Where to Stay in Cusco With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
Updated September 2025 • We haven’t stayed here yet, this is the shortlist we’d book today based on location, family amenities, and consistent parent reviews. We’ll update after our Peru leg in late 2025.
We’re a slightly overwhelmed family of four who care about two things: short walks and early bedtimes. Cusco is Peru’s crown jewel, the gateway to Machu Picchu, but also a place that can hit families hard with altitude (3,400m / 11,200ft). That means you’ll want a stay that makes recovery easier: walkable location, quiet nights, and maybe a courtyard or garden where kids can burn energy without you having to march them uphill again.
Our rhythm in Cusco? Slow mornings with coca tea (coffee for us, hot chocolate for the kids), gentle strolls around plazas, afternoon downtime, and early dinners before bedtime. Picking the right neighbourhood and hotel makes all the difference.
These are the three stays we’d actually choose: a budget-friendly guesthouse with space, a mid-range hotel close to the action, and a splurge option with comfort and oxygen on hand.
Cusco neighborhoods at a glance (for families)
Centro Histórico (Historic Center)
The postcard heart of Cusco, filled with cobblestone lanes, plazas, and colonial buildings. Staying here means everything is walkable, markets, cafés, and kid distractions around Plaza de Armas or Plaza San Blas. The trade-off? It can be noisy at night and stairs are everywhere. If your kids sleep like rocks, Centro is gold.
San Blas
Just uphill from the main square, San Blas is artsy and bohemian with cafés, artisan shops, and narrow streets. The views are stunning, but so are the stair climbs. Families with older kids (or strong legs for strollers) might love the vibe, while those with toddlers may find the constant up-and-down exhausting.
Near the Train Station (Wanchaq/San Pedro)
A bit further out but flatter and quieter. Staying closer to the train stations (Wanchaq or San Pedro) means easier transfers if you’re doing Machu Picchu, and it often means bigger, cheaper rooms. Great for families who prefer a calmer base and don’t mind a short taxi ride to the center.
The 3 Easy Picks (we’d book one of these, no endless lists)
1) Budget-Friendly Base: Amaru Inca Hostal (San Blas)
Why we picked it:
Tucked into San Blas but still close to Plaza de Armas, Amaru Inca offers spacious family rooms in a beautiful colonial house with courtyards. Kids can run around safely inside the gardens, and parents consistently mention the friendly staff and hot breakfast.
Imagine sipping coca tea while the kids chase each other around the courtyard, that little bit of contained space is a lifesaver at altitude when you don’t want to trek far.
Good to know:
You’re in San Blas, which means hills and some stair climbing. Rooms are simple, and heating is limited (pack warm pajamas). Still, for the price and location, this is one of Cusco’s best family-value picks.
2) Mid-Range Balance: Tierra Viva Cusco Centro
Why we picked it:
Reliable, modern comfort just a short walk from Plaza de Armas. Rooms are larger than the typical Cusco boutique hotels, and the staff are known for being especially helpful with families (cribs, extra blankets, early check-in if rooms are free). Breakfast buffet is included, which saves you a morning mission.
Families highlight the flat location, unlike San Blas, you’re not climbing steep stairs to get home every night. The hotel also has good Wi-Fi and heating, both of which are sanity-savers when you’re grounded by altitude.
Good to know:
No on-site restaurant for lunch/dinner, but plenty of options within a block or two. Ask for a rear-facing room for quieter nights, since Centro can get noisy on weekends.
3) Splurge Sanity Saver: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Why we picked it:
Built inside a restored convent, this is Cusco luxury with kid-friendly touches. Massive suites, an indoor courtyard, and staff who go out of their way to make families comfortable. The real bonus? On-site oxygen enrichment, handy if altitude hits hard.
The JW Marriott has its own museum, daily cultural activities, and spacious rooms that finally let parents stay up after kids are asleep. Families rave about the service, which balances high-end with welcoming.
Good to know:
Pricey, but if you’re worried about altitude or want a stress-free start to your Machu Picchu journey, this is worth the splurge. Ask about family packages, they often include breakfast and airport transfers.
How we choose (quickly, like parents do)
Walkability: plazas, markets, and food within 10 minutes
Room setup: doors that close or family suites with space
Cool-down: courtyards or gardens for kid energy
Food: breakfast included, easy access to kid-friendly meals
Reviews: consistent family shout-outs, not just random praise
Safety & practical stuff for families
Altitude: At 3,400m (11,200 ft), most families feel it on day one. Go slow, plan short outings, extra water, and rest. Some hotels offer oxygen; consider it if travelling with young kids.
Traffic & taxis: Streets are narrow, sidewalks uneven. Use official taxis or ride apps like InDriver; rides within Cusco are cheap.
Water & food: Stick to bottled/filtered water. Peruvian soups and chicken dishes are usually kid-friendly, but avoid raw veggies the first few days.
Stroller-friendliness: Cusco is not stroller heaven, cobblestones and stairs everywhere. Bring a baby carrier for little ones.
Airport transfer: Cusco airport to Centro is only 15–20 minutes by taxi. Easy, but arrange pickup in advance for peace of mind.
Climate: Cool year-round, with chilly nights (down to 5°C/40°F). Always pack layers and warm sleepwear for kids.
Getting around & when to book
Getting around: Walking in Centro is doable if you take it slow. For further distances (train stations, Sacsayhuamán ruins), taxis are cheap and plentiful.
When to book: Cusco is busy year-round, but especially June–August (dry season and Inti Raymi festival). Book hotels at least 3–4 months ahead for those dates. Rainy season (Dec–Mar) brings fewer tourists and cheaper rates, but pack waterproof layers.
How long to stay: With kids, 3–4 nights is a good balance: enough time to adjust to altitude, explore Cusco itself, and do a Sacred Valley day trip.
Family logistics near each area (quick hits)
Centro Histórico
Pharmacies around Plaza de Armas for altitude tablets.
Plenty of bakeries for cheap snacks.
Central Market (San Pedro) for fruit and quick bites.
Play spaces limited, but plazas work in a pinch.
San Blas
Artsy vibe, cafés with terraces for parents.
Smaller supermarkets and craft shops.
Quieter at night, but those hills are real.
Near the Train Station (Wanchaq/San Pedro)
Flatter, easier streets.
Access to train departures = less stress.
Larger, cheaper hotel rooms.
Fewer dining options than Centro, but taxis fix that.
FAQ (for parents, by parents)
Is Cusco safe with kids?
Yes. Stick to Centro, San Blas, or near train stations. Watch cobblestones, stairs, and keep valuables secure. Big-city sense applies.
What about altitude sickness?
It’s real. Symptoms can hit kids too (headaches, tiredness). Go slow the first 48 hours, hydrate, and consider hotels with oxygen. Always talk to your doctor before traveling.
Which area is best with younger kids?
Centro, flat, walkable, and close to food/markets. San Blas is charming but tough with toddlers and strollers.
How many days in Cusco with kids?
Three to four nights is ideal. Enough to acclimatise before heading to Machu Picchu, while still enjoying Cusco itself.
Is Cusco just a stopover for Machu Picchu?
No. The city itself has plazas, markets, and ruins (Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha) that families can enjoy at a slower pace.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, especially June–August. Family rooms sell out faster. For rainy season, you’ll find last-minute deals.
Wrap-Up
Every family’s needs are different, but these three picks cover the bases: a budget-friendly courtyard stay, a mid-range modern option close to everything, and a splurge hotel with oxygen and space. Cusco is magical but demanding — the right stay makes it easier to adjust, explore, and keep everyone (mostly) smiling.
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