When it comes to an unforgettable trip, one of the first places that comes to mind is the Inca city of Cusco, in Peru. This destination is known for offering a setting rich in history, culture, and adventure.

However, contrary to what many believe, the city also has perfect spots to enjoy with family—and of course—with the little ones.

If you're planning your vacation and have no idea what to do in Cusco with kids, take a look at this blog! We’ve got the best recommendations for you!

Is It a Good Idea to Travel to Cusco with Kids?

Exploring Cusco as a family is a perfect opportunity for children to discover new experiences and get much closer to the original history of Peru and the Ancient Inca Civilization.

In addition to the city's many natural attractions, Cusco stands out for its stunning architecture and the wealth of myths and legends from its inhabitants. All of this makes it a truly meaningful reason for children to get to know this beautiful corner of Peru.

While it’s true that traveling to Cusco with children requires extra care and precautions, the experience they’ll have is unmatched. That said, yes—it is definitely an excellent idea to travel to Cusco with kids.

Recommended Activities to Do in Cusco with Kids

Not knowing exactly what to do in Cusco with kids is completely normal, as the city is often associated with more extreme activities like visiting Machu Picchu (which we’ll talk about a bit later).

• If you’re traveling solo or with friends, check out the other things to do in Cusco in the blog we’ve prepared for you.

However, you should know that Cusco for kids is very much a reality—and from the youngest to the oldest, everyone can enjoy some of the best days of their lives in the home of the Ancient Inca Empire.

In this section, we’ll tell you about the top activities to do in Cusco with kids so you can have an amazing time and enjoy the trip of a lifetime with your loved ones. Let’s take a look!

Visit the Interactive Museums

One of the best things to do in Cusco with kids is to explore the city's interactive museums. The good news is that there isn’t just one option—there are several, with something for every interest!

The main advantage of visiting Cusco’s museums with children is the wide variety of themes, ranging from local history to its most intrinsic cultural elements. Plus, kids have the chance to take part in hands-on activities that make learning much more engaging.

Some of the museums you can visit during your family trip to Cusco include: 

• Inka Museum: Offers fascinating exhibits about ancient Inca history.

• Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: A great choice, as it includes activities specially designed for children.

• Regional Historical Museum of Cusco: An interesting stop to explore Incan ceramics and ancient paleontological artifacts.

Stargazing at the Cusco Planetarium

If you’re wondering what to do in Cusco with kids, you can’t miss a visit to the Cusco Planetarium. In truth, this stop isn’t just a fantastic experience for the little ones—it’s just as enjoyable for adults.

Because it’s located at a high altitude—just like the Imperial City itself—it’s easier to admire the majesty of the stars under a clear sky. Of course, this depends a lot on the time of year you choose to travel.

One of the biggest benefits of going to the Cusco Planetarium is that children won’t just get to see the stars—they’ll also learn about the constellations and the fascinating connection between Inca history and the cosmos.

Train Ride Adventure

For children, traveling by train can become a real adventure, especially if it’s their first time. Exploring the region by train is one of the best things to do in Cusco with kids, as it offers a comfortable, safe, and unique way to discover the charm of the Andean landscape.

The routes connect Cusco with the Sacred Valley, passing through breathtaking natural scenery. Additionally, some trains offer onboard shows with traditional dances and music, making the journey even more fun and enriching for the little ones. Without a doubt, it’s a culturally valuable activity that the whole family can enjoy together.

Visit a Local Community

If, as a parent, you're looking to offer your children an experience that is not only fun but also meaningful, community-based tourism is an excellent choice. It’s an opportunity to leave them with a valuable lesson about respect, cultural diversity, and connection with nature.

Through this experience, children will be able to interact with families from Andean communities and gain a close understanding of their customs, way of life, and traditional activities. At Guru Explorers, we offer a tour to the community of Misminay, where you’ll spend half a day with its residents and enjoy authentic and unforgettable moments.

Additionally, this experience can be combined with a visit to the stunning Maras Salt Mines and the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, creating an enriching day full of learning for the whole family.

Enjoying Cusco's Gastronomy

Kids love to eat! And what better way to enjoy a great trip than by tasting the local dishes of Cusco? The variety of foods to try is nearly endless, with options like papa a la huancaína, lomo saltado, anticuchos, and much more.

A great way to enjoy this activity with kids is by trying food at local markets or nearby restaurants. One must-try item when exploring Cusco with kids is the delicious chicha andina, which comes in a non-alcoholic version—perfect for little ones.

Hugging the Llamas

The Cusco experience becomes even more exciting for children when they get the chance to meet a llama up close. This animal is one of the most iconic in the Inca city, and it’s common for kids to interact with these friendly creatures.

It’s a rewarding moment for both children and adults—especially with the chance to snap a memorable photo together!

• If you’re up for this activity with the little ones, you can check out our Alpaca and Llama Trek Tour + Picnic Lunch, perfect for a family trip to Cusco.

Participating in Artistic Workshops

One of the most recommended activities to enjoy as a family during your visit to Cusco is taking part in painting or sculpture workshops. These experiences allow children to express themselves freely and develop their imagination in an environment full of history, art, and tradition.

But the creativity doesn’t stop there. Cusco also offers interactive demonstrations during visits to the region’s textile centers, where women from Andean communities teach how wool is dyed using natural dyes extracted from plants, minerals, and other local elements, as well as how the colorful traditional textiles are handwoven.

It’s a deeply enriching activity that stimulates creativity, sparks curiosity, and fosters respect for other cultures—providing young ones with an authentic and meaningful learning experience through hands-on practice.

Family-Friendly Places Near Cusco to Visit

Besides enjoying wonderful activities to do in Cusco with kids, there are nearby spots you can visit to enhance your experience even more. The best part is that these stops don’t require too much physical effort for the little ones.

Let’s take a look at the places you can’t miss when traveling to Cusco with your children!

The Dwelling of the Gods

The Dwelling of the Gods is located just 8 kilometers from the city of Cusco, making it a convenient option to visit with children. Its main attraction is the impressive giant rock sculptures carved into the stone. This stop is one of the most remarkable if you want to spark your children’s imagination.

• You can take your experience to the next level with our ATV Tour to the Dwelling of the Gods. IMPORTANT: This tour is not suitable for young children, as it involves riding ATVs.

Elves Valley

Another fun plan to do in Cusco with kids is visiting the popular Elves Park, located only 8 kilometers by road from the city. This theme park focuses on Andean mythology, where little ones can enjoy sculptures of elves and a variety of characters from local stories.

Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary

A great activity to do near Cusco with children is visiting the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. Here, you can appreciate the admirable work of rescuing animals that were victims of illegal trafficking and abuse. During the tour, kids will see llamas, condors, and other species.

Piuray

The popular Piuray Lake is a must-see if you’re on a family trip to Cusco and want to take your experience with the little ones to the next level. The scenery is fantastic, and there are family-friendly activities like stand-up paddleboarding.

Sacsayhuamán

Another great thing to do in Cusco with kids is visiting Sacsayhuamán, one of the most important local structures. The fortress impresses everyone who visits, and it’s an excellent opportunity for children to explore the ruins.

Sacred Valley

Visiting the Sacred Valley with kids is a great idea to consider for a family trip to Cusco. This destination is visually stunning and offers kid-friendly walking options, such as the towns of Ollantaytambo and Pisac.

• If you’re excited to explore this part of Cusco, check out our Sacred Valley Tour.

Huasao 

Huasao is located just outside the city of Cusco, but very close by. It’s a wetland that allows kids to connect more deeply with nature. This destination offers a fascinating visual display of birds and other wildlife. Additionally, it features a variety of sculptures depicting fantastic characters.

Practical Tips for a Safe and Fun Trip

Now that you know what to do in Cusco with children, it’s important to review some recommendations to make your trip wonderful. Check out our tips below:

• Bring the right clothing: One of Cusco’s main characteristics is how quickly the weather can change, so it’s vital to dress in layers. Always carry clothing that adapts to different weather conditions. 

• Acclimatization is key: Keep in mind that when traveling to Cusco, you’ll be at a significant altitude above sea level. It’s important that children acclimate before doing more physically demanding activities. Always let them rest and make sure they drink plenty of water.

• Entertainment for the journey: Some routes are longer than others, and children may need toys or books to keep entertained while waiting.

• Healthy snacks: It’s essential that kids eat healthy snacks during the trip. This will help them stay energized. Opt for easy-to-carry options like nuts and longer-lasting fruits.

Is it worth visiting Machu Picchu with children?

Absolutely yes! Machu Picchu is a magical place that can leave an unforgettable impression on children, especially when the visit is guided by a professional who helps them understand the history and significance of the ruins in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Additionally, there are llamas within the site, which often become a very special attraction for kids.

To ensure the experience is both safe and enriching, we recommend that children be at least 7 years old. It is important to choose suitable routes, such as circuits 1, 2, or 3, which feature flatter and more accessible paths.

At Guru Explorers, we offer a variety of options to visit Machu Picchu, from full-day tours to 2-day excursions—ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace considering your children. All our tours are designed to help you make the most of your time and select the experience that best fits you and your family.

Additional Hikes in Machu Picchu: Are They Recommended for Children?

Some circuits at Machu Picchu offer the option to add extra hikes as an add-on, which must be booked in advance. However, we do not recommend these additional routes for children under 12 years old, as most are physically demanding, featuring steep inclines, uneven stairs, and conditions that can be exhausting or unsafe for younger kids.

The only additional hike we consider suitable for children is the Inca Bridge trail. It is a short, low-difficulty route with stunning views, making it an ideal and safe complement to the citadel visit for the whole family.

With proper planning and the guidance of a professional guide, Machu Picchu can become an educational and fascinating experience for the entire family.

Points to consider about traveling to Machu Picchu with children:

• We recommend booking your trip with a reliable and secure agency at least 3 months in advance to ensure ticket availability and guarantee a smooth, hassle-free experience.

• You should always carry your ID and your children’s IDs with you.

• Minors are not allowed to travel alone to Machu Picchu.

• Benefits regarding the Machu Picchu entrance ticket: Children under 3 years old enter for free, while children aged 3 to 11 receive a 50% discount. Young people between 12 and 17 years old pay the student rate.

In short, visiting Machu Picchu with children is definitely worth it, as long as you consider the kids’ ages and the type of route you plan to take.

Family Tours with Guru Explorers

As you saw earlier, there are many things to do in Cusco with children. However, if you’re not sure about a specific tour, you can leave everything in the hands of Guru Explorers. 

We offer multiple tours with the highest standards of safety and logistics! Check out all the Cusco tours we have available for you and your family.

Our main tours to enjoy with children during your family trip to Cusco are:

• Visit to the Misminay community: A perfect tour for kids to discover local culture, farming, and artisan work.

• Maras and Moray Tour: A calm outing to explore the impressive salt mines of Maras.

• Walking City Photographic Tour: A great activity to do in Cusco with children, letting you capture the best views from San Cristóbal.

• City Tour: Ideal to appreciate the best of the Imperial City, visiting places like the Archaeological Center of Sacsayhuamán, the Inca labyrinth Qenqo, and more.

• Machu Picchu Tour: The train tour to Machu Picchu is one of the best options for kids.

• Huaypo Lagoon on Quad Bikes: A quad bike experience suitable for older kids who want to live this adventure to the fullest.

• Trekking to Palccoyo: A guided walk through Palccoyo is perfect for kids to calmly explore the local natural beauty.

• Glamping in the Sacred Valley: Staying in a fully equipped tipi is one of the best things you can do on your family trip to Cusco.

Get your trip to Cusco with kids ready today!

There are many things to do in Cusco with children, tailored to all needs and preferences. We recommend checking out each of the activities we’ve shared in this blog, as well as the places to see near Cusco.

Also, don’t forget to follow the tips to make your trip the best experience of your life and your children’s. Plus, rely on Gurú Explorers for fully trustworthy and safe tours.

We want to be part of your visit to the Imperial City!