Machu Picchu with children: school trip full of history and adventure
Machu Picchu is wonderful for anyone, especially children, because the buildings and nature it houses inspire imagination and creativity. A trip to the Inca city with little ones is unforgettable, as long as you plan it properly. Here, we explain everything you need to know so that your trip with children and students is fun and helps them learn more about this magnificent culture.
- Machu Picchu for children and students
- Planning a trip to Machu Picchu with students
- Tour to Machu Picchu
- Do children get discounts to enter Machu Picchu?
- An unforgettable trip for children
- Frequently Asked Questions
Girl visiting Machu Picchu on a cloudy day
Machu Picchu for children and students
As part of student traditions, taking field trips is a common motivation for a dream trip at the end of the year. Within Peru, there are many places that are considered must-visit destinations at least once in your life, but the one that definitely stands out is Machu Picchu, the Wonder of the World that is not only a destination of adventure, but also of history and culture amidst magical landscapes.
The student excursion is recommended for children ages 11 and up, up to graduating high school students under 17. This allows them to receive significant discounts on their visit to Machu Picchu, and is also an ideal age to stimulate their imagination.
Where is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is located in the High Jungle of Cusco, along the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its geography allows you to find landscapes full of vegetation, as well as a very diverse fauna. It is located 2,430 meters above sea level and belongs to the district of Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. The distance from Cusco is almost 100 kilometers and can be reached by various routes, each with a different level of adventure.
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu with students
Student trips or excursions are very popular, especially as a form of celebration. The organization offers large groups, allowing both primary and secondary school students to access better prices without sacrificing quality of service.
Among the most important points you should keep in mind when organizing your student trip to Machu Picchu, we have the following:
- Make reservations in advance – Machu Picchu is visited by thousands of people every day, and availability can often run out months in advance. Therefore, you should make a reservation early to purchase tickets, especially if you’re planning to do the classic tour. It’s best to do so three months in advance to ensure you get the ticket of your choice at the best time.
- Making the Trip to Cusco – Many groups of people begin their journey far from Cusco, where the adventure to Machu Picchu begins. It’s recommended to plan the trip in whatever way suits them best. Some choose to fly, while others choose to take the bus. The main difference is travel time and comfort.
- Traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu – Upon arrival in Cusco, you’ll find many options to get to Machu Picchu. From comfortable train rides to single- or multi-day excursions, here are the most popular options:
Train ride from Ollantaytambo
- This is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu. It begins in Cusco with a two-hour drive to the town of Ollantaytambo. Afterward, you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), also a two-hour journey. The entire journey passes through breathtaking landscapes throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, you can choose to make a short stop to visit its impressive archaeological site, which will add value to your student trip.
Travel along the Hydroelectric Route
- This is the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu, and it’s a great adventure. It begins in Cusco with a 6-hour drive to the town of Santa María. This town is home to the hydroelectric power station, where the 2-hour hike to Aguas Calientes begins.
- The journey is very peaceful, along flat trails that follow the train tracks. Throughout the journey, you’ll see the lush vegetation typical of the jungle, which creates beautiful landscapes. With luck, you might even spot animals typical of the region.
- The usual approach to this route is to spend the night in Santa María, since the drive can be arduous. It also gives you time to visit the famous Cocalmayo hot springs at night. This way, the next morning, you can begin the hike to Machu Picchu with much more peace of mind and energy.
Inca Trail Excursion
- Considered one of the best hikes in the world, the Inca Trail is the ideal option for high school students who want to experience an unforgettable and immersive adventure through jungle landscapes, as well as discover archaeological sites amidst mountains that can only be accessed via this route.
- The adventure lasts four days, covering approximately 43 kilometers. Nights are spent in camps under the stars and surrounded by magical views. On the last day of the trek, you enter Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku gate, the same route used by the Incas themselves.
- The Inca Trail also has a shorter two-day version, covering only 11 kilometers. The first day is dedicated to hiking and a panoramic tour of Machu Picchu, and the night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. The second day offers a detailed tour of the archaeological sanctuary, also giving you time to learn a little more about the town of Machu Picchu.
Students listening to the guide’s explanation at Machu Picchu
The trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you’ll find two ways to get to Machu Picchu. The most common is to take the eco-friendly Consettur bus, which takes you there in just 25 minutes. It’s comfortable and its station is located just steps from the main square. The second option, which is free, is a steadily ascending walk through stone steps amidst the vegetation that can take just over two hours. The most recommended option is to take the bus first, and then walk down on the way back, as it’s much easier and takes half the time.
| Travel routes to Machu Picchu | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Details | Train ride from Ollantaytambo | Travel along the Hydroelectric Route | Inca Trail Excursion |
| Travel route | Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes | Cusco – Santa María – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes | Cusco – Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo – Wiñay Huayna – Machu Picchu |
| Duration of the trip | 2 hours by car and 2 hours by train. | 6 hours by car and 2 hours of walking. | 4 days of walking. |
| Attractions of the route | Scenic car and train tour of the Sacred Valley, plus the option to visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. | Learn more about Cusco’s jungle region, the Cocalmayo hot springs, and the immersive Hidroeléctrica hike. | An immersive adventure exploring Inca trails, visiting many archaeological sites, and spending magical nights surrounded by nature and dreamlike landscapes. |
| Benefits | The most comfortable and fastest route to Machu Picchu. | A route full of adventure and the cheapest option to get to Machu Picchu. | A route filled with archaeological sites and exclusive views, as well as historical trails. |
| Physical effort | Very low, no effort required. | Medium, involves a long car ride and light walking. | Stop, 43 kilometers are covered in 4 days. |
| Ideal trip | Travel to Machu Picchu in just one day. | A two-day trip to Machu Picchu. The first day is spent overnight in Santa María and the second day is spent visiting Machu Picchu. | A complete adventure that concludes with a tour of Machu Picchu. One of the best hikes in the world. |
| Planning | Ideal ticket reservations to Machu Picchu 3 months in advance and 1 month before for train tickets. | Book your ideal ticket to Machu Picchu 3 months in advance. Book the Inca Trail 3 or 4 months in advance. | If you do the short Inca Trail only 2 months before. |
The town of Aguas Calientes
Also known as Machu Picchu Town, offers first-class tourist services, including hotels, restaurants, and bars. Aguas Calientes also has many attractions to visit, including its hot springs, on-site museum, artisan market, and, thanks to its rich biodiversity, immersive exploration hikes.
Tour to Machu Picchu
There are two planning options for the trip to Machu Picchu. One is to plan independently, booking service by service with greater difficulty.
But as a second option, and the most recommended for groups, is to contact a travel agency like Boletomachupicchu, which will facilitate everything from the organization to the itinerary; you won’t have to worry about a thing.
You’ll also be offered meals, guidance, and additional activities to ensure you have a memorable trip. Remember, you can do this on any of the routes to Machu Picchu (the train from Ollantaytambo, the hydroelectric route, and the Inca Trail).
When planning your trip to Machu Picchu, you can also add the following tours to enhance your experience for children and students:
- Cusco City Tour – Trips with students will be even more rewarding if you start by exploring Cusco’s main tourist attractions, such as the Qoricancha temple, the cathedral, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, and Puca Pucara. This tour takes only half a day, giving you time to explore more activities.
- Sacred Valley Tour – This is one of the must-see routes in Cusco, and is also one of the routes to Machu Picchu. On the Sacred Valley tour, you can visit several archaeological sites, such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. You’ll also be surrounded by beautiful landscapes at all times.
- Maras and Moray ATV Tour – On this tour, you’ll discover a new side of the Sacred Valley, visiting the Maras salt mines and the Moray circular terraces. It’s an adrenaline-fueled route filled with fun and beautiful scenery. The tour is very safe, and all necessary equipment is provided.
- South Valley Tour – This is one of the best activities for students, as it includes visits to little-known archaeological sites steeped in history (Tipón, Pikillacta, and the San Pedro de Andahuaylillas Church). The South Valley offers a different perspective on Cusco, and is only a half-day tour.
Children observing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
How many train services are there on the route to Machu Picchu?
PeruRail and Inca Rail operate the route to Machu Picchu. Each offers four different train services, with prices varying according to your experience and needs. Remember that the train ride to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo takes two hours, as does the return trip.
Do children get discounts to enter Machu Picchu?
Yes, minors receive substantial discounts when purchasing tickets to Machu Picchu. This discount is also applied when booking your tour to the Inca citadel. The main discounts on tickets for children and students are available in the following cases:
- Children under 3 years old: Children under 3 years old do not pay admission to Machu Picchu, their entry is free.
- Children under 17: Children and students under 17 receive a large discount on their admission to Machu Picchu.
| Children’s ticket prices at Machu Picchu | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tickets | Price for foreign children | Prices for CAN children (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina) |
| Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) | 118 PEN | 80 PEN |
| Machu Picchu Upper Terrace or Classic Photo (Route 1B) | 70 PEN | 32 PEN |
| Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C) | 70 PEN | 32 PEN |
| Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D)* | 70 PEN | 32 PEN |
| Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) | 70 PEN | 32 PEN |
| Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) | 70 PEN | 32 PEN |
| Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)* | 118 PEN | 80 PEN |
| Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temples (Route 3B) | 70 PEN | 32 PEN |
| Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route 3C)* | 118 PEN | 80 PEN |
| Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)* | 118 PEN | 80 PEN |
*Tickets are only available for those 12 and older accompanied by a responsible adult or guardian.
An unforgettable trip for children
Traveling to Machu Picchu is an experience full of surprising nuances. First, the journey itself is a great adventure, allowing not only the destination but the entire journey to be enjoyable.
For many children and students, arriving in Cusco can be an opportunity rarely offered in their lives, or at least not with the people they’re traveling with. It’s an ideal age to explore or strengthen bonds that only come through new experiences.
Therefore, if you have the opportunity to travel to Machu Picchu, it’s recommended not to miss it. Especially if you have the chance to do so with your childhood or high school classmates and friends. (The best time to visit Machu Picchu)
Frequently Asked Questions
1) From what age do children get discounts?
There are discounts for children from 17 to 3 years old. This age range offers a significant discount. Children under 3 don’t have to pay; they can enter for free.
2) Are there other discounts for teachers or family members?
Yes, the tour packages include promotional rates and even free admission if a certain number of students is reached. You can also find discounts if the teacher or family member of the students is from Cusco.
4) Are there any restrictions on entering Machu Picchu?
There are only restrictions for some trails within Machu Picchu. One of these restrictions is that children under 12 years old cannot hike some trails. This means they will not be able to climb Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, the Inca Bridge, or even the Temple of the Moon.
5) How far in advance should the reservation be made?
It’s recommended to book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets at least three months in advance if you want tickets to the most popular routes. If you only want scenic routes, sometimes a month is enough.
6) What is the route that students most enjoy to get to Machu Picchu?
It’s definitely the Inca Trail, as it’s a four-day adventure that will bring children and students together even more. Each adventure and experience will be unforgettable memories.
7) Is it difficult to do the Inca Trail with students?
The main difficulty when hiking the Inca Trail is often fatigue. Since students and children are doing it, it will be easier, given that they are in good physical condition at that age.
8) What is the best student ticket to Machu Picchu?
If you’re looking for a more detailed and immersive tour, the ideal tickets are those that include Circuit 2 (Classic Route) and Circuit 3 (Royal Route). The main options are:
- Classic Designed Machu Picchu Ticket (Route 2A)
- Machu Picchu Classic Ticket Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
- Machu Picchu Royalty Designed Ticket or Lower Temples (Route 3B)
9) What is the best way to visit Machu Picchu in just one day?
The best way to get there is with the full-day tour of Machu Picchu. This experience begins early in the morning, where you first travel by car to Ollantaytambo, where you board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you take the bus to Machu Picchu and enjoy an immersive tour until the early afternoon, when you return to Cusco after lunch and a brief tour of the town.
10) Do university students also have access to discounts?
Tickets to Machu Picchu also include discounts for university students under 25 years of age, as long as they have a valid ID or proof of it.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Selena D.“We traveled from Lima“
“I am a primary school teacher and this year we went with my students and a group of parents. We had a great time in Machu Picchu, we learned more about our ancestors and we all returned to Lima feeling more Peruvian than ever. I recommend this experience for children and also for families from all over Peru and the whole world.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 29, 2025