Cusco for families
Here's Cusco through the lens of families with kids: the canonical questions worth asking before you book a flight, the curated lists worth opening when you want a shortcut to local expertise, and the live right-now data below ready to inform your next decision about when, where, and how to spend your time on the ground.
Cusco for families with kids, in numbers
- Score for families
- 5.2 out of 10
- Picks on this page
- 4 places across 1 lists, led by Museo de Arte Precolombino Cusco, Casa Concha, Museo Inka
Questions families with kids ask about Cusco
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Family-friendly
Cusco scores 5.2/10 for family friendliness (see the TTDI Family-Friendliness Index). Altitude is the main constraint. Children under 2 need pediatric clearance, and kids aged 2-6 need 48 hours to acclimatize before anything strenuous. Cobblestone streets defeat strollers entirely, so bring a carrier. Outdoor Inca sites like Saqsaywaman work well for ages 4 and up.
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Is it safe?
Cusco scores 6.2 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index). The real risks are altitude sickness, pickpocketing near San Pedro Market, and drink spiking in bars north of Plaza de Armas. Violent crime against tourists remains low. Use registered taxis after 10pm and call 105 for police emergencies.
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What to pack
Layers for Cusco's 3,400-meter altitude, where dry-season mornings need thermals and midday sun lets you peel down to a t-shirt. SPF 50+ sunscreen is non-negotiable when UV runs about 40% higher than sea level. Pack a warm fleece, windproof shell, and broken-in hiking shoes for steep cobblestone streets. Skip the umbrella and heavy toiletries. Both are cheaper at any Cusco pharmacy.
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Getting around
Walking covers Cusco's centro histórico, but the altitude above 3,000 meters makes every uphill block punishing for the first 48 hours. Taxis within the center cost 5-7 soles. Download InDriver before arrival. It works better than Uber here. For Sacred Valley colectivos, head to Calle Pavitos near Estadio Garcilaso.
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Best time to visit
May, June, and September give Cusco its best combination of dry skies, manageable crowds, and moderate prices. Daytime temperatures reach 18-20°C, though nights drop near freezing. Avoid January through March, when heavy rain closes the Inca Trail and can wash out the rail line to Machu Picchu.
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