On a trip to Machu Picchu, children can learn about the ancient Inca civilization while exploring terraces, temples, and mysterious passageways. It’s like a historical theme park! However, be sure to teach them to respect and protect this heritage.
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Visiting the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, as a family is a truly enriching experience and completely possible. However, you should consider that there are no specific entertainment activities for children, and touring the citadel requires special care from parents.
As a historical monument, Machu Picchu has rules that must be followed. Learn about the Machu Picchu regulations here.
It will definitely be a trip to remember — we invite you to visit Machu Picchu!
Visiting Machu Picchu can be a magical experience for people of all ages, including families with children.
Although there is no mandatory minimum age to explore this wonderful citadel, we suggest it as an adventure for children over 6 or 7 years old, as the route can be somewhat tiring and, at times, challenging.
It is vital to prioritize children’s safety; make sure they do not wander off exploring the archaeological site on their own.
Besides the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, there are also other nearby mountains to explore around this ancient wonder of the world.
The Machu Picchu Mountain is the most suitable alternative when traveling with children, as the ascent to this viewpoint, located near 3,000 m a.s.l., follows a relatively flat and accessible trail, away from cliffs, which children can hike without major risks.
You should know that Machu Picchu tickets are available for people of all ages, but some structures and experiences may be restricted for children.
If you want to book and buy a Machu Picchu ticket for children, follow these steps:
If you encounter any difficulties during the purchase process, please contact info@cuscoperu.com, and they will gladly assist you.
Please also consider the following:
Entrance to this Wonder of the World offers discounts so you can visit it with children:
Entry to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu for minors requires presenting a passport or National Identity Document (DNI for Peruvians).
The journey to Machu Picchu is made up of several short segments that must be completed in order to reach the Lost City of the Incas. There are different ways to access the Inca citadel, which vary depending on the traveler’s budget and physical condition for walking.
The first alternative is the classic route, starting in the city of Cusco and traveling to the town of Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, you must board the train, which arrives in the town of Aguas Calientes in about 2 hours.
Train tickets for children offered by the two companies that provide this service (PeruRail and IncaRail) include an approximate discount of 40% to 50%, as long as the children are under 11 years old.
The final leg of this option consists of choosing between taking the bus from the town of Aguas Calientes up to the citadel, located at the top of a mountain (average 50% discount on children’s tickets), or hiking up on foot at no additional cost.
With this alternative, you travel by car to Santa Teresa, a journey of approximately 6 hours until reaching the town. Once there, you must take another vehicle to the so-called “Hydroelectric Station,” a segment that lasts about 30 minutes.
On the next stretch, you can choose between taking the tourist train to the town of Aguas Calientes or walking the route (a 2-hour hike along the train tracks through the subtropical jungle), and finally choosing between the Consetur bus or hiking up to the Inca citadel.
There is also the famous hike or trek known as the “Inca Trail” as an alternative way to reach Machu Picchu; however, this option is not recommended for children due to the high physical demand required by this route.
Always make sure before leaving the hotel that you carry: a wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, rain protection, and sunscreen.
The climate at the Inca citadel is unpredictable, so it is recommended to dress children in layers. This allows you to adjust their clothing according to the weather and situation. Some suggested garments include:
In Cusco, there are many other places you can visit with children and enjoy pleasant moments. Some of these places include:
If you would like to explore these wonderful places comfortably and with specialized guidance, check out the City Tour that CuscoPeru.com offers, specially designed so you can enjoy a pleasant time with your family.
Happy passengers
