What to do in Cusco with kids?:Discover the Wonders of Cusco with Children

Welcome to our blog! If you are planning a vacation in Cusco and wondering What to do in Cusco with kids?, you are in the right place. In this article, we will explore charming options that will guarantee unforgettable moments for the whole family.

Cusco with Kids: Exploring the Imperial City as a Family

Historical Center Tour

Start your day exploring the fascinating Historic Center of Cusco with your little adventurers. Discover the magic of the Plaza de Armas and let them marvel at the colonial architecture and colorful cobblestone streets.
Just 2 blocks from the Plaza de Armas is the 12 angles street in Hatun Rumiyoq street where your little ones can appreciate the perfection and structure of the Inca architecture.

Visit Interactive Museums

Immerse yourself in the history of the city by visiting interactive museums designed to entertain and educate the little ones. They will learn about the Inca culture in a fun and participatory way.

These are the different museums in Cusco:

• > Qoricancha Museum
• > Museum of the Convent Church of La Merced
• > Inka Museum
• > Pre-Columbian Art Museum
• > Regional Historical Museum of Cusco
• > Machu Picchu Museum Concha House
• > Garcilazo House
• > Museum of Religious Art
• > Museum and Catacombs of the Convent of San Francisco de Asis of Cusco
• > Coca Museum
• > Xapiri Ground
• > Maximo Laura Museum, Cusco
• > Museum of the Monastery of Santa Catalina of Siena
• > Museum of Contemporary Art of the Municipality of Cuzco
• > Puca Marka Site Museum
• > Kusicancha Museum
• > Museum of pre-Inka and Inka models

As an added bonus there are museums outside of Cusco that are very educational for children such as the Inkarity Museum.

Elaborate handmade chocolates in the Chocomuseum

Very close to the main square is this Chocomuseo that offers many activities such as the mini chocolate workshop, truffle workshop and a tour of the museum, the latter is free, you can also buy souvenirs.

See the stars at the Planetarium of Cusco

Embark on an exciting cosmic adventure with your little ones by visiting the Cusco Planetarium. This fascinating educational journey will allow them to explore the vast universe in a fun and interactive way. With immersive projections, your children will dive into the mysterious world of space, discovering planets, stars and galaxies.

Visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in an enriching experience by visiting the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary with your little adventurers. This special place provides an opportunity to get up close and learn about the region’s fascinating wildlife. Children will have the unique opportunity to interact with native animals, from majestic eagles and condors to charming lemurs and alpacas. Guided by expert caretakers, your little explorers will discover captivating stories about the conservation and protection of these species.

Visit the Huasao Wetlands

Located very close to Cusco, this ecological sanctuary offers a unique experience, where walking the trails surrounded by lush vegetation will provide your children with an exciting opportunity to observe aquatic birds, sculptures and learn about the importance of wetlands in the environmental balance.

Traditional Textile Center

This fascinating cultural journey will immerse them in the colorful world of textile handicrafts, where they will get a close look at the process of creating indigenous textiles. Guided by skilled local artisans, your children will learn about ancient weaving techniques and the cultural significance of each pattern and color.
In addition, they will be able to participate in hands-on activities, such as dyeing yarn with natural pigments and creating small weaving pieces. This visit will not only provide children with a unique insight into Peru’s textile heritage, but will also allow them to appreciate the value of manual labor and the connection to cultural traditions.

Mundo Andino Tipon Zoo

This captivating zoo offers children the opportunity to explore the rich Andean biodiversity through close encounters with native animals. From playful alpacas to majestic condors, children can admire and learn about the region’s fascinating wildlife.
Guided by expert keepers, they will participate in interactive educational experiences, such as animal feeding and informative talks tailored to their level. In addition, the Mundo Andino Zoo in Tipón fosters environmental awareness by highlighting the importance of conservation of these species.

Take an art workshop in Cusco

Exploring Cusco with child artists becomes enchanting when you participate in a workshop with local artists from Totemiq. You will create a Pucara bull, a symbol of good luck in the local culture. You will learn traditional techniques, such as the application of bronze leaf, helping to preserve endangered skills. The fun and relaxing experience is suitable for adults and children, thanks to the ability of local artists to captivate the attention of both.

Enjoying delicious dishes

Embark on an exciting gastronomic adventure through Cusco with your little gourmets. Start by exploring local markets full of colors and flavors, where they can discover fresh and exotic ingredients. Then, head to authentic restaurants where they can indulge in traditional dishes prepared by expert chefs. From tasting delicious anticuchos at a street stall to enjoying more elaborate dishes at specialized restaurants, the culinary tour will be an educational and delicious experience for the whole family.

Nature and Adventure for the Whole Family

Sacsayhuaman Ruins Excursion

Explore the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where your children can run around the vast fields and discover the history through outdoor educational games.
In addition, this archaeological center has a fun space where children and adults can climb on the stone slides and slide down to a happy afternoon.

Train ride to Machu Picchu

Live a unique experience by taking your kids on an exciting train ride to the world wonder of Machu Picchu. For more sights and fun try riding the Voyager train which has large windows, get ready to capture their amazing expressions as they discover this incredible archaeological wonder!

Horseback riding in Cusco

Living the magic of Cusco with your little ones becomes a unique experience when embarking on an exciting horseback ride. With breathtaking landscapes as a backdrop, children will enjoy the thrilling adventure of exploring the region on friendly horses. You can find these rides with rides to Sacsayhuaman and Qenko on your own or through a tour.

Machu Picchu Tour

Embark on an exciting family adventure by taking a walk to Machu Picchu with your little explorers. At Machu Picchu, specialized guides will adapt the explanations to keep the little ones interested, revealing the mysteries of this ancient wonder.
Children will have the opportunity to explore the ruins, imagining how the Incas lived centuries ago. A day full of discoveries, fascinating stories and the majesty of Machu Picchu will leave indelible memories in the minds of your little adventurers!

Stand Up Paddle or Kayak in Piuray

The Piuray lagoon offers many activities in its waters and surroundings, but the best way to spend a full day with your children would be to do Stand Up Paddle or Kayak with a guide who will accompany them and taking precautions you will spend an unforgettable day which you can complement with local food.

Trekking on the Inca Trail

Enjoying a trekking experience on the Inca Trail with children adds a special touch to the family adventure. Equipped with light backpacks and comfortable shoes, your little adventurers will hike ancient trails surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
The 2-day Inca Trail will adapt to the pace of the children, with strategic stops to rest and enjoy panoramic views. The trek offers the opportunity to teach children about the history of the Inca Trail, while exploring ancient ruins and sharing unique moments in nature.
Cozy campsites and starry nights will complete this experience, creating unforgettable memories of the family trek along one of the most emblematic trails in the world.

Colored Mountain Trekking

Experiencing a trek to the Montaña de Colores with children becomes an exciting family adventure. Equipped with the energy of youth and a dose of curiosity, your little explorers will hike trails that reveal the natural wonder of Montaña de Colores.
Guided by local experts, the hike will be tailored to ensure children’s comfort and safety, with stops to explore and learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna. Reaching the summit will offer not only breathtaking views of the vibrant landscapes, but also the satisfaction of having shared together the challenge and beauty of this natural phenomenon.

Walk through the Sacred Valley

Exploring the Sacred Valley with children becomes a fascinating experience full of discoveries for the whole family. The little ones can marvel at the imposing Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, while expert guides tell captivating stories. Stops at local markets will allow children to immerse themselves in the authenticity of daily life, interacting with artisans and sampling local delicacies.
In addition, they will visit the circular terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras, two impressive sites that will capture their imagination. This tour in the Sacred Valley is a unique opportunity for children to connect with the cultural richness of Peru’s past, creating lasting memories in the heart of the family.

Tips for going to Cusco with kids

• > Take care of your children: Remember to bring water, sunscreen, hats, snacks with you.
• > Beware of the altitude: As you should know the altitude can cause discomfort on the first day of your visit to Cusco so consider acclimatizing for a day in Cusco.
• > Choose the ideal hotel  for you: Choose your hotel carefully as you will spend your acclimatization and your stay there. Another point to take into account is the heating and hot water as Cusco has cold nights. Finally, take into account how is the breakfast of your hotel, some do not offer buffet breakfast only American breakfast.
• > Proximity to Family Attractions: Opt for a hotel near the main square that is close to the main family attractions to facilitate your daily exploration with children.
• > Ideal age to visit Cusco: It is advisable to wait until your children are 8 years old because from that age they can make the most of it. If you want to do trekking and rafting it is recommended to evaluate if your child is active and likes hiking to take them if not for them it will be a real torture.
• > Be careful with food: Some people tend to be more susceptible to eating things they are not used to so try not to make strange combinations especially on your first day in the city of Cusco.
• > Take a water purifier with you: If you plan to do trekking or long walks normally the tour operators will provide you with clean drinking water as well as in the hotels. But in case this does not happen always purify the tap water.

Cusco with kids is a perfect destination for full of adventure and learning. From exploring the historic center to discovering the archaeological wonders, there is something exciting for everyone. Don’t forget to choose the perfect hotel to suit your family’s needs to ensure an unforgettable stay. If you would like to learn more about us or book with us contact us, we look forward to welcoming you with open arms.