Cusco Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Cusco with kids.
Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Cusco.
Choco Museo Chocolate Workshop
An interactive workshop where the whole family learns about Peruvian cacao, the history of chocolate, and gets to make and decorate their own chocolate bars. Consistently rated Cusco's top family activity.
Llama Encounter at Sacred Valley Farm
Meet and walk with llamas and alpacas at a Sacred Valley farm, learning about these iconic Andean animals that have been domesticated for 5,000 years. Children can feed and photograph the animals.
Sacsayhuaman Guided Visit
The massive stones of Sacsayhuaman fascinate children who wonder how the enormous blocks were moved and fitted. A child-friendly guide who explains Inca engineering in accessible terms makes this extraordinary.
White-water Rafting on the Urubamba
Family-friendly Grade III rapids on the Sacred Valley's Urubamba River, suitable for children 10+ who can swim. Operators provide all equipment and instruction. Highly memorable Andean adventure.
Pisac Market and Sacred Valley Tour
A gentle full-day Sacred Valley tour at lower altitude is perfect for families. Children love the colorful Pisac market, feeding guinea pigs, and exploring the ruins with engaging stories from a guide.
Inca Trail Chocolate Tasting and Museum
Taste different varieties of Peruvian chocolate and learn the history from cacao to bar at the Choco Museo interactive experience. Children enjoy the making and tasting elements.
Andean Weaving Workshop
At a traditional weaving workshop in Chinchero or San Blas, families learn about natural dyeing with plants and insects, and try their hand at basic backstrap loom weaving. Take home a small woven piece.
Mountain Biking in the Sacred Valley
Gentle downhill mountain biking routes from Chinchero into the Sacred Valley are suitable for older children and teens. Operators provide bikes, helmets, and guide support.
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Cusco Family Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
A beautiful hacienda-style property in the Sacred Valley at lower altitude with gardens, farm animals, and mountain views
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Centrally located with spacious rooms and an oxygen bar to assist with altitude for all family members
Hotel Rumi Punku
A charming boutique hotel in San Blas with a courtyard garden and original Inca doorway incorporated in the building
Niños Hotel
A family-friendly hotel with profits supporting Peruvian street children, with a lovely garden and stable
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
Most restaurants in Cusco welcome children warmly
Jack's Café and Granja Heidi offer the most child-friendly menus
Market almuerzos at San Pedro at midday are very child-friendly - simple, tasty food for under $5
Ask for 'menú infantil' at restaurants - they often prepare simpler dishes for children
Children may be more sensitive to altitude than adults - keep meals light the first 2 days
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
Consult your pediatrician about altitude medication for children under 12 before traveling to Cusco
Spend the first night in the Sacred Valley (lower altitude, around 2,800m) before ascending to Cusco at 3,400m
Recognize altitude sickness symptoms in children: headache, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness
Pack light layers as temperatures swing dramatically throughout the day
Carry rehydration sachets - children dehydrate faster at altitude
Pre-book Machu Picchu tickets online - children under 8 are sometimes free or significantly discounted
Take the bus to Machu Picchu rather than hiking up with young children
Schedule afternoon rest time, especially the first 2 days at altitude
Keep a small pharmacy kit including altitude medication, rehydration salts, and children's pain relief
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.