Traveling to Peru with kids without the altitude holding you back
In this article
Yes, Peru is a great destination for kids, and Machu Picchu often ends up as the whole family's favorite memory. The key is altitude and pace: start in Lima and on the coast, go up to Cusco gradually, leave quiet time between excursions and talk to your pediatrician before you travel. Do that, and most of the families we host enjoy the trip without surprises.
Is Peru a good destination for kids?
It is, and you can see why on children's faces: llamas and alpacas everywhere, trains with panoramic windows, sand dunes, sea lions and ruins that look straight out of an adventure movie. Peruvians are also very warm with children, and hotels and restaurants welcome families as a matter of course.
What does set Peru apart is its geography. On a single trip you go from sea level to over 3,000 meters, so the order of your stops needs more planning.
Altitude with kids: what you need to know
This is the question families ask us most. Children can feel altitude sickness too, and little ones can't always explain what is going on: sometimes they are just crankier, more tired or not hungry. That's why we don't give medical advice here: talk to your pediatrician before the trip, especially if you are traveling with babies or children with a respiratory condition.
What we can share is how we plan trips so the altitude comes gradually:
- Start at sea level: Lima, Paracas and Ica first, Cusco afterwards.
- An easy first day in Cusco (3,399 m): arrive before noon, rest and only head out in the afternoon.
- Lean on the lower places: the Sacred Valley (about 2,800 m) and Machu Picchu (2,430 m) are both lower than Cusco.
- The highest spots last, or not at all: hikes above 4,000 m are not for every child.
To understand what altitude sickness is and how to prevent it, see our guide to altitude sickness in Cusco.
The best places in Peru for kids
- Lima: the Miraflores clifftop boardwalk, the seaside parks and the Magic Water Circuit, with lit-up fountains kids love.
- Paracas: the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, with sea lions, seabirds and, if you are lucky, Humboldt penguins.
- Huacachina: the oasis in the middle of the dunes. Dune buggies and sandboarding have a minimum age, so check it when you book; even without them, playing in the sand at sunset is a plan in itself.
- Sacred Valley: the Pisac market, the Maras salt pans and the circular terraces of Moray, which kids explore like a giant maze.
- Machu Picchu: the panoramic train is already an adventure, and inside the citadel llamas graze among the ruins.
- Cusco: the Plaza de Armas, the cobbled streets of San Blas and Inca stones kids can touch and count the corners of.
That whole route (Lima, the southern coast, Cusco and Machu Picchu) is our Classic Peru 10D/9N, which we recommend for families because of its order: the altitude only arrives halfway through the trip. If you have fewer days, the Classic Peru 7D/6N follows the same logic in a week.
What to skip or save for later
Not every must-see for an adult is a must-see for a five-year-old. With caution, this is what we usually suggest to families:
- Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m): the highest excursion we run, with a demanding hike and intense cold. We don't recommend it for young children; with acclimatized teenagers it can be an option, always after checking with your pediatrician.
- Humantay Lake: another hike above 4,000 m. Same approach as above.
- Nasca Lines flight: it is a light aircraft and it gets bumpy. For kids prone to motion sickness, the lookout tower by the highway is a good alternative.
- Non-stop days: stringing together several very early starts wears any child out. Better to leave a free afternoon every two or three days.
Logistics: trains, meals and pace
A few practical details that make a real difference when traveling with children:
- Train to Machu Picchu: we drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and take the panoramic train to Aguas Calientes. On the day trip you leave very early and return at night; with young kids it can be worth staying a night down there, as we explain in sleep in Aguas Calientes or return to Cusco.
- Documents: Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets are issued by name, so bring each child's passport.
- Child fares: some trains and tickets have reduced prices for minors, but they vary by age and season. Confirm when you book.
- Food: Peruvian food is very kid-friendly (rotisserie chicken, rice, potatoes in a thousand forms, soups). Stick to bottled water and leave raw dishes to the adults.
- Clothing: layers, because Cusco is cold at night and sunny at midday. The full list is in what to pack for Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- Strollers: Cusco and Machu Picchu are full of stairs and uneven stone; a baby carrier is usually more practical.
With kids, the best itinerary isn't the one that covers the most places, but the one that leaves time to play in between.
Frequently asked questions
What age can kids travel to Cusco?
There is no set age: many families travel with young children. The right person to ask is your pediatrician, who knows your child's health, and the trip should include a gradual climb to Cusco.
Can kids visit Machu Picchu?
Yes. Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m, lower than Cusco, and you get there by train and bus without long hikes. Inside the citadel there are stairs and stone paths, so take it slowly.
Can children do Rainbow Mountain?
We don't recommend it for young children: it reaches 5,036 m and the hike is demanding. With acclimatized teenagers it can be considered, always with your pediatrician's approval.
How many days do you need in Peru with kids?
For Cusco and Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace, five days is a good minimum. If you want to add Lima and the coast, think 7 to 10 days, which also helps the altitude come gradually.
Are there child discounts for Machu Picchu and the train?
In some cases there are fares for minors, but they depend on age and on each operator. We will confirm it for you when you book.
At Inka Planet Adventure we plan family trips all year round. Tell us your kids' ages and we will design a pace that works for grown-ups and little ones alike.
