Traveling with children is a very different adventure. In this blog we want to help you make your trip to Machu Picchu much easier. That is why, if you will be accompanied by the little ones in the family, you will need information so you don’t miss anything. Especially detailed information about tickets that have no restrictions or the best ones you can choose. Join us to have a dream trip with your children.

• Traveling with children to Machu Picchu
• Which ticket should I choose?
• What train time can I leave?
• Option to make the trip in two days
• Recommendations upon arrival in Cusco
• More information about trips to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Children enjoying the tour of Machu Picchu

Traveling with children to Machu Picchu

Family trips allow you to live new experiences and have a special connection between each member. In the case of reaching Machu Picchu, it can be much more enriching due to the magnificent history of the entire Inca culture.

The trip to Machu Picchu can be unforgettable and special for children due to the following aspects that can be experienced during the trip:

• The city of Cusco is home to a large number of Inca, colonial, republican and modern buildings.
• The atmosphere in Cusco makes you feel like you are living in a completely new space.
• The gigantic stones on the streets of Cusco will attract the attention of even the little ones.
• Also among the main attractions, whether in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you can also see striking buildings.
• It will be important to take the tours with tour guides so that the tour is enriching and quite informative for the whole family.
• Train travel can also be a new experience for children, even adults.
• The trains are quite comfortable and you can also find different services to complete your trip.
• During the trip to Machu Picchu you can appreciate beautiful landscapes from Cusco.
• Also on the route you can see the change in geography that connects the Andes with the high jungle.
• Machu Picchu Town has a beautiful geography that anyone can feel like an explorer.
• Upon arrival, it is normal to be excited by the beautiful views.
• During the tour of the citadel, you will find the beautiful fascination of finding the ancient constructions.
• If children like long walks, the Inca Trail can be an excellent option.
• In Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes you can choose from a wide variety of restaurants. Some of these offer children’s menus.
• We believe that all of these activities offer beautiful travel experiences. In addition, it is possible to take other routes to other destinations before making the trip to Machu Picchu.

Children looking at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Which ticket should I choose?

Regarding the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, it is important to keep in mind that only some tickets are valid for visiting Machu Picchu with minors. This is due to the new regulations that were made during 2024.

Below, we present the tickets that can be reserved to enter with the little ones in the family.

• Machu Picchu Ticket + Upper Terrace

  • This ticket has 10 entry times.
  • The first schedule group starts at 6:00.
  • The last time entry group can enter at 3:00 p.m.
  • It allows you to appreciate Machu Picchu from the upper platform.
  • It is possible and offers a beautiful panoramic view and also to take the postcard photo of Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Ticket

  • This ticket has 10 entry times.
  • The first schedule group starts at 6:00.
  • The last time entry group can enter at 3:00 p.m.
  • It allows you to appreciate Machu Picchu from the main temples and inside the Inca citadel.
  • It is possible to visit Machu Picchu from the temples and other valuable Inca buildings. It offers an almost complete tour.

• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Ticket (Lower Terrace)

  • This ticket has 10 entry times.
  • The first schedule group starts at 6:00.
  • The last time entry group can enter at 3:00 p.m.
  • It allows you to appreciate Machu Picchu from near the lower terrace, continue through the main temples and inside the Inca citadel.
  • It is possible to visit Machu Picchu from the upper area and enter the sacred Inca buildings. It offers an almost complete tour.

• Machu Picchu Ticket + Lower Temples

  • This ticket has 10 entry times.
  • The first schedule group starts at 6:00.
  • The last time entry group can enter at 3:00 p.m.
  • It allows you to appreciate Machu Picchu from the agricultural area and then enter the wide esplanades to connect with the lower Temples.
  • Discover Inca buildings such as the Temple of the Condor, the water mirrors and other temples.

• Ticket Machu Picchu + Inti Punku

  • This ticket has 4 entry times.
  • The first schedule group starts at 8:00.
  • The last time entry group can enter at 11:00 am.
  • It allows you to appreciate Machu Picchu from the upper area and the hike to Inti Punku.
  • Discover new Inca constructions and also beautiful views of Machu Picchu.

Circuits in Machu Picchu for minors

What train time can I leave?

It is important to choose the train schedule so that children have a comfortable trip to Machu Picchu. This is because many people travel early in the morning, which may not be a good idea for little ones. Below, we leave you some schedules to make the trip much more comfortable:

Detail to take into account: Remember that if you leave Cusco you can do so following the bimodal service. That is, the departure will be by bus from Cusco. The departure time will be according to the departure time of the trains from Ollantaytambo.

There are also other options such as luxury trains, but these are very expensive. If you can afford it, we recommend that you learn more about the luxury trains to Machu Picchu.

The times we mention in the table are an excellent option because you don’t have to get up early. In addition, it will be possible to make the trip starting and ending in the city of Cusco. Of course, you can make the entire trip with the children in complete normality. Likewise, in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you can find a wide variety of restaurants.

If you want to take a more leisurely trip, we recommend that you spend the night in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. Below, we leave you some recommendations for making the trip to Machu Picchu in 2 days.

Option to make the trip in two days

• Make your hotel reservation.
• It will always be important to reserve your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in advance.
• To get to Machu Picchu Pueblo, there is a wide availability of trains and you can even leave at night (not recommended).
• Upon arrival at Machu Picchu you can visit different attractions:
  • The Gardens of Mandor.
  • The butterfly house.
  • The thermal baths.
• If you have not managed to make a reservation, you can purchase it in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• Ticket sales are located very close to the Plaza de Armas in this district.
• Day one should be used specifically to settle in and plan some activities depending on the time.
• On day 2, we will visit Machu Picchu.
• For the ascent, it is recommended to do so on buses so that the children do not get tired and enjoy the experience more.
• You can return to Cusco on the train that best suits your activities.

Signposting to Mandor Gardens

Recommendations upon arrival in Cusco

• Acclimatize yourself, Cusco is located at 3399 meters above sea level. The altitude can be harmful to any member of the family.
• Plan simple tours for the first few days or simply walks through the museums in Cusco.
• It is important for tourists to drink plenty of water and to be careful with their diet.
• From Cusco you can take trips to the Sacred Valley and the South Valley.
• You can also do activities such as driving a quad bike, such as on the route to the Maras salt mines.
• For a better experience for minors, you can opt for multi-day tours.

Imperial city of Cusco

More information about trips to Machu Picchu

• Minors have a special discount when purchasing their Machu Picchu ticket.
• Children under 3 years old enter Machu Picchu freely, they must show proof of this.
• Children under 17 years old have special prices with discounts.
• Make sure you bring the necessary things for them: hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, medications, rain protection, change of clothes, etc.
• Strollers are not allowed in Machu Picchu, so a baby carrier will be necessary if you have to bring a very small child with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the recommended age to visit Machu Picchu with children?

  Although there is no minimum age requirement, it is suggested that children over 6 or 7 years old enjoy the tour more as it can be a bit strenuous and challenging.

• 2) How to buy tickets to Machu Picchu for children?

  Tickets can be purchased on the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru (machupicchu.gob.pe), as well as at travel agencies authorized by the Ministry of Culture. Remember that children under 3 years old do not pay admission, and those from 3 to 18 years old pay a reduced rate.

• 3) What clothing is suitable for taking children to Machu Picchu?

  It is important to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, which can vary from cool in the morning to hot during the day. Layered clothing is a good option, and don’t forget sunscreen and water.

• 4) How to get to Machu Picchu with children?

  You can reach Machu Picchu by train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco. The train is comfortable and offers spectacular views. You can also consider the option of traveling by bus and then walking part of the way.

• 5) What activities are suitable for children in Machu Picchu?

  Children can enjoy exploring the citadel’s terraces, temples and passageways. They can also learn about Incan history and culture while respecting the rules of the archaeological site. That is, any of the routes in Circuit 2.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Amelia D.

“Have fun with my darlings in Machu Picchu“

“I went with my children on a trip to the ruins of Machu Picchu, it was a very nice experience, they couldn’t stop getting excited about everything they saw inside the city, they loved the llamas. A highly recommended experience.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 24, 2025