One thing is going on an adult vacation trip and another is doing the same bringing the kids… However, with insider tips from our 13 years-plus experience, the family trip to Machu Picchu will be amazing too. In summary, slowing the pace a little bit and being alert for kids’ moods and needs will make it.
On the other hand, a family trip to Machu Picchu will surely be a quite valuable experience for your kids! First, they will enjoy the relaxing, calming energy of Andean-Amazonian nature and landscapes; they will explore in awe exotic territories; they will learn a lot about Peruvian history and geography; finally, this should be a family-bonding time they will always keep at heart.
Of course, you should book the so special family trip to Machu Picchu with a fully licensed, certified travel agency like TOUR IN PERU. The great advantage is we will arrange everything for the amazing traveling time with the kids and you’ll have our support all the time. The main reason a family trip with the kids does not go well is because sometimes people try to do it on their own and then problems appear. It could get really messy.
So next we will give you the insider’s list, all the info you need for a perfect Machu Picchu family trip with the kids:
- First, Machu Picchu has developed a very good system of welcoming all kinds of visitors. It is an eco-friendly tour and also they have thought about people with disabilities: visitors on wheelchairs are allowed. What is not allowed are people with walking canes or hiking poles. You and the kids should wear flexible, comfortable sneakers.
- There are two options for scheduling a family trip: low season and high season. The first goes from November to March and has rainy days once or twice a week; however, nothing a raincoat couldn’t solve. Besides, there are much fewer people and prices everywhere are with very good discounts. It gets a lot less expensive. Now high season is also dry season, from April to October. If you prefer mixing with the crowd, more liveliness around and the wallet is fatty, that is the right time to book.
- Everybody’s concern: altitude sickness. Luckily, the Machu Picchu citadel is lower than Cusco City (where everyone has to arrive first). Now for the initial arrival in Cusco City (3,450 meters above sea level approx./ 11,318 ft), it may be a little difficult; there must be resting times, slow-paced activities, drinking plenty of natural water and coca leaves tea is a great trick. Finally, there are over-the-counter pills that are natural, herbal vitamins which work really well. Once you get used to Cusco City’s elevation, everybody will be ok in Machu Picchu
- Now, once you and the kids get to Machu Picchu, there are plenty of activities to do in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village), a really beautiful tropical town. Restaurants, pizza, shopping souvenirs and typical Inca clothes, sightseeing, the butterfly Institute, discovering the fauna and flora. Not forgetting the famous thermal baths, where you can enjoy great views of the valley, relax body and mind.
- For the actual Machu Picchu tour: first, keep in mind once you are inside the citadel, it is not allowed to use the bathroom outside, so everyone must go before entering. Suggested gear: sun hat or cap, sunglasses, long-sleeved t-shirt, nylon pants, comfortable, good grip sneakers.
- Mandatory: high-grade sunblock, bug repellent.
- Bring reusable bottles of water and some snacks or fruits, so nobody will be hungry, the family trip will be long. Don’t forget now Machu Picchu is an ecologically-correct place: no plastic bottles and take all disposals back with you.
- The famous hike of the Huayna Picchu mountain (inside the citadel) is only available for visitors 12 and older.
- Kids under 6 do not have to pay the entrance ticket to the hilltop citadel.
- Finally, for moms with little kids: baby cars aren’t allowed either, you must use a hanger.
Keep in mind these insider tips and everything will be alright! We surely hope to see you soon for a magical Machu Picchu family trip with the kids!
