Visiting Machu Picchu with family is an enriching and unforgettable experience. Keep in mind that, as a historical monument, there are rules to follow, such as staying on the established paths, not climbing the terraces, and avoiding crowding, among others.
If you are traveling with children or minors under 17, note that there is a discount for entrance tickets to the citadel: children under three years old enter for free. Remember that minors can only enter the citadel accompanied by their parents or a legal guardian.
If the minors in your family are teenagers, hiking up to Machu Picchu can be a great adventure; it takes approximately 2 hours. But if they are younger children, it is most recommended to take the tourist bus, which takes around 30 minutes.
To make this long-awaited family trip, keep in mind that the year is divided into two well-defined seasons: the dry season (April to October)—for this time, pack a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, light clothing, and trekking shoes; and the rainy season (November to March), when you should bring a rain poncho, waterproof clothing, and mosquito repellent. Trekking shoes are essential, and it's important to take proper precautions.
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This is the rainiest season of the year, especially February (which is why the Inca Trail is closed during the entire month). However, the days are warm, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 21°C, and the nights are not as cold compared to the dry season, with more stable temperatures.
Rain is usually intermittent, lasting from a few minutes to 2–3 hours, and can occur at any time of the day, most commonly in the afternoon.
The advantage of this season is that you will find fewer people at the Machu Picchu citadel, allowing for more relaxed family photos, which can be difficult in the dry season due to high tourist demand.
Another pleasant aspect is the greener vegetation and vibrant flora—perfect for nature lovers. During the rainy season, it is best to bring waterproof clothing, a rain poncho, and trekking shoes, especially if you're traveling with children.
This season is excellent for family trips and is favored by many travelers due to minimal rain.
What characterizes this time of year is the temperature variation between day and night. Days are sunny and warm, so light clothing is ideal, but at night the temperature drops drastically, so bring a jacket or sweater to avoid catching a cold.
Don’t forget to bring a hat, water in canteens, and sunscreen, as the sun is present all day. It's also very important to bring repellent, as there are many mosquitoes during this season.
Here are some tips to make your visit to Machu Picchu unforgettable:
It’s important to secure your entrance tickets to the citadel before arriving in Cusco to avoid issues. Once in Cusco, you’ll have several options to reach Machu Picchu. If traveling with children, the best option is by train. The most common train departs from Ollantaytambo. To get there by bus or taxi, it’s a 2-hour drive; from there, the train ride to Aguas Calientes takes nearly 2 more hours. You’ll follow the same route on your return.
When traveling with family, it is recommended to plan your Machu Picchu visit over 2 days, staying overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Keep in mind that you must enter Machu Picchu at your scheduled time. If the minors in your family are teenagers, hiking up to Machu Picchu can be a great adventure—it takes about 2 hours. But if they are young children, it’s best to take the tourist bus. The ride takes 30 minutes; the return route will be the same.
Always carry identification documents or passports, as well as your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
