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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
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.
Duration: 2 hours
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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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.
Duration: 3-4 hours
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.
Duration: Full day
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.
Duration: 1.5 hours
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.
Duration: 2 hours
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.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
A beautiful hacienda-style property in the Sacred Valley at lower altitude with gardens, farm animals, and mountain views
Family features: Lower altitude easier for children, extensive gardens, alpacas and horses, family rooms, swimming pool
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Centrally located with spacious rooms and an oxygen bar to assist with altitude for all family members
Family features: Oxygen bar for altitude, spacious rooms, central location, restaurant, reliable service
Hotel Rumi Punku
A charming boutique hotel in San Blas with a courtyard garden and original Inca doorway incorporated in the building
Family features: Safe enclosed courtyard, interesting Inca doorway for kids to explore, good breakfast, helpful family owners
Niños Hotel
A family-friendly hotel with profits supporting Peruvian street children, with a lovely garden and stable
Family features: Garden, horse stable, social mission interests older children, good breakfast
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
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
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
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