Visiting Machu Picchu with Kids: How, Why and When

By Rhonda Carrier

Peru is among those true bucket-list destinations about which we get lots of enquiries about from our adventurous families wanting the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience of which lasting memories are made. And the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu perched up in the Andes over the Sacred Valley (the Urubamba River valley) is perhaps the first thing people think about when dreaming of a Peru family holiday – this 15th-century historic sanctuary listed by UNESCO combines fascinating tremor-proof architecture, enigmatic ruins built according to astrological alignments, and simply breathtaking views that together make it one of the most popular historic sights in the world.

Some trains through the spectacular Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town have fun cultural shows by costumed actors and live musicians aboard.

Machu Picchu with Different ages 

Machu Picchu with teens is a surefire winner, as I’ve described in my piece Why Peru is a Must on Your Bucket List with Teens, reviewing a trip trekking the Quarry Trail with Intrepid Travel, for which the minimum age is 15 years.

Hiking through the Sacred Valley, whether you loop out and back to Ollantaytambo on the Quarry Trail or follow the legendary Inca Trail all the way to the Sun Gate and down into Machu Picchu, is definitely a challenge, but one worth rising to. You camp at altitude (fantastic fun, but cold and with very basic facilities), there are unsurprisingly lots of steep uphill sections, the terrain is very rough in parts, and there is altitude sickness to contend with (build in some time to acclimatise in lively, colourful Cusco before you start your hike).

In other words, you have to really want to do it and be sure your kids can handle it. If you do, I’m pretty sure you won’t regret it – it’s one of the best experiences of my life.

Machu Picchu with a toddler can also be very enjoyable, but you will need to keep a firm eye/hand on them, as the terrain is very uneven and there are lots of steep steps. Machu Picchu with a four year old or an older child is better – it can be a great adventure, but again you do need to keep safety in mind and make sure they take care and don’t run around. Bring as little as possible to carry, but make sure to have plenty of water and some sunscreen with you.

With children with disabilities, it is possible to visit Machu Picchu in a wheelchair, but you can only access Circuit 3 (the lowest one), and you will need a guide and ideally two people to help navigate various steps (there are no ramps).

And as for Machu Picchu with a baby, this is entirely do-able; we’d recommend putting them in a sturdy hiking carrier, as there’s a lot of walking for you so you need to feel comfortable and secure.

If you do come to Peru with younger kids, instead of hiking you take the train from Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes). The scenery is spectacular, and some trains have fun cultural shows by costumed actors and live musicians aboard as well. You’ll then stay in Aguas Calientes overnight and get a bus up to Machu Picchu. Again, you will need assistance with wheelchairs on the train and the bus.

Macchu Picchu Tickets

If you go with a Peru family adventure specialist such as Intrepid, they will include pre-booked timed tickets so you don’t need to worry about sorting these out for yourselves (we certainly don’t advise arriving in Aguas Calientes and trying to get same-day or next-day tickets as they are in limited supply and sell out quickly). Intrepid holidays also include family-friendly guides who will help immerse children in the history of the Incan citadel in an engaging manner.

When it comes to prices for Machu Picchu, there is free entry for children under eight, although they do still need a ticket in their name. Trains and buses have various discounts by age, but these tickets will be included in an organised Peru holiday.

In addition to the teen-friendly Peru holiday mentioned above, Intrepid also runs family-specific Peru trips for which the minimum age is five years. It includes a day in Lima, two days in the Amazon jungle, spotting wildlife including caimans and black alligators, time to explore Cusco and Ollantaytambo, then the train to Machu Picchu. You can also add time in the jungle onto the teen-friendly trip.

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October generally see dry, clear days and fewer people, making Machu Picchu a great option for the Easter holidays and May and October half terms. If you come in the main school holidays, you’ll hit peak season (June-August).

For any questions about Peru with kids or for a quote or to book your Machu Picchu family adventure, call us on 020 3633 0653 or email us using our enquiry form. We’d be delighted to help you choose the right Peru family holiday for you, based on your child(ren)’s age(s) and your physical abilities.