{"id":10168,"date":"2017-12-01T17:00:43","date_gmt":"2017-12-01T16:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=10168"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:06:04","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:06:04","slug":"machu-picchu-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/machu-picchu-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Enjoy Machu Picchu with Your Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Set in the Andes almost 8,000 feet above sea level, the 15th-century Incan citadel of Machu Picchu<\/a> in Peru is hailed as one of the world\u2019s greatest architectural marvels. It\u2019s a spectacularly rewarding terminus and boasts an arduous trek which lures visitors t<\/span>housands of visitors, including families with kids<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>Is Machu Picchu the next destination to tick off your family\u2019s bucket list? If yes, h<\/span>ere\u2019s a great guide on how to enjoy Machu Picchu with your kids\u00a0<\/em>to help plan your adventure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>Peru <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Enjoy a family adventure<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Top tips on how to enjoy Machu Picchu with your kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many things to consider before you travel to Machu Picchu. It is, after all, one of the most famous sights in the world, nestled at high altitude in a not-so-easily accessible region, and preparations must be made.<\/span><\/p>\n

Book your admission tickets in advance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While visitors are able to purchase the admission tickets to Machu Picchu in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, the government has limited the number of tickets available on a given day, which means that they might sell out during the peak season from June to September. <\/span><\/p>\n

Buying yours in advance is wise, especially since there will be several people in your party. This gives you the advantages of securing your admission before you even get there as well as having the flexibility to purchase a few extra activities like zip lining and visiting other points of interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>How to Take the Best Photos of Machu Picchu with a Smartphone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Hiking in Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Find a great guide<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As of 2017, having a tour guide when visiting Machu Picchu is mandatory for all visitors. It\u2019s part of the efforts by the Peruvian government to increase safety and to preserve the ruins. <\/span><\/p>\n

It means, however, that there may be an influx of tour guides trying to take advantage of the increased demand. Do yourself (and the kids) a favour and book a recommended guide who will not only escort your family to the ruins safely but also make the experience educational and fun for the kids. <\/span><\/p>\n

Get acclimated to the high altitude first<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some travellers will adapt to high altitude better than others yet if you\u2019re not careful, you or one of the kids might get altitude sickness. Before you start your trip to the ruins, it might be a good idea to get acclimated to the high altitude first especially if you\u2019re planning on going on a hike. <\/span><\/p>\n

Stay in Cusco for a couple of days to see how the family is faring first. If they\u2019re well and strong enough to do the hike then feel free to carry on with the adventure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pack light<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Whether you\u2019re doing a proper trek or taking the bus to the site, remember to pack light. Only small packs are allowed onsite, and food and drinks in plastic bottles are forbidden. Not having extra baggage will just make it easier for you, especially if hiking is part of your itinerary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Safety first<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Machu Picchu might be a famous tourist destination, but that doesn\u2019t mean it shares any similarity to Disneyland or similar where every safety precaution is in place to minimize incidents. Not only Machu Picchu at high altitude, it\u2019s also in an area where it rains a lot, making the open paths and trails slippery and dangerous. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ensure your family\u2019s safety and invest in proper hiking shoes that offer great ankle support and excellent grip. They could mean the difference between a sprained ankle and normal muscle soreness or even life and death.<\/span><\/p>\n

As it might rain even in the dry season (May through November), be sure to pack jackets that will keep you and the kids warm and dry just in case.\u00a0Also, don\u2019t forget to pack a mosquito or bug repellant. You will need it. During the hot months, bring plenty of sunblock, your sunglasses, and hats.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Everything You Need to Eat in Peru<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Photo by cuboulderalumni<\/a> on Visualhunt.com<\/a> \/ CC BY-SA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Exploring Machu Picchu was amazing! But we never would have thought that our two boys would get as much out of it as they did. They were absolutely enamoured with the beauty of the mountains. And they could not get enough of the stories of the discovery of the Incan city by a man led by a small boy. We highly recommend exploring this world wonder with kids. Just remember to give yourself extra time so your children can wander through all the ruins before the\u00a05 o\u2019clock<\/span>\u00a0closing time! The park rangers do not take kindly to those who don\u2019t leave on time. – Kevin and Christina, Wandering Wagars<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Rethink the Inca Trail<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re travelling with kids, especially younger ones, you might want to rethink taking the Inca Trail. For many, it might be part of the Machu Picchu dream experience, however, trekking the sacred way may prove too taxing for the little ones.<\/p>\n

Well\u2026 that is unless your kids are experienced backpackers. Just be sure to hire a guide that is able to understand and anticipate the kids\u2019 needs during the trek.<\/p>\n

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Photo by mckaysavage<\/a> on VisualHunt<\/a> \/ CC BY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where to stay?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many family-friendly hotels in Cusco as well as a mountain lodge adjacent to the site. As with the entrance tickets, just be sure to book in advance.<\/p>\n

How to get\u00a0there<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are several ways to reach the ruins \u2013 though the hardest ones may just be the most unforgettable. Consider your kids\u2019 physical endurance level and go from there. The younger ones, for example, might get fussy after an hours\u2019 hike while tweens and teens might go for a <\/span>multi-day trek<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n