Ultimate Guide to Cusco 2025 (Especially With Kids)
Our honest family experience of six weeks in and around Cusco, four weeks living in the city itself, and two more exploring the Sacred Valley, Maras, Pisac, the jungle, and Machu Picchu. This guide covers what worked, what didn’t, and everything we’d recommend for families planning a longer stay in this part of Peru.
Updated: November 2025
Visited: Cusco, Peru (Nov/Dec 2025)
Family travel, long-term route through South America
Arriving in Cusco - The Family Way
After weeks of travelling across Peru, stepping off the plane in Cusco felt like walking into thin air, quite literally. Within minutes, we were surrounded by mountain views, colonial streets, and a few curious llamas that looked far more acclimatised than we were.
The altitude hit slowly, mild headaches, sleepy kids, and a sense that every uphill lane was plotting against us. But then came the magic: early morning sunlight over terracotta rooftops, street musicians echoing through Plaza de Armas, and the rhythm of a city that somehow feels both ancient and alive.
We spent over a month exploring this region, a blend of city stays, Sacred Valley slow days, and a tropical escape to teh Amazon Rain forest, learning exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when you bring kids along.
This guide is for families like ours: curious, adventurous, and maybe a little tired. We’ve packed in everything you need to know, where to stay, what to do, how to handle the altitude, and how to make the most of one of South America’s most fascinating cities.
Cusco Family Travel Essentials
Altitude / Cusco sits at 3,399 m (11,152 ft), so take it easy for the first 48 hours. Keep walks short, drink plenty of water, and let kids nap whenever needed. Coca tea, candy, or even oxygen bottles (available in most hotels) can help.
Getting In / The airport’s just 20 minutes from the city centre. Booking a private transfer through GetYourGuide or Viator saves the post-flight chaos, ideal with kids and luggage in tow.
Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) / A single pass covering many archaeological sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. You can buy it locally or pre-order it here for convenience.
Short on Time? / A 6-hour guided city tour (book here) covers Cusco’s highlights — Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, San Blas, and the market — without overloading little legs.
Machu Picchu / Cusco’s your jump-off point for Peru’s biggest icon. Book train tickets and guided entry via official site or in English through GetYourGuide.
Rainbow Mountain (Palccoyo) / The colourful mountain kids can actually enjoy — gentler altitude, shorter walk, and amazing photos. This family-friendly day tour is our pick.
Where to Stay / Families love Antigua Casona San Blas for comfort and courtyards, or Casa Arcoiris for space and homely touches. Browse more stays on Booking.com.
Why Cusco Works (and Challenges) for Families
Cusco is one of those places that grows on you slowly, partly because you’re walking uphill half the time and gasping for air, but mostly because every corner has a story. At first glance, it’s busy and a bit chaotic (Not as chaotic as Arequipa). Give it a few days, though, and you start to find your rhythm: a morning coffee in San Blas, kids chasing pigeons in Plaza de Armas, and afternoons spent exploring temples older than most countries.
For families, Cusco hits a sweet spot, it’s compact, walkable, and surprisingly easy to navigate once you’ve adjusted to the altitude. Trust us it takes a while and you’ll still wonder why you randomly get out of breath
Streets are generally safe, locals are warm and patient with children, and taxis are cheap for when little legs give up halfway up a hill (it happens).
What makes Cusco great is the mix: history that feels alive, countless day trips, and cafés that welcome you to linger. The challenge? Altitude, cobblestones, and stairs. Lots of stairs. But that’s half the adventure — and honestly, watching your kids clamber up ancient Incan walls somehow makes the effort worth it.
💡 Family Tip – Book accommodation with a courtyard, terrace, balcony or small garden, it gives kids space to play while you sip your coffee and acclimatise. San Blas and the historic centre both have lovely options like Antigua Casona San Blas or family apartments such as Casa Arcoiris. Also cheaper apartments on Recolecta Road and its central
What to Do in Cusco With Kids
Explore San Blas
If Cusco had a soul, it would live in San Blas, the hilly, artsy neighbourhood just above the old town. Every lane feels like a postcard: narrow cobbles, whitewashed walls, blue balconies dripping with flowers. It’s a climb, yes, but worth every step.
And while every city has its “cool” area, Shoreditch in London, Le Marais in Paris, Fitzroy in Melbourne, Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, San Blas doesn’t feel curated or manufactured. It’s lived-in, a little weathered, a little bohemian, and completely its own. The kind of place where you wander slowly because the details keep stopping you.
We started our mornings here, slowly weaving up Calle Carmen Alto with breaks for juice and cocoa tea. At the top, Plazoleta San Blas offers a small square where kids can run around while you catch your breath and watch local artists set up their stalls. From there, little workshops spill onto the streets, painters, silversmiths, and weavers happy to show off their craft.
L’Atelier Café, tucked above a boutique jewellery shop, became our unofficial HQ. It’s tiny and charming, with a balcony that looks straight across Cusco’s rooftops, the perfect spot for hot chocolate (or a pisco coffee if it’s been that kind of day).
💡 Family Tip: San Blas sits higher than the city centre, so take it slow and visit in the morning before the climb turns into a workout. Bring small change for the craft stalls, and maybe promise the kids one souvenir each to avoid haggling meltdowns.
Plaza de Armas & the Cathedral
The Plaza de Armas is the beating heart of Cusco, a mix of colonial architecture, Inca history, and constant movement. From sunrise to sunset, something’s always happening here: parades, musicians, street vendors, or just kids chasing pigeons.
The Cusco Cathedral dominates one side of the square, and even if your kids aren’t into churches, it’s worth a short look inside for the gold leaf details and carved choir stalls. Across from it, the smaller Church of La Compañía de Jesús is beautifully intricate, and together they make a striking photo backdrop for family shots.
When everyone needs a break, grab a table on one of the second-floor balconies around the plaza. We liked Norton’s Rat Tavern for snacks and views, but Cappuccino Café is also great for hot drinks and people-watching.
💡 Family Tip: Visit early morning or just before sunset when the light hits the cathedral, it’s quieter, cooler, and magical for photos.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
History feels very real at Qorikancha, and it’s one of those places where kids can see layers of time rather than just hear about them. Once the most sacred temple in the entire Inca Empire, its golden walls were stripped by the Spanish, who then built the Church of Santo Domingo directly on top, a very literal symbol of conquest.
What remains below is impressive: perfectly fitted Inca stone walls so smooth you couldn’t slide a credit card between them. Kids love walking through the angled passageways and hearing how the stones were carved without modern tools. The small museum inside gives quick context (don’t worry, it’s not too text-heavy), and the courtyard gardens outside are a lovely breather after the city bustle.
💡 Family Tip: Qorikancha is included in the Boleto Turístico, but even if you only visit here, it’s worth the 15 soles entry fee. Go mid-morning for soft light and fewer crowds, plus a chance to rest on the lawns behind afterward.
Sacsayhuamán
Locals call it “Sexy Woman” (and you’ll never forget how to pronounce it again). Sacsayhuamán sits just above the city and is one of the easiest and most rewarding, half-day trips from Cusco. The ruins are enormous, with massive zig-zagging stone walls that kids can climb, wide grassy fields for running, and panoramic views across the red-tiled roofs of Cusco below.
We walked up through the city and walked back down the other side and wandered down a very steep but unique neighbourhood whoch ended up near san Blas view point, It’s high up, so expect to pause for breath, but the views make it worth every step.
If you want context (and fewer “why” questions), book a half-day city ruins tour, it usually includes Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay with transport and a guide who keeps it engaging for kids.
💡 Family Tip: Bring water, hats, and sunscreen, there’s little shade up here. Don’t skip the grassy area near the top; locals picnic here and it’s perfect for letting kids roam safely.
San Pedro Market
If you only visit one market in Peru, make it San Pedro. It’s a riot of colour, smells, and sound, the kind of place that wakes all your senses (and tests your kids’ bravery when you hit the meat section).
We wandered the aisles sampling fruit smoothies from the identical rows of juice ladies, all calling out their best prices and favourite mixes. Mango–Piña was the family winner (cost around 6-8 soles). The food section’s great for a cheap, authentic lunch (locals pay around 10 soles for soup and a main), and the aisles of handmade crafts make for fun browsing.
It’s busy but safe; just keep an eye on little ones and pockets. For families, it’s the perfect place to show kids what “real Peru” looks like beyond the tourist squares.
💡 Family Tip: Go early morning for the freshest food and fewest crowds.
Museums & Exhibits
Museums in Cusco can be hit or miss with kids, some are dusty and dated, others surprisingly hands-on. The best place to start is the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC). It’s small but fascinating, showing how Quechua women still spin, dye, and weave fabrics by hand. Kids can watch live demonstrations and see the natural dyes made from plants and insect, it’s colourful, bite-sized, and free to enter.
Another easy win is the Coca Museum in San Blas. It’s tiny (15 minutes max) but fascinating, especially when you realise coca leaves are used for everything from tea to medicine. There’s a funny “don’t touch the sacred leaf” energy to it, and the shop next door sells coca-infused chocolate, perfect bribery for patient children.
If you have older kids who love artefacts or history, the Museo de Arte Pre-Colombino (MAP) is one of the city’s most modern and well-curated spaces. Exhibits are beautifully lit and easy to walk through, plus the on-site restaurant is a gem for lunch.
💡 Family Tip: Most museums (except Qorikancha) are covered by the Boleto Turístico, so if you plan to visit a few, it’s worth buying the full pass to save money and hassle.
Read also: Amazon Rainforest Peru With Kids
Cusco Planetarium
One of the coolest and most overlooked, things to do in Cusco with kids is the Planetarium just outside town. Set in a family-run observatory surrounded by mountains, it offers evening sessions that mix astronomy with Incan mythology.
The experience starts with a short talk on how the Incas read the stars (they actually identified constellations in the dark spaces between stars, something most of us never even notice), then moves into stargazing through telescopes. Even our youngest was transfixed by Saturn’s rings appearing like magic in the lens.
Tours usually include pickup from Plaza Regocijo and bring you back after dark, which makes the whole evening wonderfully simple, no figuring out taxis or wandering around late. You just show up, get whisked into the hills, and watch the sky come alive.
If you prefer having things arranged ahead of time, we booked this evening stargazing experience and it followed the same route and timings.
💡 Family Tip: Dress warm and go on a clear night. Sessions last around two hours, perfect length before kids get restless.
Chocolate & Cooking Classes
No trip to Cusco is complete without a little indulgence and for families, that means chocolate. The Choco Museo on Calle Garcilaso is a winner for all ages. You can join their “bean to bar” workshop, roast and grind your own cocoa beans, and take home handmade bars with your name on the wrapper. It’s hands-on, smells amazing, and guarantees everyone leaves smiling (and a bit sticky).
For older kids or teens, a Peruvian cooking class is another fun experience. You start at a local market, pick out ingredients, then make classic dishes like lomo saltado or quinoa soup, plus a non-alcoholic version of the famous pisco sour for the kids. These classes are surprisingly engaging, and our guide made it feel like we were in someone’s kitchen rather than a tourist setup.
💡 Family Tip: These classes can fill up quickly, especially around school holidays, so it’s worth booking ahead if you already know your dates. We found a lovely half-day option that combines the chocolate workshop with a hands-on cooking session, fun, relaxed, and really easy to slot into a Cusco itinerary.
Coffee Breaks & Food Finds
Cusco runs on coffee and coca tea and after a few days chasing llamas and climbing ruins, we did too. The city is packed with cafés that are both kid- and laptop-friendly, offering those rare, quiet pauses between the chaos of sightseeing.
Our top pick was Green Point (235 Carmen Bajo – find it here), a legendary vegan restaurant in San Blas that even the most determined meat-eaters end up loving. Their almuerzo (three courses and a drink for around 30 soles) was the best value meal we found in Cusco, colourful, wholesome, and a total crowd-pleaser for the kids. The staff are lovely, the garden space is relaxed, and yes, the Wi-Fi is strong enough for a sneaky bit of work while dessert disappears.
Another favourite was L’Atelier Café Concept, part café, part boutique, tucked up a narrow staircase in San Blas. Sip a cappuccino from its tiny balcony while the kids share a brownie the size of their face and watch the city roll by below.
There’s no shortage of brilliant cafés to try around Cusco. Some of our favourites:
Qura Café | Find it here – great coffee, healthy bowls, and laptop-friendly tables.
Three Monkeys Coffee | Find it here – tiny espresso cart near Plaza de Armas with top-notch beans.
Laggart Café | Find it here – colourful, friendly, and perfect for lazy mornings.
Xapiri Ground | Find it here – part art gallery, part coffee shop, celebrating local indigenous artists.
💡 Family Tip: Most cafés open late by European standards (8–9 a.m.), so stash a few snacks the night before if your crew wakes early. And when you find a café you love, linger. Cusco’s pace rewards slow mornings
Viewpoints & Chill Spots
Cusco rewards anyone willing to climb a little and thankfully, most viewpoints are easy enough for families with older kids. One of the best views in the city comes from Limbus Restobar, perched above San Blas. The walk there might leave you puffing, but that first glimpse across the terracotta rooftops at sunset is worth every step. Grab a smoothie (or a pisco) and watch the city light up below.
For something quieter, View House next door offers the same panorama with more beanbags and less bustle, great if you’re visiting with younger kids who need space to sprawl. A short walk from both is the official San Blas Mirador, perfect for photos without spending a sol.
If you’re up for a short taxi ride, head to Cristo Blanco, the big white Christ statue watching over the city. It’s free, breezy, and one of the best spots to bring a picnic. The altitude’s higher, so take it slow, but the kids will love spotting landmarks below (and probably a few llamas along the way).
💡 Family Tip: Visit viewpoints in late afternoon, golden light for photos, fewer crowds, and time to unwind before dinner
Day Trips From Cusco Worth Doing With Kids
One of the best things about staying in Cusco is how many world-class sights sit just beyond the city. You don’t need to change hotels every few days, most of these adventures are easy day trips, either by tour or with a taxi and a bit of planning.
We mixed guided tours (for longer routes) with DIY colectivo trips (for nearby spots). If you’ve got 4–6 days in Cusco, we’d say choose two or three of these rather than trying to do them all, they’re full days and the altitude takes a toll, especially for kids.
Maras Salt Mines
A sea of white terraces cascading down a mountainside, the Maras Salt Mines are one of the most photogenic places in the Sacred Valley. Kids love seeing how salt is still harvested from the mountain spring water that’s been flowing here since Inca times.
The path along the viewing platforms is easy and stroller-friendly in parts, though the descent to the salt pools themselves is restricted to protect the site. Combine it with Moray Terraces for a full day out, most tours do both stops in one loop.
💡 Family Tip: The salt glare can be strong, bring sunglasses and water. You can also buy pink Andean salt for souvenirs (and to sprinkle on popcorn later!).
Moray Terraces
Just 20 minutes from Maras, the circular crop terraces of Moray are like something out of a sci-fi movie, ancient agricultural laboratories where the Incas experimented with microclimates. Even young kids can appreciate the neat concentric rings and the echo that bounces when you shout from the bottom (which they absolutely will).
The walk around the site is moderate, with some uphill climbs, but the views are huge and open. It’s a fun mix of history and playground.
💡 Family Tip: Bring a picnic, there’s no café nearby, and the shade from the stone walls makes it a great lunch spot.
Ollantaytambo
Part living Inca village, part fortress, Ollantaytambo is both a history lesson and an adventure playground. Kids can climb the steep terraces, wander cobbled alleys still fed by ancient water channels, and watch trains rumble through on their way to Machu Picchu.
If you’re doing the ruins independently, grab a Boleto Turístico before you go (it’s required for entry). Otherwise, a half-day tour from Cusco or a transfer stop en route to the Sacred Valley is easy to arrange.
💡 Family Tip: Combine Ollantaytambo with Maras and Moray for a varied, but not overwhelming, day. The town square also has some of the best pizza in the valley.
Rainbow Mountain (Palccoyo)
We skipped the Insta-famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, it’s beautiful but brutal at 5,200 m and chose Palccoyo, the family-friendly alternative. It sits lower (around 4,900 m), has three colourful ridges instead of one, and the hike is a short, gentle 45 minutes.
The drive there takes around 3 hours each way, so it’s a long day, but the scenery, llamas, glaciers, red valleys makes it feel like a moving postcard. Our kids managed fine with regular snack stops and naps on the drive.
💡 Family Tip: Layer up! It’s freezing in the morning and hot by noon. (Well it snowed at the top when i was there) Bring cocoa candy for altitude and download offline maps, no signal out here.
We booked this exact rainbow mountain day tour – comfortable minibus, local guide, 4 a.m. start time.
Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge
One of the most unique and surprisingly family-friendly day trips from Cusco is to the Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge — the last surviving handwoven Incan bridge still rebuilt every year by local communities. It’s tucked away in the countryside about 3.5 hours south of the city, so most families do it as a guided day trip rather than trying to drive themselves.
The bridge itself looks dramatic (and maybe a bit intimidating at first), but it’s surprisingly stable, and guides always limit how many people cross at once. Our kids loved the idea that it was made entirely from grass and rope — and crossing it felt like walking through history.
Most tours include scenic stops at small lakes and villages along the way, so the drive doesn’t feel too long. You can find well-rated options on GetYourGuide or Viator, both offering pickup, lunch, and plenty of photo stops.
💡 Family Tip: Bring motion-sickness bands or ginger sweets — the drive winds through the Andes, and little tummies can feel it on the return.
Tipón Ruins & the South Valley
If you’re craving quieter ruins (and less of the Cusco crowds), the South Valley makes for an excellent half-day trip. The highlight here is Tipón, an intricate Incan agricultural site built around a network of water channels that still flow today. Kids will love following the streams and little waterfalls that run through the terraces — it’s like nature’s version of a splash park.
Nearby, you can stop at Pikillacta, an ancient pre-Incan city, and Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” for its incredible painted ceiling.
You can visit independently by hiring a taxi for 4–5 hours, but joining a small-group South Valley Tour (usually under £25 per person) is simpler and includes entry info.
💡 Family Tip: Bring a picnic and a towel — kids will inevitably get their hands wet trying to follow the channels!
Our Honest Take on Cusco Day Trips
Cusco’s day trips are some of the most rewarding in Peru, but it’s easy to over-plan. Altitude and winding roads make early starts and long journeys tiring for families. Our advice? Pick 2–3 that mix culture and scenery — like Maras & Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Palccoyo — and save the rest for another trip.
Affiliate tie-in (soft): We booked all our day trips on GetYourGuide — their flexible cancellations were a lifesaver when one of the kids woke up queasy at 5 a.m.
The Sacred Valley: Where to Base With Kids
After a few action-packed days in Cusco, we were ready for slower mornings, fresh air, and fewer stairs. The Sacred Valley is where families can actually exhale, the altitude drops by 500–700 metres, the nights are milder, and the days blend village markets, mountain views, and outdoor play.
We based ourselves in three spots over two weeks, each with a completely different vibe but all easily connected by colectivos or taxis.
Pisac - Market Town & Mountain Views
If Cusco is all history and hustle, Pisac is its laid-back, creative cousin. Set at the eastern end of the Sacred Valley, it’s best known for its colourful market and dramatic Inca ruins perched high above town.
We spent a week here easing into the rhythm of the valley. Days started with coffee at Ulrik Café and ended watching the mountains glow pink at sunset. The Pisac ruins are a must-do, take a taxi up to the top and wander down through terraces and tunnels. It’s part adventure, part history lesson, and older kids will love spotting condors overhead.
The Sunday market is lively but friendly, lots of local crafts, textiles, and snacks. Even mid-week, you’ll find smaller stalls and plenty of fresh fruit stands.
💡 Family Tip: The climb down from the ruins takes 1–2 hours with kids. Bring hats, snacks, and take it slow, there are shaded rest points with beautiful views.
Calca - Slow Valley Life
Just 20 minutes from Pisac, Calca felt like a pause button. It’s quieter, less touristy, and perfect if you want an affordable Airbnb with space for kids to roam. We stayed in a small cottage with a pool and mountain views, the kind of place where chickens wander past your breakfast table.
Calca’s charm lies in its simplicity. You can walk to the central market, eat empanadas fresh from a bakery, or take short hikes to nearby waterfalls. There’s no pressure to sightsee, which makes it great for families working or homeschooling on the road.
💡 Family Tip: If you need reliable groceries, stock up in Cusco or Urubamba first. Calca shops are small but perfect for fruit and bread runs.
Urubamba & Yanahuara - The Heart of the Valley
Urubamba is the valley’s unofficial hub, sitting halfway between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It’s well-connected, has great cafés, and makes an ideal base for day trips to Maras, Moray, or Chinchero.
We split our time between Urubamba and the nearby village of Yanahuara, where life slows even more. Here, mornings were about garden breakfasts and short walks to the river; afternoons meant taxi rides to nearby sites.
Highlights included the Maras Salt Mines, Moray Terraces, and a local horse-riding tour (our kids’ absolute favourite). For food, Kaia and Paca Paca were our go-tos, both with kid-friendly menus and leafy courtyards.
💡 Family Tip: Many Sacred Valley Airbnbs offer discounts for week-long stays, and they usually include laundry, which is a godsend by week three of travel.
Visiting Machu Picchu With Kids
For most families, this is the big moment, the one everyone pictures when they dream of Peru. But getting to Machu Picchu with kids? It’s not just an adventure, it’s a logistical puzzle wrapped in Wi-Fi drops and “card declined” messages.
Honestly, booking it was the hardest part. Between matching train times, choosing the right entry slot, and trying not to get scammed by fake websites, it felt like a full-time job. Half our credit cards got rejected by Peruvian payment portals before one finally went through. At one point we had three tabs open, cross-checking ticket types, train routes, and tour options just to make sure we weren’t about to buy the wrong thing.
We were based in Cusco, so had a 4am start and 2 hour bus ride rom there, it’s a gorgeous 1.5-hour train ride through the valley to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The kids loved it, glass-roofed windows, snacks, and spotting waterfalls and llamas out the window.
We arrived into Aguas Calientes around 9 a.m., spent a few hours wandering the town and grabbing lunch, and then caught the bus up to Machu Picchu for our 12:30 p.m. entry slot. The ride itself is short, about 20 minutes of tight switchbacks up the mountainside but the views once you step off the bus make the whole wait worth it. By early afternoon the mist had lifted, giving us clear views across the terraces and peaks without the early-morning rush.
Inside, expect plenty of steps and zero shade. Strollers aren’t allowed, so carriers are essential for younger kids. Our two (8 and 10) powered through with a mix of snacks, bribery, and “one last terrace!” pep talks.
🎒 Family Tip: Book everything as early as possible, train, Machu Picchu entry, and bus tickets and keep screenshots of confirmations in case Wi-Fi cuts out.
💡 Practical Tips:
– Carry passports (they’re checked at the gate).
– Toilets and food are outside the entrance, go before you enter.
– Light ponchos and sunscreen are lifesavers, it’s either blazing sun or mountain rain.
– Leave big bags in Ollantaytambo; bring a small daypack with water and snacks.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely. Seeing the clouds lift over the citadel was surreal, and watching the kids take it in, wide-eyed, quiet for once, made all the faff worth it. We won’t lie though: pizza and hot chocolate back in town never tasted so good.
Our 3-Day Amazon Rainforest Trip (Guadalupe Lodge Overview)
If you want a taste of the Amazon without committing to long boat rides or deep-jungle remoteness, the 3-day Manu Cloud Forest and Upper Amazon tour is a perfect family option. We based ourselves at Guadalupe Lodge, which gave us warm jungle air, real wildlife encounters, and comfortable rooms — all without overwhelming the kids.
Day 1 — Cusco → Cloud Forest → Guadalupe Lodge
We left Cusco at 6 AM and followed the famous Manu Road, watching the landscape change from highlands to cloud forest to full jungle. Along the way we stopped in Oropesa for fresh pan chuta, visited the Ninamarca pre-Incan tombs, and wandered the market streets of Paucartambo.
As the road dropped into the Manu region, the forest thickened and the wildlife showed up — monkeys, bright birds, waterfalls, and the iconic Cock-of-the-Rock. By mid-afternoon we reached Guadalupe Lodge, a quiet jungle base with wooden cabins and open-air dining. After settling in, we explored a nearby canyon and cave system, spotting bats, spiders, and whip scorpions, then joined a guided night walk to look for reptiles and amphibians.
Day 2 — River Trip & Machuhuasi Oxbow Lake
After an early breakfast, we drove to Atalaya Port and boarded a motorized canoe on the Alto Madre de Dios River. The kids loved the river ride — sandy banks, red cliffs, and monkeys moving through the trees. At Machuhuasi Lagoon, we paddled through narrow channels looking for birds, caimans, and small primates. Later, we hiked to a giant kapok tree, the kind that makes everyone feel tiny. We returned to the lodge for dinner, with an optional stop at a small wildlife rescue center.
Day 3 — Lodge Garden Walk & Return to Cusco
Our final morning included a gentle walk through the lodge’s garden to learn about medicinal plants like coca leaf, annatto, bamboo water, and cacao. After breakfast, we retraced the road back to Cusco, climbing from humid jungle to cool cloud forest again, stopping once more in Paucartambo for coffee before arriving mid-afternoon.
Why This Tour Worked for Us
It’s wild enough for kids to feel like they’re really in the Amazon, but structured and comfortable enough for families who don’t want the intensity of deep-jungle trips. The wildlife was constant, the pacing manageable, and having a proper lodge to sleep in made all the difference.
Getting Around Without a Car
Peru’s public transport isn’t polished, but it works — and once you get the hang of it, getting around Cusco and the Sacred Valley is surprisingly easy (and cheap).
In the city, walking is your best friend. Most of Cusco’s attractions are within a 15–20 minute walk, though you’ll definitely feel those hills at 3,400 metres. For little legs, taxis are everywhere — just flag one down, agree a price before hopping in (usually 5–8 soles across town), and keep small change handy.
For day trips or moving between valley towns, you’ll rely on colectivos — shared vans that zip between Cusco, Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. They leave when full, cost as little as 3–7 soles per person, and are a rite of passage for budget travellers and families alike. It’s tight but friendly, and the kids found it hilarious that every van had a completely different soundtrack — from Peruvian pop to reggaetón remixes of 80s hits.
For longer routes — say, Cusco to Quillabamba, Arequipa, or Nazca — book intercity buses through RedBus.pe or the official company websites. We liked Cruz del Sur for longer rides: reliable, comfy seats, and seatbelts that actually work (not always a given).
Trains are mainly for Machu Picchu, and if you’re travelling with kids, PeruRail’s Vistadome train is the sweet spot between scenic and stress-free — panoramic windows, snack service, and enough legroom to stretch.
💡 Family Tip: Keep some offline maps on your phone (Google Maps offline or Maps.me) — signal drops often in the valley. Download the InDriver or Uber apps for quick quotes before agreeing to taxi fares.
🎒 Parent Reality Check: Expect the odd surprise — a random stop for snacks, a bus driver swapping routes, or a chicken joining the colectivo. It’s all part of the charm (and chaos) of family travel in Peru.
Affiliate integration idea (if needed later):
For transfers between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, this GetYourGuide private shuttle was perfect — no waiting, door-to-door, and the kids could nap the whole way.
Family-Friendly Food & Coffee Spots in Cusco
We’re not food snobs — but after a few weeks in Peru, we learned that finding good, healthy meals (that kids actually eat) can feel like a quest. Thankfully, Cusco makes it easy.
Everyone absolutely adores Green Point (235 Carmen Bajo – find it here). Even one of the hostel guests who “didn’t do vegan food” ended up calling it the best meal of his South America trip. Their almuerzo (set lunch) includes three beautifully fresh vegetarian or vegan courses and a drink — all for around 30 soles per person (updated 2025). It’s so popular that it often sells out by 2 p.m., so don’t wait too long to find your appetite.
There’s also a fantastic selection of other veggie and family-friendly spots across Cusco, including:
Chia Vegan Restaurant | Find it here
Green Falafel | Find it here
The Vegan Temple | Find it here
Buscando Nombre | Find it here
And if you’re craving something a little different (especially after weeks of quinoa and soups), make a beeline for Taste of India “Café Carvalho” (315 Calle San Agustín – find it here). It’s excellent value at about 30 soles for a curry, and if you like spicy food — ask them to make it extra picante.
💡 Family Tip: Most restaurants are walk-in friendly for lunch, but dinner spots in San Blas fill quickly — go early or reserve if you can.
Where to Stay in Cusco (With Kids)
Cusco has accommodation for every kind of traveller — but families quickly realise not all options are created equal. Between altitude, noise, and narrow staircases, it pays to pick somewhere that’s calm, convenient, and (ideally) has space for little legs to stretch out.
We based ourselves in San Blas, the artsy neighbourhood just above Plaza de Armas. It’s full of cafés, quiet lanes, and lovely guesthouses tucked behind old wooden doors. Yes, it’s a bit of a climb — but the views and peaceful vibe make it worth it.
For mid-range comfort, Antigua Casona San Blas (check availability) is an easy favourite. Beautiful courtyard, cosy fire pit, and the friendliest staff — it’s one of those places that feels like home after a long day of exploring.
Families on a budget should look at Inka Hallpa (check rates), a simple but welcoming guesthouse near the old town with clean rooms, breakfast included, and just enough space for kids to roam safely.
If you’re travelling longer term or prefer a bit more independence, Cusco has some great apartment options:
Casa Arcoiris | View on Booking.com – bright one-bedroom with a balcony, workspace, and log fire.
Casa Colonial Loft | View on Airbnb – modern design inside a 17th-century home; close to everything.
La Arquería Residence | View on Booking.com – cosy, colonial charm with excellent reviews and space for small families.
💡 Family Tip: Cusco nights get cold — even indoors — so always check heating options before booking. Rooms with courtyard access or small gardens are worth the splurge; they make mornings calmer (and packing much easier).
Our Honest Take: Is Cusco Worth It for Families?
Cusco tested us — our lungs, our patience, and occasionally our packing skills — but it also completely won us over. It’s not the easiest place to visit with kids, yet that’s part of its magic. Between the altitude, uneven cobbles, and 6 a.m. starts, every small victory felt earned.
What makes Cusco special for families isn’t just the history — it’s how alive the city feels. Mornings watching locals set up market stalls, afternoons spent people-watching in Plaza de Armas, and quiet evenings in San Blas where the mountains glow pink at sunset. There’s something grounding about it all, even with the chaos.
Would we recommend it? Absolutely — but come prepared to slow down. Build in rest days, stay hydrated, and don’t try to tick everything off a list. Cusco rewards curiosity more than schedules, and that’s what makes it such a good teacher for kids (and parents).
💡 Final Family Tip: Cusco is best enjoyed at kid pace. Let them chase pigeons, taste chocolate samples, and watch the parades. You’ll see more of its heart that way than any guided tour could show you.
2-Week Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary (Family Edition)
If you’ve got two weeks in Peru, this plan balances culture, ruins, and downtime — without pushing the kids (or the adults) past their limit. It’s roughly the route we’d follow if we did it all again.
Days 1–3: Cusco
Ease into the altitude with slow mornings and short walks. Explore the Plaza de Armas, pop into Qorikancha, and take a gentle wander through San Blas. Build in long café stops — Green Point or L’Atelier are perfect for refuelling between sights.
Days 4–7: Pisac or Calca (Sacred Valley)
Head down into the valley for warmer weather and softer air. Pisac is livelier, with its famous market and hillside ruins, while Calca offers peace and space. Spend a few days visiting local farms, trying yoga or craft workshops, and catching up on schoolwork or rest days if you’re travelling slow.
Days 8–10: Urubamba & Ollantaytambo
Move west through the Sacred Valley. Visit the Maras Salt Mines and Moray’s circular terraces — both fascinating and photogenic. Ollantaytambo is one of the best preserved Inca towns and makes an ideal base for your Machu Picchu adventure.
Days 11–12: Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu
Take the train from Ollantaytambo and stay overnight in Aguas Calientes for an early start at Machu Picchu. Pack snacks, ponchos, and patience — it’s a long day but one the kids will remember forever.
Days 13–14: Back to Cusco (and Chill)
Return to Cusco for a final couple of days. Revisit favourite cafés, wander San Pedro Market, or book a chocolate-making workshop before heading onward.
💡 Family Tip: If you have a few extra days, add Quillabamba — a warm, tropical break that’s perfect after all the stone walls and cool mountain nights.
Final Thoughts
Cusco isn’t the kind of destination that hands you comfort on arrival — you earn it. Between the altitude headaches, steep stairs, and endless ruins, it challenges you to slow down, breathe deeper, and look closer. But that’s exactly why it stays with you.
For families, it’s a trip that becomes a story — one your kids will talk about long after you’ve left the Andes behind. Whether it’s chasing llamas through the Sacred Valley, making chocolate from scratch, or watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu, Cusco reminds you why you travel in the first place: to feel small, amazed, and very, very alive.
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