While there is no official minimum age for hiking the trail, we asked some of our local operators for their thoughts and the consensus was 12 years old was the absolute youngest they would consider for such a trek, and that 15 years old or older is a better age to do this hike.
Can kids do Machu Picchu hike?
Yes! Kids should hike the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But like adults, there are some instances where they should not. We provide a checklist for parents to determine if your child is ready.
What age can kids go to Machu Picchu?
Outside of some of the suggestions already in this post, there are a few other things that are useful to know about visiting Machu Picchu with kids. Kids of all ages are welcome at Machu Picchu, but it is probably most suitable for children 6 years and up (lots of walking/lots of talking). Children under 8 are free.
Can a beginner hike Machu Picchu?
Beginner hikers, or sightseers who just want to get to Machu Picchu the easiest and fastest way possible, can take a train from Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. From there, the hike to Machu Picchu takes about an hour and a half.
Can you take a baby to Peru?
In general, we are sure mothers and fathers have nothing to worry about when traveling with a baby on board. As far as security is concerned, Peru is quite safe and the authorities take measures all the time. If there is something to worry about, it is regarding the altitude of certain destinations and the climate.
Can kids go to Peru?
With great food, great tourist infrastructure and truly friendly people, Peru is a wonderful place to travel to for a family holiday. Peru is an incredibly family-oriented country. Peruvians love kids, full stop. Everywhere in Peru, people will likely be interested in your kiddos and want to know more.
Is Machu Picchu fun for kids?
Machu Picchu can be a great place to visit with kids, too. Whether you’re planning a Peru family holiday or just want to do a little educational armchair travel with your children, there is lots to learn about this fascinating site.
Is Machu Picchu family friendly?
Visiting Machu Picchu With Kids
There are three areas that you can access at Machu Picchu, depending on which ticket you purchase: the citadel ruins, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu. The most kid-friendly — and the most popular overall — is the citadel.
How hard is Machu Picchu?
The easiest approach is by train from Cusco along the floor of the Urubamba Valley, then by bus up to the entrance of the ruins. Alternatively, from the station at Aguas Calientes you can opt to take a strenuous walk up to Machu Picchu – expect it to take 90 minutes to two hours.
When should I go to Machu Picchu?
Contrary to popular belief, the best time to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail is before and after the rainy season, that is late March, April, May, and September, October, and early November, the dry season months, that is June July and August, are great too but beware of the crowds.
Is Peru safe for family travel?
Peru – Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel to Peru due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Peru due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.
How long can you stay in Machu Picchu?
The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is home to more than 32 thousand hectares of nature, archaeological sites and incredible landscapes. With the basic ticket ‘Machupicchu Only’ each tourist can stay a maximum of 4 hours in the Inca city. However, there are also tickets that allow more days of adventure inside the Sanctuary.
Do you have to be fit to climb Machu Picchu?
Treks to Machu Picchu vary in difficulty and length, but all require a basic level of fitness. In general you will be trekking anywhere between 10-15km a day, for up to six days on the longer routes (i.e. Choquequirao or Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo).
Is the Machu Picchu hike hard?
What is the Machu Picchu trek difficulty? The difficulty of the Classic Inca Trail is considered to be a moderate level hike. The classic Inca Trail Route is 43 km (26 mi) long and often steep, you will hike over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).
Can I go to Machu Picchu without hiking?
Can you go to Machu Picchu without a tour? Indeed you can, but you will not be hiking the Inca Trail to get there. You can see Machu Picchu via a rushed day trip from Cusco, or stay in the town of Aguas Calientes and walk or bus up to the ruins.
Can you do the Inca Trail with a baby?
Re: Inca Trail with a baby?? No not a great idea! You have to think about if there were promblems en-route. Even if you were air lifted out, which is very un-common you are still 3-4 hours away from a hospital minimum.
Can you take a baby up Machu Picchu?
No strollers are allowed (and would be completely impractical) in Machu Picchu. Bring a baby carrier! Even if your toddler walks well it’s a good idea to have a carrier since it’s such a long day and a big hike for little legs, plus you can keep them contained when you’re too close to a cliff drop-off.
Are car seats required in Peru?
In 2016 a new law came into place where it’s mandatory to use child safety seats in the back seat of the vehicle for children up to 3 years old. Children under the age of 12 must wear seat belts in the back seats.
How do you get from Lima to Machu Picchu?
There is no direct connection from Lima to Machu Picchu. However, you can take the taxi to Lima airport, fly to Cuzco, take the taxi to Cusco, take the bus to Ollantaytambo, take the walk to Ollantaytambo, then take the train to Machu Picchu.
What are Peruvian families like?
Peruvian families usually have three or more children and extended family, or adult children often live together as well. Peruvian families are comfortable expressing their emotions and like to spend time together during meals and at family gatherings.
What are popular foods in Peru?
- A Peruvian Primer.
- Ceviche.
- Lomo Saltado (Stir Fried Beef)
- Aji de Gallina (Creamy Chicken)
- Papas a la Huancaina (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce)
- Cuy (Guinea Pig)
- Causa (Potato Casserole)
- Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Spicy Peppers)
Why was Machu Picchu abandoned kids?
Answer: Machu Picchu was not discovered by the Spanish conquest when they occupied South America. It is believed that Machu Picchu was abandoned before the Spanish arrived as there is no mention of the city in surviving records.
Why was Machu Picchu abandoned?
Because Machu Picchu was a retreat for the Inca Royalty when the Spanish took over Peru and took the Inca royalty captive Machu Picchu fell into disrepair.
What is so special about Machu Picchu?
More than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. A symbol of the Incan Empire and built around 1450AD, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
How tall is Machu Picchu?
7,972′
Can you visit Machu Picchu in December?
Is it open? The first point to be made clear is that both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are open during December. In fact, Machu Picchu remains open all year-round and the Inca Trail is only closed in February for yearly repairs. Therefore, hiking to Machu Picchu in December is certainly an option.
How do you get to Machu Picchu from us?
- Fly from New York JFK (JFK) to Cuzco (CUZ)
- Take the bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.
