or breaks.
• Involve Them in Planning: Let your kids look at pictures and pick a few activities they’d like to do. This gives them ownership of the trip.
• Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge their efforts when they complete a hike or try a new food.

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Making Machu Picchu Family-Friendly

Visiting Machu Picchu with kids is a highlight for many families.

• Train is Easiest: The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is the most comfortable option. The Vistadome train offers panoramic windows and often entertainment, which kids enjoy.
• Aguas Calientes: The town at the base of Machu Picchu is walkable and has hot springs (Cocalmayo, a short bus ride away) that can be a fun activity for families.
• Machu Picchu Itinerary: Focus on the main circuits within Machu Picchu. Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is generally not recommended for younger children due to steepness and exposure.

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Cusco offers an unparalleled adventure for families willing to embrace the unique challenges and incredible rewards of traveling at altitude. By prioritizing acclimatization, pacing yourselves, and choosing activities that resonate with your children’s interests, you’ll create a tapestry of shared experiences that will form the cornerstone of lifelong memories.

Let Ausangate Trail help you plan your family’s incredible journey to Cusco and Machu Picchu. We specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that cater to all ages, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and truly unforgettable adventure for your entire family.

Contact Ausangate Trail today and let’s design the perfect Peruvian escape for your family!

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