Machu Picchu with a Toddler or Baby: How to Ace a 2026 Trip

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Last Updated on December 9, 2025 by Ariana Svenson

So you want to go to Machu Picchu with a toddler or baby?! We say – go for it!

Obviously, if you visit Machu Picchu with young children, you will need to plan very differently than if you were going alone or with older kids. Visiting Machu Picchu with a toddler or baby is truly an incredible experience. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Having the right mindset is important to remember. This might be a special visit for you, but you probably won’t get to go into as much historical detail as you would if you were kid-free.

We’re here to make sure you are properly prepared and have a great experience with this icon of South America. We have loads of useful information to help you plan a wonderful family vacation to Peru! We also offer advice regarding altitude, which we reckon is your number one consideration.

We’ve never visited with a baby and a toddler at the same time (huge kudos to those who do!), but we definitely make up for it with plenty of repeat visits with children of different ages and stages. Machu Picchu is an incredible place to visit.

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.

Visiting Machu Picchu with a Toddler or Baby: What to Expect

The ease of visiting Machu Picchu will be dramatically different depending on whether you are travelling with a baby or a toddler. With a little research and planning, and some useful travel advice, you’ll have a wonderful trip!

Machu Picchu with a Baby

If this is your first baby, you’ll learn that everything revolves around making sure bub is fed, changed, and gets enough sleep, and that won’t change during the Machu Picchu visit.

With our first daughter born in Peru, she visited in utero when I was pregnant. She then took her first trip to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu when she was just 12 months old. She wasn’t walking, so I wouldn’t classify her as a toddler at that stage.

Babies are awesome to travel with, as long as they are comfortable and contented. In fact, I’d say 6–12 months (pre-walking) are among the best times to travel with a baby or children (as long as you allow ample acclimatization).

If you’re wondering what not to bring to Machu Picchu when visiting as a family, then forget the stroller. Strollers are not allowed inside Machu Picchu under current rules, and even outside the site they’re very impractical on the steep, uneven terrain. A carrier is the only way to go when it comes to Machu Picchu travel with a baby.

My kids all loved outward-facing baby carriers. We first had a Baby Bjorn, and later an Ergo Performance. They would be happily carried on the front, gurgling and smiling at people as we approached them.

My kids were all breastfed, so sitting down to feed was a lovely opportunity to pause and reflect upon what was going on around me. The only restrooms are located outside the park gates, so plan accordingly, as you won’t find any toilets inside the ruins and, under current rules, once you exit the site, you generally can’t re-enter on the same ticket. I am not sure how you would handle heating up a bottle.

One downside of visiting Machu Picchu with a baby is that they’re unlikely to remember the experience! A toddler, on the other hand, has at least some chance of forming some sort of lasting memory.

Machu Picchu with a Toddler 

My son visited Machu Picchu at 22 months. While visiting Machu Picchu with a toddler is still totally doable, it’s still pretty brave. This is not a place to let your little one wander. There are plenty of drop-offs and dangerous spots.

You will feel safer if your child is in their carrier. Having a comfortable baby carrier for the day is vital. Even if your toddler is a great walker, the steps are big (even for adults). There is a lot of climbing, up and down.

When my children were toddlers, I switched them onto my back with the Ergo up to about 2.5 years old (the middle child still was carried in the Ergo when he was 4)!

We actually knew that my second child (later diagnosed with a range of special needs) would find the day difficult, so we took two different carriers – the Ergobaby Omni and the Deuter 3 to switch between them. In all honesty, it still didn’t work. His screaming on the trip to the Inka Bridge was not a highlight, and I felt sorry for the people who were there at the time.

Make sure you read our The Best Toddler Carriers And Baby Backpacks For Hiking for our recommendations.

A top tip when doing Machu Picchu with children – both our son and his older sister loved the llamas (read more about trekking with Llamas in Peru here).

Toddlers also love discovering the small houses at the site. If they want to walk, there are rocks you can all stop and rest on. 

There are cliffs and drop-offs around the site; take utmost care. There are also grassed areas where the toddler can get out and run.

Disclosure – the reason why I’ve travelled to Machu Picchu so many times with my kids is that I am also the Co-founder of Apus Peru Adventure Travel Specialists! 

We believe that Machu Picchu tours with children are worth it to ensure that you have a great time on this very special trip. We recommend Apus Peru when visiting Peru with kids, especially if you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu with a baby or toddler. Apus Peru offers a range of private family-friendly itineraries to choose from, and they can help you plan an incredible trip that meets your family’s needs. You can get in touch here.

Altitude Sickness: Your Trip Needs to Be Planned Carefully to Avoid It!

Without a doubt, my biggest concern about taking babies and toddlers to Peru is altitude sickness. In my years, I have known or helped many people who have had altitude sickness.  It can vary from a bad headache to hospitalization. The human body adjusts very well to lower oxygen levels in the blood, but it takes time, and not allowing time can be a problem!

Even living in Cusco for many years (and climbing 6,000m+ mountains), I suffered altitude sickness flying into Leh, in Ladakh, which is at a healthy 3,524 m above sea level (11,562 ft). That is higher than Cusco, which sits at 3,400 m (11,155 ft).

Given my experiences, I am particularly cautious about altitude (maybe more than the average person who hasn’t experienced it), and my main concern with babies and toddlers is that you can’t tell the difference between teething, toddler irritability, and altitude sickness.

There is no single reason why one person suffers from high altitudes and another does not. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict whether an adult or a baby will be affected.

Common mild symptoms of altitude sickness may include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tiredness
• Poor/disturbed appetite
• Dizziness
• Disturbed sleep

You will quickly realize that a number of these symptoms are part of the daily life of babies! 

The process of acclimatization to high elevation takes 3–5 days. In an ideal world, you would acclimatize for a few days at 8,000–9,000 ft (2,500–2,750 m) before proceeding to a higher elevation.

What many people don’t know is that Cusco, the main city where most travelers arrive before visiting Machu Picchu, is at a higher altitude than Machu Picchu. The latter is around 2,430 m (7,972 ft) above sea level, while Cusco is around 3,400m.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatize slowly and give your body time to adapt. That means building in extra days at intermediate altitudes and not rushing straight to high altitude.

Other things to do to avoid altitude sickness (for adults and kids) include:

• Be healthy and well rested
• Don’t over-exert yourself, particularly upon arrival
• Drink plenty of water
• Don’t go out in the sun (or get dehydrated or sunburnt)

Read our full guide to acclimatizing to altitude with babies, toddlers, and kids here.

How to Plan Your Route to Acclimatise Properly

If you are short of time, you might need to fly directly to Cusco airport (located at 3400m/11,154ft) and then have a transfer organized directly to the Sacred Valley.

The best thing you can do when travelling with a baby to Machu Picchu is to descend to a lower altitude and not stay in Cusco (you can visit after your Machu Picchu visit). Read all about what you could do there in our guide to Cusco with kids and the best Cusco hotels for families.

The second most important thing is to allow extra time. True acclimatization only occurs over 3-5 days at each altitude. If you see travel agencies saying you need only 2 days to acclimate for the Inca Trail, this is the bare minimum and NOT sufficient for many people who struggle due to insufficient acclimatization.

On our last trip with toddlers, we had time, so we flew from Lima to Arequipa and spent 4 days there. It’s a gorgeous city, and Arequipa sits at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,600 feet). This is an excellent way to allow the body to acclimatize at high – but not excessive altitude.

By the way, if you want more inspiration on things to do with kids in Lima, read our guide.

From there, we flew to Cusco, where we were met by a transfer car (one equipped with oxygen in case of emergency) and told we wanted to take the longer, lower-altitude route via Pisac. The route via Chincheros takes slightly less time but reaches over 3700 m, which is really high if you have just flown in.

We love the city of Cusco, and we are spending several days there AFTER Machu Picchu. However, only once the children have become well adjusted to the high altitude should they go to altitude in an ideal world

There are loads of things to do in the Sacred Valley with children. It has a wonderful connection to Mother Nature, and we’d encourage you to plan to spend the full 5 days if travelling to Machu Picchu with a baby or toddler! The only pro is that Machu Picchu is lower than the Sacred Valley, so it’s really the return trip to Cusco that you are acclimatizing for.

Choosing the Right Hotel for Acclimatisation with Young Children

You might be wondering where the best place to acclimate to the higher altitude with a baby is.

All hotels have different pros and cons, which you can learn more about in our guide to the best Sacred Valley hotels for families.

• Babies and toddlers go free: Remember that babies and toddlers are nearly always free in Peru (up to 3 – 4 years of age), especially if sleeping in the existing bedding with the parents.  
• Travel cots: You can ask for a cot to be put in the room, but we always travel with their own travel cot, which gives them a homely feel with their smell, their bedding/toy, and emulates the routine from home.

Some kid-friendly hotels we have stayed at during our acclimatisation period are

• Aranwa at Huaran (2871m/9420ft) – View prices here
• Casa Andina Yanahuara (2389m/7841ft) – View prices here
• Hotel Taypikala Deluxe  –We stayed here most recently (they have a gorgeous pool!) – View prices
• Hotel Lizzy Wasi – My kids loved the alpacas and gardens – View prices here
• Hotel Pakaritampu – located in Ollantaytambo town (2791m/9160ft). We have enjoyed acclimatising with children here. This is where the train for Machu Picchu departs from – View prices here

While I am completely going off script here –  when travelling with a Baby or Toddler – its going to be harder than it would be if it were just yourself. In my own mind, I  like to think that acclimatizing also means taking it easy and going slow.

Best Machu Picchu Circuit for a Baby or Toddler

With the circuit system now in place, you should talk to your travel operator about which circuit would suit your needs best. Machu Picchu tours with children used to represent a very long day. Although these days, with entry times restricted, you only spend about 2.5 hours exploring the Inca site.

The best way to choose the circuit that’s right for you and your family is to talk to your tour operator.

There are several options, some much more suitable than others. This incredible guide to the Machu Picchu Circuits will also help you make your decision.

Could I do the Hike to Huayna Picchu with a Baby?

I’m just going to say no! This is a steep climb with frightening cliffs, and it would be extremely unsafe to attempt with a little one. Nowadays, ticket rules restrict Huayna Picchu to visitors aged 12 and over, so it’s not permitted with babies or younger children anyway.

However, if one parent is desperate to climb, I would recommend buying two entry tickets. (Eg, for different time slots and circuits). For example, in the early morning, the whole family could do the tour of Machu Picchu.

Then we would recommend enjoying a buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant (at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge). Then one parent descends to Aguas Calientes to have a rest in the hotel room.

The solo parent could climb Huayna Picchu (or Machu Picchu Mountain) by purchasing the appropriate entry ticket. Note that in high season, Huayna Picchu sells out well in advance.

Private Tour Vs Independent

This is another majorly important decision!

I would wholeheartedly recommend a private tour – both for your own sanity and for the rest of the group. While everyone loves babies and toddlers, I wouldn’t personally enjoy having my ‘once in a lifetime’ trip to Machu Picchu affected by the antics of little ones. Besides, a private family tour will make it easier to stop when you want to stop and take Machu Picchu photos when you like.

Ask your travel company for a child-friendly guide – not all guides are created equal. Some are far better with kids than others, and will adapt their presentations and spiels to your needs (and the kids’ needs). If you travel independently, you can probably book a family-friendly guide via your hotel.

If you are an independent traveller, then you will know that you can organise your travel more cheaply than any tour agency. These days, with the ability to book transfers, hotels, train tickets, and bus tickets online, there are many reasons to book your trip independently and save some money. Gone are the days of traipsing to rail stations to purchase tickets!However, using a reputable tour operator such as Apus Peru takes the hassle and stress out of your Peru trip. There are a number of buses, trains, and entrance tickets. Plus, you need to enter with a guide in recent years and this is increasingly enforced. All this is seamlessly organized for you. Travel agents will ensure your trains are at optimum times and coordinated well with your entry into Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets

If you decide to do it yourself, you can buy Machu Picchu entrance tickets online. Book months ahead if you want a specific date and/or time, particularly in high season. Strict limits apply to maximum visitor numbers per day.

Children under 3 do not need to pay for a ticket. Those aged 3-17 pay a reduced rate.

Afternoon tickets might be better if you’re not planning to stay over in Aguas Calientes. It can also be less crowded then, as most tours set off early. 

Other Important Things to think about

Timing

Cheaper tours tend to book later or less convenient (which are also cheaper) trains, which might not be ideal when planning a family trip to Machu Picchu.

Car seats

If you’ll be travelling by motor vehicle, are car seats included for infants (eg, babies and toddlers)? I have had my children in rear-facing carriers / attached to carrier bases in the car until about 18 months.

Peru has its own car seat regulations, and they’re quite specific: by law, children under 5 years old or weighing less than 18 kg (about 40 lbs) must use a child restraint system. (I have never seen it enforced though!)

If you’re bringing your own car seat from home, make absolutely sure it meets international safety standards. Rules can change at any time, so make sure you double-check before you go.

Sleeping arrangements

If a hotel stay is included, what would the sleeping arrangements be?  Eg, most hotels in Peru don’t charge for children.  Make sure you check out our Baby Travel Essentials: The Best Travel with Baby Gear for a list of the must-have essentials.

How to Get to Machu Picchu with a Baby or Toddler

We think allowing a couple of days to travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back is a good option, as it lets you really soak in this special moment. Hopefully you will remember it for a long time to come – for all the right reasons!

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is a small town with cliffs overlooking more ancient ruins. You can experience an authentic slice of Peruvian life in this timeless place. The smiling locals still tend to wear traditional, brightly-coloured, woven clothing.

The Vistadome Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s the simplest way to reach Aguas Calientes when you’re travelling with children.

The train journey is also incredibly scenic. This popular route is best booked several months in advance if you’re travelling independently.

We like to take things slow when travelling with small children, so generally plan about a half-day of activities. We took a 1.30 PM train. The Vistadome train has large windows, as well as windows in the roof. Our kids loved every minute of the trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. And who wouldn’t, there are panoramic views: raging rivers, cliffs, snow-capped mountains, ruins, and even tunnels. 

Perhaps best of all for kids, the trip was not so long that they got restless. Even years later, my children talk about the train ride to Machu Picchu!

It’s worth noting that you can only carry most Machu Picchu trains only allow one small piece of hand luggage per person (usually in the 5–8kg range, with a size limit around 157cm total dimensions), so you can’t take big suitcases on board (check the policy before you travel). You will need to leave the main luggage at your hotel in the Sacred Valley. As I won’t travel without our travel cot, I convinced the guys in the baggage car to load it in there.

Like airlines, children under 2 can sit on your lap and don’t need to have a ticket purchased.   Between 3-11 old, and they must have their own ticket, which is discounted by 50%. I believe this is the policy for both the Inca Trail and Peru Rail, but always check the latest information before you travel.

Inca Rail also runs a train service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes is also known by its more modern name of Machu Picchu Pueblo. It has a permanent population of 4,500–5,000, and plenty of amenities for families visiting Peru’s most famous site. There are hotels, restaurants, shops, and a large craft market. 

Travelling by train is the only option for getting to and from Aguas Calientes, and tracks criss-cross the town. There is no other access, apart from hiking, as there are no roads. 

Some families spend a few nights in Aguas Calientes. You can visit the hot springs here, go shopping, dine out, or simply unwind. Various activities such as cooking classes, cultural experiences, and spa treatments are also available. 

Having an extra day or two means you can complete more than one of the Machu Picchu circuits if you want to. You also have some leeway if it’s foggy, to make sure you actually see the world-famous view of the citadel when you arrive there!  (Note,  some tickets to Machu Picchu can be bought if you line up in Aguas Calientes the day before)

Hotel Transfers in Aguas Calientes

Make sure your hotel will meet you at the train station in order to accompany you back to your hotel.  We have stayed at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo and the Sumaq Machu Picchu.   Each of them has gorgeous hotel rooms suitable for a special visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Take a look at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo for a full review.

While the Inkaterra is one of my favourite hotels in the whole world, I am also a solo mum traveling with 3 kids, and prices really add up. I’d likely choose to stay at the El Mapi by Inkaterra or the rustic, but gorgeous, Rupa Wasi, where Papa and I stayed once, pre-kids.

Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Bus or Hike

You can get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by bus in 25-30 minutes. It’s a thrilling ride with heart-stopping views of the sheer cliffs.

Alternatively, you can hike from town to Machu Picchu in around an hour and a half, or maybe a little more with small kids. (personally NOT recommended.  If you want to walk, walk down, instead of up)

Once you reach the entrance to the Lost City of the Incas, the site itself is also around 15 to 20 minutes’ walk away. To enter Machu Picchu, you will need to show your tickets at the entrance gate and follow the official rules for access.

Expect to queue when waiting to board the bus with your kids. You could aim for the 7 am bus if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds – and your kids are early risers! Buy your bus tickets the day before if you want to get ahead.

Bus Tickets

If you’re travelling independently, you can buy tickets for the bus in Aguas Calientes, even on the same day. One-way or return fares are available from the office in town, which is open daily from early until late.

Machu Picchu with Toddlers and Babies Tips

• Preferential Attention policy: Peru has a policy of “Preferential Attention”. This means that pregnant people, those with babies, or some children are allowed to go to the front of the line. Even if you don’t realize that you can skip the line, the locals will usher you forward. I do love ‘atencion preferencial’ in Peru. It makes getting around with kids so much easier. I wish they had it in more parts of the world!
• Toilets and other facilities: The toilets are located outside the entrance gate to Machu Picchu.  Try to change nappies, etc., before you go in. You will be able to change on the site if there is an emergency. However, please be scrupulous with your rubbish/litter. There is also a restaurant by the entrance gates – the Tinkuy  Buffet Restaurant.  When travelling with babies, you need to think about what they will eat/ how, etc.
• Daypacks: Average-sized day packs are allowed inside the park. You will have enough space for some nappies, a change of clothes, and all the necessities. If you cannot take all your belongings, there are lockers by the site entrance for larger items. 
• What to bring: Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and bug spray – you’ll really need both. Packable rain jackets are also essential for the changeable climate. Small snacks for the children seem to be okay in our experience, though officially they’re not allowed. If you bring your passport, it can be stamped with a special souvenir.

The no-food rule: There is a rule against food on the site. We’ve taken some small snacks in and not been questioned. Again, being careful and respectful with litter/rubbish is absolutely vital. (Don’t forget this is an ancient site!)

The Verdict – Family Trip to Machu Picchu with a Baby or Toddler

We hope we have shared ALL our insider tips on how to visit Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world.  We’ve stressed the vital importance of proper acclimatization to the much higher altitude and how to maximize your time in the Inca City. Whether you choose to do a day trip or join a tour company, we believe that you will have a wonderful experience in the Cusco region.

And, if you are visiting South America more broadly, check out our South America travel tips guide. For more incredible tips on visiting Peru, read our guide to Peru with kids.

Discover family tours with Apus Peru here or get in touch today 😊

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