Planning a trip to Machu Picchu isn’t that easy, but imagine coming with children. The National Geographic book “100 Places That Can Change Your Children’s Lives” places the Inca city of Machu Picchu among the best places to visit with children. It briefly tells the story of Machu Picchu and explains that the place might not have been discovered without the help of a child like them. The geography, buildings, flora, and even fauna you’ll find in Machu Picchu will spark your child’s imagination and curiosity. Below, we’ll give you plenty of tips to help you make your trip to Machu Picchu with children the best it can be.

• Machu Picchu with children
• Children’s tickets to Machu Picchu
  • Best for tickets for children ages 12-17
  • Best tickets for children ages 7-12
  • Best tickets for children ages 3-7
• Discounts on children’s tickets
• Machu Picchu for babies
• Tips for traveling to Machu Picchu with children
• Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting Machu Picchu with children

Machu Picchu with children

A royal residence? An astronomical observatory? A place of worship? A refuge? While it has a bit of everything, it’s never been determined exactly what purpose Machu Picchu was built for. The “lost city of the Incas” will leave your children fascinated, from the moment they board the train and see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to the moment they explore the stone city.

Machu Picchu is an ideal place for children, thanks to everything it’s surrounded by (mountains, vegetation, rivers, archaeological sites), it will stimulate the little ones’ curiosity. It’s like an amusement park, but one where they’ll learn a lot and be fascinated by the incredible places and landscapes they’ll see.

Classic photo of foreign siblings in Machu Picchu

Children’s tickets to Machu Picchu

When purchasing your tickets online for Machu Picchu, you’ll find 10 types of tickets. Some offer historical tours that explore the main structures, others allow for a more relaxing and scenic visit, and some even include hikes to mountains or impressive structures. Discover the best tickets for children to Machu Picchu, according to each child’s age.

Best for tickets for children ages 12-17

Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A): An ideal hike to take with children is the one that leads to Machu Picchu Mountain. It’s a short but easy hike. Throughout the hike, you’ll be able to see different angles of the Inca citadel, and from the summit, you’ll be able to see the full splendor of the surrounding nature.

• Pre-booking period: 1 month
• Tour circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic route
• Maximum stay: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Medium
• Availability: All year round

Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket (Route 1D): The Inca Bridge is a mysterious structure, nestled alongside landscapes close to ravines. The route leads to a hike that will spark your child’s curiosity and is also very safe. Ideal if you’re traveling with a few people and want a more intimate adventure exploring a less-visited place.

• Pre-booking period: 1 month
• Tour circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic route
• Maximum stay: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Low – medium
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)

Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon Ticket (Route 3C): A route filled with nature and historic trails leads to the great cavern. This structure is located inside a cave and contains some of the finest carvings in all of Machu Picchu. Ideal if you’re looking for a long adventure.

• Pre-booking period: 1 month
• Tour circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
• Maximum stay: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Medium
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)

Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket (Route 3D): One of the most popular mountains is Huchuy Picchu, which involves a relatively easy hike. Throughout the hike, you’ll see panoramic views of Machu Picchu, as well as some unique buildings. A perfect route to surprise children.

• Pre-booking period: 2 months
• Tour circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
• Maximum stay: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Medium
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)

Best tickets for children ages 7-12

Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Route 1C): A light hike for young children leads to the Inti Punku gate, a mountaintop structure. From the summit, you’ll appreciate Machu Picchu and all the surrounding nature, in one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see with your children.

• Pre-booking period: 1 month
• Tour circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
• Maximum stay: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Medium
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)

Machu Picchu Classic Designed Ticket (Route 2A): This is one of the most informative and immersive routes, along with some of the most important buildings and temples in the archaeological sanctuary. It covers the middle section and is ideal for sparking your child’s curiosity about everything they see along the way.

• Pre-booking period: 3 months
• Tour circuit: Circuit 2 – Classic Route
• Maximum stay: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Availability: All year round

Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temples Ticket (Route 3B): This route visits the temples in the lower part of the Inca citadel. It’s also very immersive, allowing children to discover the reasons for the most important buildings. Children can also come into contact with Machu Picchu’s famous llamas.

• Pre-booking period: 2 months
• Tour circuit: Circuit 3 – Royal Route
• Maximum stay: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Availability: All year round

Best tickets for children ages 3-7

Machu Picchu Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Ticket (Route 1B): Routes for little ones should be kept light. This option is the most relaxing of all those available at Machu Picchu. You’ll access a truly panoramic route next to the lower terrace, from where you can get the classic photo and also have a space to relax and rest.

• Pre-booking period: 1 month
• Tour circuit: Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
• Maximum stay: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Availability: All year round

Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B): If you want to ignite your child’s curiosity from a very young age, this route is ideal. You’ll tour the central part of the archaeological site, alongside some of the most important buildings and temples. You’ll also have access to the lower terrace, where you can take a break and take iconic photos.

• Pre-booking period: 3 months
• Tour circuit: Circuit 2 – Classic Route
• Maximum stay: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Availability: All year round

Remember that all high-season tickets will also be available on December 30th and 31st. This is a special opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve with the kids exploring Machu Picchu. Remember that with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your perfect trip to the Inca archaeological sanctuary. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.

Discounts on children’s tickets

Find out the prices for children ages 3 to 17 at Machu Picchu. Remember, children under 3 enter free.

*Tickets are only available for those 12 and older accompanied by a responsible adult or guardian.

Machu Picchu for babies

• At Machu Picchu, children under 3 years old do not pay admission, meaning your baby has free entry to the Inca citadel.
• The best circuit to explore with your baby is the panoramic route (circuit 1), where you’ll have a scenic and easy ride.
• Plus, with any of your Circuit 1 tickets, you can visit the upper deck, where your baby will have plenty of space to spread out.
• The ideal ticket to visit Machu Picchu with a baby is: Machu Picchu Superior Terrace or Classic Photo (Route 1B).

Visiting Machu Picchu with a baby

Tips for traveling to Machu Picchu with children

• Visit Machu Picchu with a tour guide

  To spark children’s imaginations and answer the hundreds of questions they’ll have while exploring Machu Picchu, it’s ideal to have a guide. Their mission is to provide the best experience on the chosen tour, while also ensuring the safety of the group in their care.

  You can book a guide with your Machu Picchu tour package, or hire one at the gate of the archaeological site, although it’s best to have everything planned before you travel.

• Bring plenty of water and snacks with you

  The tour you’ll take to Machu Picchu can be a bit tiring for little ones, so be prepared and bring plenty of water and some snacks with you.

  Remember to always take the waste you generate with you, in addition to trying to reduce plastics and using water bottles or water bottles.

• Take a hike in Machu Picchu

  Having an adventure with your child or children in Machu Picchu can be an unforgettable experience for them, given the many stimulating natural and archaeological sites they will see.

  There are many trails along which you can explore historic buildings or mountains. It depends on the child’s age to choose the best hiking route within the archaeological sanctuary.

• Visit Machu Picchu during the dry season

  The weather can help stimulate your child’s playfulness; if you visit during the dry season (April to October), you’ll find clear skies and sunnier days.

  It’s ideal if you want to hike and explore Machu Picchu in detail, although if your child isn’t afraid of the rain, you’ll find more unique landscapes during the rainy season (November to March), and there will also be fewer people exploring the area.

• Take a close look at the archaeological sanctuary

  Machu Picchu has many architectural attractions that will surprise the little ones. Learn about its history and the reason for its construction to discover the Inca worldview.

  During your tour, you’ll also see spectacular landscapes and the surrounding nature, a great time to stop and admire it.

• Acclimatize in Cusco beforehand

  Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level, so you’ll need to acclimatize beforehand. You can rest on the first day of your trip in Cusco or hike lightly to avoid altitude sickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is it advisable to visit Machu Picchu with children?

  Yes, it’s highly recommended. Children often really enjoy the natural surroundings and the impressive Inca buildings. The important thing is to choose the right tour for their age so the experience is fun and safe.

• 2) At what age can I take my children to Machu Picchu?

  You can bring babies as early as 3, as children under 3 enter free. However, children as young as 4 or 5 will be able to better appreciate the experience and participate in the hiking trails.

• 3) Which ticket is best for children aged 12-17?

  At this age, they can now take on more challenging hikes, such as Machu Picchu or Huchuy Picchu. These are safe routes with spectacular views and are perfect for awakening their adventurous spirit.

• 4) Which ticket is best for children aged 7-12?

  Ideally, choose routes that are not too difficult, such as the Inti Punku hike or the classic circuit. These are short routes that combine history, landscapes, and visits to important sites.

• 5) Which ticket is best for children aged 3 to 7?

  For them, it’s best to opt for short, panoramic tours, such as the Upper Terrace or Lower Terrace ticket. These are easy routes, with open spaces for resting and taking unforgettable photos.

• 6) Do babies pay admission to Machu Picchu?

  No, babies under 3 years old enter free. Remember that strollers are not allowed in Machu Picchu, so they must be carried in ergonomic backpacks.

• 7) Are there discounts on children’s tickets?

  Yes, children ages 3 to 17 pay a reduced rate compared to adults. Plus, if your child is from a country in the Andean Community (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, or Argentina), the discount is even greater.

• 8) Is it necessary to hire a guide if I travel with children?

  Yes, it’s highly recommended, as a guide not only explains the history of Machu Picchu but also keeps children interested and answers their questions. It also helps make the visit more organized and safe.

• 9) Is it safe to visit Machu Picchu with children?

  Yes, remember to always follow established routes and stay away from restricted areas. The trails are well marked, and with adult supervision, there’s no risk.

• 10) What time of year is best to travel with children to Machu Picchu?

  The dry season, between April and October, is the most recommended because it rains less and the skies are clearer. However, if you’re looking for fewer tourists and greener landscapes, the rainy season can also be an option.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Delia L.

“If you come with small children use the bus“

“I went to Machu Picchu with my daughters, although we could walk up, we were recommended to go up by bus so that Lucia and Diana, 9 and 13, would not arrive exhausted and could tour the ruins without problems, but we still chose to walk down from Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is amazing!!!!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 27, 2025