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Cusco swept us off our feet the moment we arrived. I hadn’t expected to fall in love with this cobblestone city tucked in the Peruvian Andes, but its blend of colonial charm, vibrant culture, and breathtaking views won us over. Known as the former Inca capital, Cusco is much more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s a destination full of history, color, and warmth, making it perfect for families like ours.
Cusco is a city full of surprises, and its mix of history, culture, and family-friendly activities made it an unforgettable destination for us.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru with kids, don’t rush through Cusco. We were able to do so much with our little girls, from the Panoramic Open-Top Bus Tour to the Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop and Farm Tour with Alpacas and Llamas. Take the time to explore its charm, meet its friendly locals, and embrace the magic of this vibrant city. It’s a place that will capture your heart and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Here’s how we spent four unforgettable days in Cusco with our 2-year-old and 4-year-old.
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What to Know Before You Go to Cusco with Kids
Altitude Adjustment
Cusco sits at a high altitude—3,200 meters to be exact—which can take some getting used to. While I felt fine, my husband and daughter had mild headaches on our first day.
My husband also tried chewing coca leaves, a local remedy, while our daughter found comfort in warm muña tea, a minty herbal drink that quickly became a favorite. The key is to take it slow during your first day or two, drink lots of water, and rest when needed.
If you’re traveling with young kids, keep the first day or two light to give everyone time to acclimate.
Getting There and Around
Flying to Cusco from Lima is quick and easy with carriers like LATAM or Sky Airlines. Once you land, you can hop into an Uber for a convenient and budget-friendly ride to your hotel.
When exploring Cusco with kids, be prepared for a lot of walking. While you can bring a stroller, many streets are steep or cobbled, making it difficult to push. If you have younger children who can’t walk long distances, a baby carrier or hiking pack is a better option.
Talk to your kids ahead of time so they know to expect some walking. Ours handled it well overall, though we did have to carry them at times—something to keep in mind as you plan your trip.
And if it gets really hard, you can always take a taxi or Uber. Uber is plentiful in Cusco, Peru.
Weather in December
Visiting Cusco in December means experiencing a little bit of everything. Mornings were cool, afternoons warm and sunny, evenings chilly, and there was always the chance of rain. Packing layers is essential—a light jacket, short sleeves, and a raincoat will keep you comfortable no matter the weather.
Where to Stay in Cusco with Young Kids
Cusco offers accommodations for every budget, but staying close to the city center is key. We chose the beautiful Ninos Hotel Meloc Cusco, and it couldn’t have been a better fit for our family. This artsy boutique hotel was full of character, with colorful decor and a cozy courtyard where we enjoyed breakfast every morning.
Our room had three beds and a private bathroom, giving us plenty of space for the four of us. While breakfast wasn’t included in our booking, the Ninos Hotel restaurant served delicious à la carte options that quickly became part of our daily routine.
Every morning, we enjoyed freshly brewed coffee, eggs, and pancakes in the courtyard while the kids played nearby. The friendly staff made us feel at home, and the central location was ideal for exploring the city.
The kids loved eating outside in the fresh mountain air while we sipped on freshly brewed coffee. You can hear all about our experience here at the Ninos Hotel.
Day 1: Exploring Cusco’s Historical Center
We started our adventure by wandering through Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s bustling main square. Surrounded by stunning landmarks like the Cusco Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, the square was alive with energy.
The kids loved the fountain in the center and had a blast running around while we admired the architecture and snapped photos.
Afterward, we enjoyed coffee and juice on a balcony overlooking Plaza de Armas. We soaked in the beauty of Cusco.
Lunch at Ofrenda Restaurant
For lunch, we headed to Ofrenda Restaurant, a cozy spot serving hearty local dishes that hit the spot after a morning of exploring.
San Pedro Market
In the evening, we strolled through the colorful and chaotic San Pedro Market. It was bustling with activities and busy! Tons of vendor stalls selling fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, clothing, and souvenirs – practically anything that you could possibly need.
The kids loved picking out mangoes and grapes for snacks, and the vibrant atmosphere made it a memorable experience for all of us. It was the perfect spot to experience the hustle and bustle of local life.
Dinner at Rucula Restaurant
We wrapped up the day with dinner at Rucula Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious family meal.
Day 2: Open-Top Bus Tour and Local Treats
We kicked off Day 2 with a Panoramic Open-Top Bus Tour, Cusco’s version of a hop-on-hop-off tour. It was a perfect way to ease into the day while still seeing plenty of sights.
Stops included:
- The Statue of Christ, which offered sweeping views of the city.
- Archaeological sites like Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo, where we learned about the region’s Inca history.
- An alpaca weaving center, where the kids were fascinated by the process of turning wool into colorful textiles.
You can book your tour on Get Your Guide here.
After the tour, we walked to the square and treated ourselves to ice cream from a small shop near Portal del Comercio. This was a sweet reward for a day of sightseeing.
Dinner at Green Point
Dinner that evening was at Green Point, a hip vegan spot. We kept hearing that this was a must-visit restaurant everywhere we went. I am so glad it lived up to the hype. With fantastic food and a relaxed vibe that even the kids enjoyed.
Complete your getaway with these fun Cusco, Peru activities available through GetYourGuide:
Day 3: San Blas and Chocolate Making Class
We spent the morning exploring San Blas, Cusco’s most charming bohemian neighborhood. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful blue doors, and artisan shops, it felt like stepping into another world.
The highlight was Siete Borreguitos Street, where the vibrant bohemian decorations gave us endless Instagram-worthy moments. We strolled along Siete Borreguitos Street and took lots of cute photos of the shops and stairs.
San Cristóbal Viewpoint
We stopped by the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, which offered incredible panoramic views of the city.
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop at ChocoMuseo Cusco.
That afternoon, we opted to do the Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop at ChocoMuseo Cusco. My 4-year-old and I learned about the chocolate-making process, from cacao beans to finished bars, and even made our own chocolates to take home.
It was a hands-on experience where we learned a great deal about chocolate. My daughter especially loved tasting the different types of chocolate and proudly carried her handmade chocolate back to the hotel.
Day 4: Alpaca Farm and Pacha Papa
On our final day, we visited the Awana Kancha Alpaca Farm, located about 30 minutes outside of Cusco. This farm is a must with kids. The kids had a blast feeding alpacas and learning about traditional weaving techniques.
The farm was both educational and fun, and the scenic drive there added to the experience.
You can read all about our experience here – A Day With Alpacas and Llamas in Cusco, Peru- Farm Tour.
Dinner at Pacha Papa
For our last dinner in Cusco, we chose the highly recommended Pacha Papa. We couldn’t leave without trying guinea pig, a traditional Peruvian dish. Although it took some time to prepare, it was worth the wait. It’s the best in town and something you have to experience in Peru.
We also ordered empanadas, avocado salad, and other local dishes, all of which were fantastic. It was the perfect way to end our time in this magical city.
Wrapping Up
Cusco is a wonderfully family-friendly city. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm, welcoming locals, it was a joy to explore with our kids. The city is compact, which makes it easy to experience a lot in just four days.
From wandering the artsy streets of San Blas to tasting treats at the ChocoMuseo and exploring ancient Inca sites, every moment felt memorable.
If you’re traveling to Peru with kids, don’t just treat Cusco as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu—take time to enjoy it. The city’s charm will leave a lasting impression.
