Need-to-Know Machu Picchu Travel Tips for Families

Exploring Peru‘s Machu Picchu is a bucket-list adventure for many, but planning a trip to this famous Incan destination with kids in tow might seem daunting. With a bit of preparation and know-how, though, it’s a rewarding and educational experience that your family will remember forever. Keep these essential Machu Picchu travel tips in mind for a smooth and seamless visit.

Machu Picchu Travel Tips: What You Need to Know

When to Go

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The rainy season, from November to March, can make trails muddy and visibility so poor that when you get to the summit, you can’t take in the views.

However, that also means everyone else will want to go between April and October, especially during the summer months when kids are out of school. As a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, only 2,500 ticketed visitors are allowed into Machu Picchu each day to manage crowds and safeguard the ruins. Tickets are split into different entry times with morning passes being the most popular, especially for families who want to explore the site before the midday heat and crowds.

Because of this, you must book tickets well in advance. Tickets can sell out weeks and even months ahead of time. Book your entry tickets before anything else and build your trip around the dates. You can purchase tickets through the official Machu Picchu website, and as of June 2024, tickets are divided among three circuits to prevent congestion and to create options best suited to different activity levels.

Choosing Your Route

Machu Picchu’s three main circuits, subdivided into separate routes from which you can select, are designed around distinct themes. The Panoramic Circuit (Circuit 1) is perfect for visitors who want to take in the sweeping views of the mountains. This circuit includes four routes with varying levels of physical exertion. Two of the routes, the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and the historic Inca Bridge, are only available June to October while the other two are year-round.

For a more comprehensive exploration of Machu Picchu’s central areas, take the Classic Circuit (Circuit 2), which focuses on the middle platforms and the urban section of the city. On these routes, you can see the buildings that were used for living and religious ceremonies, including those dedicated to rituals.

For a deeper look into the spaces that were reserved only for Incan royalty, choose the Royalty Circuit (Circuit 3). This one focuses on some of the most significant and spiritual parts of the city, including the Temple of the Condor and the House of the Inca. As with the Panoramic Circuit, two routes, the Great Cavern Route and the Huchuypicchu Route, are open only in high season.

Getting to Machu Picchu

After purchasing your tickets, the next step is figuring out how to reach the site. The journey itself can be an exciting adventure for kids. To get to Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley that leads to the ruins, you’ll first fly into Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport and then take a short domestic flight to Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Major airlines like LATAM and Avianca operate regular flights between Lima and Cusco.

From there, the most popular and family-friendly option is to travel by train. Trains to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, depart from two main stations near Cusco: Ollantaytambo (open year-round) and Poroy (open May through December). From Ollantaytambo, it takes about an hour and a half to get to Aguas Calientes; from Poroy, about three and a half hours. The scenic rides offer breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley with large windows that allow kids to marvel at the surrounding mountains, rivers and landscapes. PeruRail and IncaRail are the two main train operators, offering a range of services from budget to luxury, and all trains come equipped with restrooms and snack options.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the final leg of the journey is a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu itself. Buses run frequently from the town center and take about 25 to 30 minutes to reach the entrance.

For the ultimate in luxury, book Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, from Cusco — a first-class rail experience with gourmet dining, live music and vintage-style carriages, named for the explorer who discovered and excavated the ruins. While it’s pricier, the train trip includes an exclusive guided tour of Machu Picchu and access to the Belmond hospitality tent at the entrance, which can make the experience smoother, more comfortable and less congested. Plus, riding with Belmond includes private transport to the entrance of Machu Picchu, bypassing the standard buses.

TIP: Ciao Bambino is a member of Belmond’s elite Bellini Club, meaning clients who book Belmond properties through us can receive exclusive amenities and perks. Contact our CB Family Travel Advisors for details and for booking and planning help.

Navigating the Site

The terrain at Machu Picchu can be quite challenging for even the most skilled hikers, so traveling with younger children requires some finesse. The ruins are situated on a mountaintop with uneven paths and steep steps, and some areas have sharp dropoffs with few to no barriers. Close supervision is key, and while some parts of the site have wider, flatter paths that might seem suitable for strollers, Machu Picchu overall is not stroller-friendly. If traveling with younger kids, consider a sturdy child carrier.

While it may feel like a big playground for adventurous kids, instruct them to avoid running or climbing on the ancient structures, not only because it could be dangerous but also because of the site’s preservation rules.

Machu Picchu’s high altitude, some 7,900 feet above sea level, can also take a toll on families, so it’s important to take frequent breaks and drink lots of water. That said, there are no food or drink vendors inside the site, so be sure to carry water and snacks with you.

Where to Stay

Most visitors to Machu Picchu stay in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, before making their way to Aguas Calientes, especially to help them acclimate to the altitude. Because Cusco is higher than Machu Picchu at 11,500 feet above sea level, it is recommended to spend a full day or two to adjust before heading to the ruins.

Altitude sickness is no joke, so be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals to minimize the risk, and consider asking your doctor about altitude sickness medications. If you’re nervous about how the kids will react, think about staying in a Sacred Valley town like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, which have a lower elevation and are closer to the site.

Again, you can elevate your experience with Belmond at Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, in Cusco. Housed in a converted 16th-century monastery, the 5-star property offers spacious rooms and suites as well as kid-friendly amenities like babysitting services and cultural activities designed to engage young travelers.

If you really want to do it right, pair this with a stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, the only hotel located at the entrance to Machu Picchu. By basing here, you’ll receive earlier and later access to the ruins while enjoying the property’s upscale amenities, outstanding views and gourmet dining. Additionally, kids will have fun with the cultural programs and nature walks designed for families.

Packing and Safety Tips

The weather at Machu Picchu can change dramatically throughout the day, with cool, crisp mornings and warmer afternoons, so pack smart. Start with lightweight, breathable layers that you can add or shed as the day progresses. Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes with a good grip and avoid open-toed sandals.

The high altitude also means stronger UV rays, so bring sunscreen and hats as well as granola bars or fruit to keep the kids energized, due to the lack of snacks for purchase. While you will find food vendors at the entrance to the site, you may want to stick with restaurants and avoid the street vendors, as there is nothing worse than getting sick while traveling. Tap water is not safe to drink in Peru, so be sure any water you consume is filtered or bottled by a reputable source — that also goes for foods washed in water, like vegetables.

Consider Hiring a Travel Advisor

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu, especially with kids, can be complex and overwhelming. If there’s ever a time to consider using a Ciao Bambino Travel Advisor, this is it. Our Advisors can handle all the details of transportation, from flights to Lima and Cusco to securing train and bus tickets, as well as ensure that your entry tickets are reserved in advance.

We can also design custom itineraries that pair Machu Picchu with kid-friendly activities like visiting local markets and Peruvian cooking classes. If you want to extend your trip on either end, we can help you plan further exploration into places like Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and Paracas, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to the Islas Ballestras, often called the “poor man’s Galapagos.” Reach out to us to talk through ideas.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all accommodations and activities in Peru on Ciao Bambino

South America family travel 101: Our best insider tips

10 surprising places to take toddlers on a family vacation

A great 10- to-14-day Chile itinerary with kids

Essential tips for planning a trip to Argentina with kids

Essential tips for family travel to Brazil

Why we’re fans of Galapagos Islands land-based tours

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.