Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Ariana Svenson
If you travel as a family but would love to trek to Machu Picchu, then there’s just one thing you really need to know. Is tackling the Inca Trail with kids ever a good idea?
Yes, you can hike the Inca Trail with kids.
If you’re thinking of planning a family trip to Machu Picchu, you’ve come to the right place.
After years of experience hiking in Peru with our kids and helping others plan their kid-friendly hikes, we’ve got answers to all your burning questions.
In this post, we’ll tell you the important things you need to keep in mind before planning an Inca Trail hike with your kids, as well as our top tips for planning the best Inca Trail with kids experience.
We can say this is a family vacation in South America you will never forget, and with good planning, you will have a great time!
To find out all about how to enjoy this epic journey with kids, read this hiking the Inca Trail blog.
Covered here is everything from the Inca Trail minimum age (including our opinions based on real-life experience) to when to go, things to think about, top tips, which trip to take, some alternative hikes to consider, and more!
This post may contain affiliate links, from which we would earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More info in my disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Can I hike the Inca Trail with Kids?
Yes! You don’t have to postpone your bucket list Inca Trail trek until after the kids move out. But there are a number of things you need to consider before planning your Inca Trail hike with the kids.
Popular questions!
- Can a 9-year-old hike the Inca Trail?
- So, is there an Inca Trail age limit?
- Is a child aged 8 or 9 able to take on the challenge?
Is the Inca Trail for kids younger than 9? Yes, in theory, an 8-year-old can hike the Inca Trail; there is no official age to join this trek, though reputable operators usually set a minimum age.
However, they need to be fit, mentally resilient, and experienced in trekking for long days. You know your own child, there will be exceptional 8 or 9 year olds that can hiek the Inca Trail. But, they will be the exception, rather than the norm.
We recommend 10-12 years as the minimum age to consider hiking the Inca Trail, and 13 years plus is ideal.
On other Peruvian trekking routes, like Lares, younger children can ride horses when they get tired, but they cannot do this on the Inca Trail. Not only is the Inca trail less accessible than any other route, it is also the most touristed and has a lot of traffic. There is much less flexibility should your child be struggling.
Why Should I Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Kids?
You may be wondering, why would I even want to hike the Inca Trail with my kids, anyway?
The Inca Trail is a world-famous, 4 day hike that is on many people’s bucket lists, and with good reason!
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the trail winds through spectacular mountain scenery and visits some really jaw-dropping Inca ruins.
Most people start their journey in Cusco, the one-time Inca capital, and make their way (or their Inca trail operator takes them) through the lower altitude Sacred Valley to the trailhead at km 82.
From here, it’s three days of steep ascents, breath-taking (literally!) mountain passes, and trails that wind through the Andean jungle.
Day 4 culminates in a visit to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu itself.
Don’t want to hike? You can also visit Machu Picchu with kids by train!
If you have very little kids, you should read Trekking with Llamas and Kids in Peru.
And so not to get them confused, alpacas vs llamas is a good read too.
One of the things that makes the 4 day Inca Trail great for kids is that it is steeped in rich history. The Inca Trail is part of the Qhapaq Nan and the entire 1000km length of the trail is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The Royal Road of the Inca that you follow on the “Inca trail hike” is an Inca trail designated only for the Inca himself or those of royal birth. It’s even more special than the general Qhapaq Nan network.
Hiking the Inca Trail means you are following in the steps of royalty! As a family, you can also pretend you’re adventurous explorers of the likes of Indiana Jones. Did you know that Machu Picchu was actually rediscovered by modern explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911! (it was arguably never lost, with local people apparently aware of the ruins since the time of the Inca conquest. However, they were not necessarily aware of its significance, something that Hiram Bingham did promote to the world).
On the Inca Trail, you’ll have the chance to do some serious bird-watching and learn about the native plants of Peru, too, in the stunningly beautiful cloud forest.
In fact that permits for the Inca Trail are very limited, only 500 per day, including permits for trail staff! This makes the average around 300 for staff and 200 for tourists. It’s obvious this is a very special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Permits book out 6-8 months in advance for the high season!
Top Reasons to Trek the Inca Trail With Children
Tackling the Inca Trail as a family isn’t just about reaching Machu Picchu; it’s also about all the experiences you’ll have along the way. The journey sparks curiosity, resilience, and connection in a way few family adventures can.
Archeology, Culture, and History
Trekking along the route is a history lesson brought to life. Your kids will engage with the past in a way they never could inside a classroom.
When it comes to learning about different ways of life, cultures, and traditions, following the Inca Trail will open your children’s eyes to other worlds. This should give them a lifelong appreciation of and curiosity about alternative ways of doing things in different places and throughout history.
Physical and Mental Challenge
The Inca Trail isn’t only physically demanding but also a big mental challenge (even for adults!). Even when you’ve trained for the trek, there’s a real sense of achievement in actually completing it. Doing so will also boost their self-esteem, which will stand them in good stead when tackling other challenges in life.
Your kids will also need – and develop – a new level of mental resilience when coping with the demands of the trek. They’re also likely to have to problem-solve while undertaking the hike, but overcoming obstacles will also give their self-confidence a huge boost.
That said, this is not a trek to “throw them in the deep end” – training for long days trekking and camping is highly advised before signing up.
Teamwork, Bonding, and Making Memories
The whole family will also learn to work together as a team while completing the Inca Trail. This teaches them valuable teamwork skills, while successfully cooperating with others creates a sense of satisfaction.
Supporting one another through what can at times be an arduous trek should also strengthen bonds among parents and children, siblings, and other family members. You’ll also share memories that will last a lifetime. *
There are a lot of steps on the Inca Trail! This can be hard on littler legs, so make sure your child can handle the climb!
*Do consult your kids about whether they want to do this trek. As adventure trek operators we have seen more than a few parents *assume* their kids (and especially teens1) will be Ok with this trek, being out of wifi connection and keen to taken on the challenge. The crying and arguing that comes from tents can be unpleasant to hear.
A Sense of Adventure
Doing the Inca Trail as a family will also appeal to children’s sense of adventure. Trekking for kids will also satisfy their natural curiosity. This is likely to lead them to develop a lifelong love of exploration. In turn, they can lead a more exciting and fulfilling life as a result.
Getting away from screens and going off-grid is also part of the essential Inca Trail experience – but consult teens and older children if they are up for this!
The Natural Environment
People of all ages will develop a deeper appreciation of the natural environment after taking on the Inca Trail. The lush valleys, soaring mountains, and cloud forest cannot fail to leave a lasting impression.
Kids should therefore leave Peru with a desire to preserve the natural beauty of planet Earth. Again, this is something they’re likely to carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Our Experience Trekking the Inca Trail with Children in 2026
After Peru trips being canceled in 2018 and 2020, we headed back to Peru in 2023. We were kind of late booking our flights and were in Peru during the height of peak season in June and July. So permits for the Classic Inca Trail path were booked out! They used to book out 6 to 8 months in advance pre-pandemic, so you have to get in early.
On the other hand, the Short Inca Trail in 2 days permits are available up to a week or so prior (or sometimes don’t sell out), so we decided that would be a better option. The kids were 13, 9, and 4 at the time of travel, and we were also with my 79-year-old mother.
We decided that the 13-year-old would do the Short Inca Trail trek from Chachabamba to Winaywayna with me, while Nanna took the 9 and 4-year-olds on the train ride, and they met us in Aguas Calientes.
My neurodiverse 9-year-old could physically do the trail, but there is a risk of a meltdown at some point. There are sections with steep drops, and I didn’t want to risk his refusing to go further.
Then, the week before heading off on the Short Inca Trail trek, my 13-year-old got food poisoning. We cancelled doing the trek, and all took the train.
Flexible & Customized Tours – If your family has a combination of young children, tweens or teens you might consider doing what we did. One adult does the Inca Trail with kids, while the other adult takes the train and meets the group either in Aguas Calientes or actually at Machu Picchu itself!
Pre-Planning: Is The Inca Trail Right for Your Family?
Inca Trail Age Restrictions
Some Inca Trail operators say the minimum age for the Inca Trail with children is 8 years old. To us, that seems too young. We think that age 10 would be the absolute minimum age for the 4 day hike. Even the Short Inca Trail, a 1 day version of the trek which doesn’t involve camping, has really steep sections that would be difficult for little legs
While especially fit, outdoorsy, and resilient 10 – 12-year-olds may be able to handle the rigors of the trek, we think the best age for kids hiking the Inca Trail is 13 and up. In our opinion, this is not an experience for younger children, and we would be skeptical of advice telling you otherwise.
Tour operators can vary a lot in terms of when they’ll allow kids to join the Inca Trail. While some might allow an eight-year-old to participate, others might specify a minimum age of 16. Private treks may allow younger kids to take part, though typically they may need to be aged 12 or over. It really is up to the individual company, so check carefully.
Need help deciding if your child is ready to hike the Inca Trail? Check out our post Should I Take My Children Trekking In Peru? Ask yourself the 5 key questions we outline there, and if you answer “yes” to 3 or more, your child is maybe a good fit to hike the Inca Trail!
In short, your children should be fit, resilient, and love spending time outdoors. They should have experience with long-distance trekking and be comfortable camping in a tent. The Inca Trail is tough for most adults, too, so if in doubt, put your Inca Trail with kids plan off for a year or two.
Can Your Kids Climb Steep Steps?
On the Inca Trail, there are steps, steps, and more steps. Not only is climbing an endless series of steps tiring, but these steps – hand-carved by the Incan people – are tall.
The steps can be as big as 30 cm (12 inches) high, and as you approach the Sun Gate, climbing them gets even harder. Smaller children will find this difficult (eg, even if they are old enough, and if they are small, the steps might be extra difficult).
Spoiler alert – small kids will find the steps huge- think about it if this is something you really want to do!
Are Your Kids Up to the Challenge?
In addition to the steep steps, other aspects of the Inca Trail may be difficult for children to navigate. Sections of the Inca Trail are very narrow, and there are steep drops on either side of the trail. This can be dangerous for particularly rambunctious children or ones who don’t listen well, or too scary for those who have a fear of heights.
Other issues that could make hiking the Inca Trail with kids a challenge is the high altitude and elevation gain. The second day is arguably the hardest day on the trail, with more than 1200m of elevation gain as you hike to Dead Woman’s Pass. Also called Warmihuanusca (in Quechua), the pass is located at an astonishing 4215m/ 13828 ft above sea level.
Inca Trail Fitness
It goes without saying that if you are going to the Inca Trail with children, you should do some training. While we all know that most kids have twice as much energy as their parents, it’s not about pure energy and fitness. It is about resilience and the strength to keep going.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do a long day hike at least once a month (e.g., 5-6 hours) so the kids get used to the mental and physical discipline required for a longer trek. If on that day hike you can do some hills or small mountains, that is even better for them to build endurance for the Inca Trail.
Where possible, a hike of at least two days’ duration – including camping – will be even better preparation – and days of up to 10 hours hiking! So make sure you build at least one overnight trek into your Inca Trail training schedule!
Training for the trail also gives you the chance to wear in your hiking footwear before departing for Peru. Start by wearing it for short time periods, increasing these as you get used to your shoes or boots. Everyone’s footwear should be well-worn in by the time you tackle the Inca Trail.
Also, keep in mind that your kids will also need to be prepared for early starts every day. This is not negotiable!
Don’t forget about acclimatizing to the altitude, too, which is a major part of trek preparation. You can find more on this below.
Is the Inca Trail Dangerous? What You Need to Know About Inca Trail Safety
No, the Inca Trail is not inherently dangerous! That said, it is a high-altitude walk through mountains in the Andes, and even though there is a lot of daily traffic on the route, you are still far from medical services. There are also steep cliffs, forested areas, and a number of natural features that could cause injury if not careful.
So while it is not dangerous, it does require good common sense and care when you are out on the trail. The most dangerous time of the year to hike the Inca Trail is the wet season, and especially the wettest months of December and January, when there is a possibility of rock falls.
Always keep children close to you, as the route does include some considerable drops. Educate them about safety before you leave, too. Also, it doesn’t hurt to remind them along the way about safety on the trail.
Though very rare, Local wildlife could also pose a threat. Listen to your guide, though, and you should be perfectly safe from bears, pumas, and snakes (The Fer-de-Lance snake is seen on the Inca trail and should be avoided!) Don’t touch any dogs you encounter, either!
Good preparation, the right equipment, and a great guide will all minimize your chances of sustaining an injury. Existing health issues can also cause problems. So, do think very carefully if one or more of you isn’t in peak physical or mental condition. The trail can be a challenging hike.
How to Plan Your Inca Trail Hike – My Essential Tips
Are you convinced? If you’ve decided to do the Inca Trail with kids (whatever their age), follow these tips for planning your trip, and you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable family adventure.
What is the Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is open year-round except for February. High season in Peru also coincides with the dry season that starts in late April and runs through to early September (in general). It can rain at any time of year. The rainy season is tolerable in October and November, but it really depends on your luck. You might get some beautiful days, or you might not.
Ideally, we recommend hiking the Inca Trail with kids during Peru’s dry season. You should experience mostly dry weather conditions by day, with chillier nights. Be sure to book early, as this is the busiest time of year. Avoid the school holidays if you can, due to higher visitor numbers.
That said, there are strict limits on the number of hikers, so the route will never get too crowded. At Machu Picchu itself, however, you can expect it to be busier in peak season.
In March, early April, late September, October, and November, there will be slightkly fewer hikers but a higher chance of rain.
I personally don’t think trekking to Machu Picchu with kids in the rain is my idea of fun. In the past, you used to get ‘rainy season’ discounts on the Inca Trail, but given its overall popularity, I haven’t noticed this in recent years.
For example, the folks at Apus Peru don’t operate the Inca Trail after approximately 5th January due to concerns about safety on the trail (landslides or rock falls caused by heavy rain). The Inca Trail is open until the end of January, but closed the whole month of February.
Inca Trail Permits and When to Book
Inca Trail permits tend to go on sale sometime during November for the next year. With limited numbers available, you can always expect a rush to get tickets. Especially between April and July, which is the busiest time of year.
Permits for late April to early May often sell out within a day through to a fortnight of going on sale. As for the rest of the year, expect some dates to be completely sold out months before the departure date.
Agencies often aren’t informed of the exact date the permits will go on sale in advance. So it’s vital to plan ahead.
If you want a specific date, such as during school holidays, then it’s even more important to book as far ahead as you can.
Look for a Good Quality Trek Operator
Make sure you book for the Inca Trail via a reputable tour operator. Keep in mind that everything has to be organized in advance – from your campsite, guide, and porters to your permit. You simply cannot do the Inca Trail independently – even without kids in tow!
Sorry to disappoint you, real adventurers out there, but you cannot hike the Inca Trail on your own. And especially if you’re taking the kids along, it’s imperative you go with a good, reputable trekking company that you can be sure will take care of you and your family the whole way. It is illegal to hike the Inca Trail without an operator and has been since 2000.
We recommend Apus Peru as we can personally vouch for the quality of their services. There are a lot of tour operators out there with great websites, but whether they will actually provide the best experience for your family is unknown…
Here are some questions to ask when you are evaluating your trek operator options:
- Have they operated Inca Trail treks for children before? What ages?
- Ask them about their evacuation procedures. What’s the plan if something goes wrong? What if one of your kids no longer feels they can hike? We think it’s important to understand your options not only in cases of extreme emergency but also when the family dynamic is falling apart.
- Inquire whether their guides are first-aid trained, and confirm they receive regular updates on that training.
- Ask about their first aid kit. Do they bring oxygen on the trek?
- Ask about their treatment of the porters. Teach your kids about responsible trekking while you’re on the trail and make sure that whoever you trek with treats their staff right. Unfortunately, many porters lack support and protection from companies and receive inadequate pay.
- Check the trip inclusions; Machu Picchu tickets are usually included, but better-quality companies include absolutely everything and will likely send you on the Vistadome Train (which has better windows). A reliable company will seek out train tickets with a good timetable, meaning you don’t get back to Cusco with kids in the depths of night, or they will explain the options to you. Other companies will leave out things like bus tickets, which isn’t the end of the world, but it’s inconvenient when you find out.
- If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to ask how they can cater to you.
It is extremely difficult to evacuate from the Inca Trail. So, if you do have a problem, you want to be sure you’re hiking with a quality operator. This is not a time to be economizing if that means compromising safety! On that note, make sure you travel with comprehensive travel insurance that covers all eventualities.
Need to get an insurance quote quickly? Try Rise & Shield or Safety wing
Hire an Extra Porter
The Inca Trail requires the use of porters to carry heavy loads, as horses and mules are not permitted due to preservation requirements.
Most reputable agencies set a limit of about 7kg (15 lbs) of luggage per person for the trek. This covers a basic change of clothes and your sleeping bag. It means that you need to carry a decent amount in your day pack as well.
But, we all know kids come with a lot of “stuff”. Don’t give yourself any more planning headaches than you need to, and hire another porter to carry all those “extras”. (Or if you think that you don’t need the full 20kg allowance that an extra porter offers, ask for a Half Porter. This way, the kids can hike the Inca Trail without a pack, and you will save yourself some whining. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself for being so forward-thinking! (As permits sell out, you can’t add a porter once the quota is filled, which is months before the trip.)
Consider Doing an Inca Trail Private Tour
There is an extra cost to this tip, but if you can swing it, we highly recommend choosing an Inca Trail private trek. This means that it is just you and your family on the trail. The guide will be able to adapt to your children’s pace. You will feel better because you know that your kids aren’t holding up the group, and they have free rein to be goofy at camp at the end of the day.
You may also have some leeway with picking your guide if you go in a private group. Ask your trek operator for a kid-friendly guide – someone who will be patient with the many questions kids have! And if a private trek is a no-go, at least try to find a small-group tour.
Also see our comments at the beginning of the post about half the family doing the trek while the other half takes the train to Aguas Calientes. A good-quality operator will be able to organize this split-group scenario with no problem. That is another reason to consider a private trek or a good quality Inca Trail tour operator.
If you book a private tour, you can build in breaks for everyone whenever you need them. This may give you more chances to spot local wildlife and to stop at the ruins dotted along the route. Check with your operator regarding their recommended timescale if you want to follow the trail at a slower pace. (Though if you want maximum flexibility then an alternative trek would be a better option. The Inca trail has a fast pace due to government organised campsites)
Acclimatize Extremely Well
Altitude sickness is real, and you want to do everything you can to prevent it! The standard recommendation for altitude acclimatization is 2 or 3 days.
However, with altitude acclimatization for kids, we think spending 4 or 5 days at altitude before starting a trek is even better. Altitude affects everyone differently, and it can take a few days to see and then get over any symptoms.
Do not assume that a high level of fitness makes you immune to altitude sickness. Kids can also be more prone to it than adults. Symptoms to look out for can include nausea, headaches, and tiredness.
Make sure you all stay well hydrated – both while acclimatizing and when on the trail.
You do NOT want cranky, headachy kids on the Inca Trail, or anyone with an upset tummy. You are much better off spending the extra time getting acclimatized!
Do not listen to trek operators who say 2 days of acclimatization are enough. (or do so at your own risk) Besides, Cusco and the Sacred Valley with kids have a lot to offer. Take advantage and book yourself some fun family-friendly activities like chocolate making, horseback riding, or learning about guinea pigs, or visiting alpacas and llamas.
Get Travel Insurance
We personally never travel without a comprehensive travel insurance policy. However, if you are trekking the Inca Trail with kids, it is ESPECIALLY important to have great travel insurance! Make sure that it covers adventure activities. If you need to get your child helicoptered out of the Inca Trail, you will want to have travel insurance. Try Rise & Shield or Safety wing
Which of the Inca Trail Options is Best for Your Family?
As we have covered above, there is not just “one Inca Trail” but many criss-crossing the Andes. If you are interested in doing the ‘classic’ or famous Inca trail, there is not just one best way to do it.
These are your options:
The Classic Inca Trail Trek – 4 Days
This is the standard or classic option, which has you trekking for 3 days, and then camping at a place called Winaywayna on night 3.
You wake up well before dawn on the last day (Day 4), and then hike to the Sun Gate in order to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is a misnomer by the way – the sun never rises over Machu Picchu, but over the mountains behind it. Plus, being in the cloud forest, a great deal of mornings are misty or cloudy, and a sea of clouds greets you!
After being up for hours, you will then do your Machu Picchu tour before heading back to Cusco.
Day 4 is a killer-long day, not just for families with kids or teens, but for everyone!
In my opinion, the 4-day Classic Inca Trail route is NOT a great experience. If you have the time and funds, doing the Inca Trail in 5 days makes a lot more sense. You will be refreshed for your actual visit to the city of Machu Picchu.
Look here for the Apus Peru Classic Inca Trail.
2 Day Inca Trail for Kids
The Short Inca Trail is a great way to experience the iconic Inca Trail. Do it as a day trip by doing just a short part of the hike along the world’s most famous pedestrian path. Yes, confusingly, while it’s referred to as the Inca Trail in 2 days, it is actually just one day of hiking up through the Sungate, followed by an overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
The next day, you catch the bus up to Machu Picchu for a tour. It is nice as you are refreshed and ready to appreciate the citadel and ruins.
Note, while its only one day of hiking – it is still all uphill and hard!
Check out the Apus Peru 2 Day Inca Trail.
5 Day Inca Trail for Kids
In our opinion, the best Inca Trail experience for kids is what is sold as the “Inca Trail 5 Days”. It is the best option for families who want to trek the Inca Trail with Kids or tweens. You will spend 4 days doing the same trek that the 4-day hike covers in 3 days. This means you have more time and a chance to go slower, smell the flowers, and take in the stunning landscapes, see the stunning archaeological sites and remote villages, and truly make the most of family time.
Also, because you are out of sync with the majority of the trekkers doing the ever-popular 4-day trek, your campsites will be less busy and so will the trail. You will have plenty of free time to relax each night in the campsite. For some kids, that is very necessary!
For more info, take a look at Inca Trail in 5 Days.
Not Sure if the Inca Trail With Kids is Right for You?
Even if you decide your kids aren’t ready to tackle the Inca Trail, you can still go trekking in Peru with Kids. In fact, there are lots of advantages to choosing an alternative hike to Machu Picchu!
There are no steps! Seriously, the steps on the Inca Trail are a killer.
You can hire a mule or riding horse for the children to ride if they are tired. This has major benefits, including adding a fun element for the kids and resting tired legs.
Some alternative Machu Picchu hikes offer road access to various points. This means that evacuation or simply finishing a trek early is much easier than on the Inca Trail.
You don’t need to buy permits in advance, so you have greater flexibility about when you can go.
Some of them offer much more interaction with the local culture and animals, which are likely to be more interesting to younger kids or tweens.
Extras and Add-Ons
Optional Mountain Climbs – Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
As you begin to do your research and plan your trip to Machu Picchu, you will notice that Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional extras offered by travel agencies. It is recommended that you book these optional extras when you make your reservation.
Huayna Picchu, in particular, has very limited time slots and sells out well in advance.
Huayna Picchu (Young Peak) is the pointy, iconic mountain that appears in all the famous pictures of visiting Machu Picchu. It is extremely steep, with vertiginous drops – and no handrails! Seriously. I would not consider taking kids up to Huayna Picchu until they are 15 or older, unless they are extremely reliable with no fear of heights.
I believe that there is no official age limit. However, please do ask your tour agency to find out if they think that Huayna Picchu is a good idea for your kids.
Machu Picchu Mountain Climb – the mountain behind the citadel. While climbing time is about the same as Huayna Picchu, there are no steep drops, and the gradient is less steep. It also offers stunning scenery of the city of Machu Picchu from above. Only recommended for resilient kids who love hiking!
Machu Picchu Pueblo / Aguas Calientes Town
While it was renamed “Machu Picchu Pueblo” a few years ago, Aguas Calientes is the service center for Machu Picchu and is located at the base of the mountain where the citadel sits.
As towns go, this small town gets mixed reports. My kids like wandering the many markets ,and we always go for a soak in the hot springs. Doing this is definitely an option for those who chose the Inca Trail 5 days or Short Inca Trail, as both include a night in the town.
For those doing the 4-day hike, you won’t spend a night in Aguas Calientes unless you specifically organize it.
Aguas Calientes is situated just over two miles from Machu Picchu. Though it’s relatively short, the trek up to the citadel is still arduous, due to the sheer number of stone steps. If you don’t want to hike, there are shuttle buses operating between the town and the ancient site.
For families with younger children, both the 5-Star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo and Sumaq Machu Picchu offer kids activities targeted at those that aren’t hiking.
More Information Here >> Best Family Hotels in Machu Picchu
What’s the Best Alternative Trek for Kids?
If you don’t want to do the Inca Trail, then the world is your oyster. There is a wide range of Machu Picchu treks in the Cusco region that don’t follow the Inca Trail.
The most well-known is the Salkantay Trek. It now has a range of glamping and camping options along the trail. Keep in mind that it reaches a much higher altitude than the Inca Trail.
Lares Trek
In our opinion, the Lares Trek is a great family hike in Peru, and the best place for cultural connection.
All around the Lares region, there are tiny villages where people live an age-old way of life. Really not that different than Inca times. They wear traditional dress and still herd alpacas and llamas. Lares is crisscrossed by trails used by the local people in their everyday life. If you want more options for alternative trekking, a good travel agency should be able to suggest less challenging routes that offer plenty of local interaction.
View more info about the Lares Trek here >>>
Rainbow Mountain
On the other hand, what is not a good alternative trek for kids? Rainbow Mountain! This trek has become extremely popular in recent years. However, we think there are far better options for family hikes in Peru.
Read our post Rainbow Mountain with Kids for all the reasons why.
Other Options
Alternative trekking options to the Inca Trail include:
- Salkantay Trek – 4 to 5 days
Both of these are less suitable for kids due to long days and challenging terrain.
Where Else in Peru to Go with Kids?
If you want to take your children somewhere other than the Inca Trail, don’t forget that you’ll need a few nights in Cusco first to acclimatize.
As well as the city of Cusco itself – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – there are plenty of activities and day trips you can take from there. Including mountain biking, river rafting, horse riding, and more.
The Sacred Valley also offers plenty of outdoor options. It’s about an hour’s drive from Cusco. There’s enough to do there to justify staying for a night or two, perhaps even three.
What to Pack for an Ancient Inca Trail Trek with Kids?
Having the right hiking gear for your treks with kids is essential. We consider ourselves to be an outdoor family and have a lot of experience with kids’ trekking essentials. Read our Hiking Gear For Kids: Essential Kids Outdoor Gear post for our recommendations.
Whatever you do, make sure everyone wears comfortable hiking footwear. It’s critical that your shoes or boots are well-worn in before you arrive in Peru. Not doing so will break your trail experience rather than make it.
Our kids love to feel independent. They mostly prefer to have their own hiking backpack. However, finding a good one can be a challenge. We take the guesswork out of it in The Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids.
If you have little ones, a good toddler carrier or baby backpack can be worth its weight in gold! We have tried several over the years. Read The Best Toddler Carriers And Baby Backpacks For Hiking.
Lastly, if you are traveling to Peru with kids, you need to consider what to pack. We have SO much experience with this. We share our knowledge and tips in the Peru Packing List: What to Pack for a Peru Family Holiday.
Or check out the following quick-reference Machu Picchu packing list for all the essentials you shouldn’t leave home without.
Packing list
- Cash, in small denominations
- Daypack measuring 16 x 14 x 8 inches or 40 x 35 x 20 cm or less
- Sleeping bag, if not hired from your tour operator
- Worn-in hiking boots
- Hiking socks
- Sneakers or trainers for evenings
- Lots of comfortable, breathable, quick-drying layers
- Packable rain jacket or reusable poncho
- Thermal nightwear
- Swimsuit for Aguas Calientes hot springs (optional)
- Flip flops for the springs and at your hotel
- Refillable water bottle or reservoir (for compatible daypack)
- High-energy snacks
- Insect or bug repellent
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Thermal beanie, scarf, and gloves
- Prescription medication
- Travel toiletries
- First aid kit
- Passport
- Smartphone or camera
The Verdict – How to Hike the Inca Trail with Children
We hope that we have given you an excellent overview of the different Inca Trail tours. Including the things that you might want to consider if doing a family Inca Trail trek. We are sure that with all this information, you will have the most amazing time, and the Inca Trail with kids will be a wonderful memory for you.
We hope we answered your questions. If you have any additional questions, leave us a comment below!
Here’s the list of tours we mentioned throughout the post:
Ready to book? Unsure which one to go for? Contact Apus Peru today, and they’ll help you craft the perfect trip for your family.
Like It> Pin It> How to Trek to Machu Picchu – Ace the Inca Trail with Kids!
Wonderful tips! I would love to do this as a family. Our daughter is only a toddler, so we have to wait a bit, but I’m inspired to keep this in mind for our future!
This is a really useful read. We’ll be in Peru next year with our kids (they’ll be nearly 8 and 10 at the time). I’ve done loads of reading up about the Inca Trail, and even though I think our kids are very fit and resilient, we’ll probably aim to do another multi-day hike and visit Machu Picchu the ‘easy’ way from Aguas Calientes. I’d love to hear more of your recommendations. #fearlessfamtrav
This is a really useful post. We’ll be in Peru next year with our kids who’ll be nearly 8 and 10 at the time. I’ve done lots of reading on the Inca Trail, and though I think our kids are fit and resilient we’ll probably chose to do another multi-day trek to experience the Andes and local communities and visit Machu Picchu the ‘easy’ way from Aguas Calientes. I’d love to hear more of your recommendations. #fearlessfamtrav
Thanks! I agree that even with fit kids the Inca Trail would be tough for an 8 and 10 year old. Consider Lares as a good local community trek around Cusco. We will be in Peru next year too (my daughter will be 10, son 7, and baby just 1). I’m thinking we might do a short mother daughter trek with the 10 year old but not sure where yet!
A wonderfully informative post about hiking the Inca Trail with kids. This is high on my wishlist of things to do with my boys. I’m thinking mine are probably old enough now at 11, 13 and 15. Thanks so much for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav.
Based on what I’ve seen of your travels and treks I’d say they would definately be able to manage it!
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[…] If you’re into hiking and trekking – or simply love South America as much as we do – then why not check out this post on Trekking With Children In Peru or this one about Trekking The Inca Trail With Kids. […]
[…] activities means that we think Peru is best for older children or tweens (like 8 plus). Our post Trekking The Inca Trail With Kids explains why we think that 10 years is the minimum age you would want to trek the Inca trail with a […]