Cusco and Machu Picchu With Kids

Machu Picchu should be right at the top of your family's bucket list.

Perhaps no other destination on earth combines adventure, history, spirituality and beauty quite like this hidden Incan city. Peruvians absolutely love children, making it a fabulous place to travel as a family.

While there is so much to see and do across this diverse country, Cusco and Machu Picchu are the clear highlights. And if you're limited on time, it's possible to experience the beauty of Peru in just one week. (Or stay longer and hit the Galapagos and Amazon in combination!)

Here's what you can see and experience with one week in Peru.

Cusco Town

Cusco is a beautiful, historical, vibrant city. From the ancient cobblestone roads to the hidden courtyards teeming with flowers and greenery, there is a lot to discover here.

Cusco's historical showpiece, Plaza de Armas, is a broad, manicured square featuring a monument to the expansionist Incan ruler Pachacuti, who has been described as a South American Alexander the Great. There are restaurants, bars and cafes with elevated vantage points for people watching. The dominant structures facing the square are the 17th century Cusco Cathedral and the Company of Jesus Church both built by the Spanish conquistadors.

We like to bookend trekking and Machu Picchu with a night on Cusco on either end. This gives you plenty of time to wander through the city, visit the cathedrals, and enjoy some amazing meals.

Spectacular Trekking

Sure, we've all heard of the Inca Trail. But the Salkantay Trail is a better option for families looking to spend 2-3 nights trekking in Peru (vs a longer Inca Trail trek).

Connecting the city of Mollepata, Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests.

The unbelievable turquoise-water lagoon surrounded by the impressive Humantay and Salkantay Peaks offers one of the most gorgeous views in Peru.

Here we have access to glamping domes, so you also can rest up in total comfort each night.

Machu Picchu

And of course, Machu Picchu.

The adventure begins when you board a train that will take you to the village of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, travel by bus up to Machu Picchu with your private guide to discover the impressive historical citadel for the afternoon.

Interested in planning a trip to Peru for your family? Book a complimentary consult call now to get started planning!