Explore Machu Picchu With Kids

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Explore Machu Picchu With Kids

Want to plan a trip to Machu Picchu with your family and have lots of questions?! We can help!

03/07/2023

Is the Inca Trail safe for my kids to hike? I think I googled this about 50 times during the course of our Machu Picchu trip planning. I asked our tour company if it was safe for kids. I searched Instagram feeds of various tour companies pictures to see if any kids were in the group shots. Why were there few to no pictures of kids on the Inca Trail? Should we be doing this with our kids?! Can they physically do it?!

I can be a worrier when it comes to stuff like this, so I researched, I asked friends who hiked the trail and I also discussed my concerns with our tour company. Everyday about 500 people hike the Inca Trail (averaging to about 25,000 people a year). The amount of people that have died is very, very low. So with all of this I decided it was safe....probably a lot safer than some everyday things we do.
I also have a slight fear of heights and worried about my 13 year old, who had some height issues when we hiked up Arthur's Seat in Scotland. Needless to say, we were all good. None of the 6 kids in our group ever felt unsafe or scared of the heights. I think I felt a slight bit uncomfortable twice, but would just hug the mountain-side and I was good. We were fortunate to not be rained on during the hike, but I think you would just be a bit more cautious on the steps. I tried to post various pictures of the trail where is was a bit more narrow or with steeper looking drops so you could see for yourself and hopefully put your worries to rest. Most of the pictures with the more narrow trail and steeper looking drops was on the last day, when you are hiking into Machu Picchu.

Here are my take-aways:
1) It is important for your kids to understand there should be no running or horse playing on the trail. I could see where pushing or being careless could lead to a fatality. Our guides were great with the kids. They had fun with them but also always made sure the kids were being careful.

2) Whenever you want to take a picture, stop, get your phone or camera, take the picture, then continue to walk. It is important to have your wits about you while you're hiking. Especially towards the end of the Inca Trail hike, when your legs are more fatigued.

3). In my opinion, hiking poles were great to have for the kids and adults. I think my husband was the only one who didn't prefer using them, but they do help with the steep steps up and down. I've had two knee surgeries and was worried about Dead Woman's Pass, but it was fine. Another helpful use of the hiking poles - when my 10 year old daughter was getting fatigued, my husband would walk in front of her and hold the hiking poles horizontal and behind him so she could grab on and have a little assistance getting pulled.

4). Lastly, this was an absolutely amazing and magical experience. To be in nature, with your family and friends. Disconnected. Not even knowing what day it was sometimes. Hiking the Inca trail with the Andes surrounding you. Words don't do it justice. If you are at all thinking about hiking the Inca Trail, DO IT!! It is so worth it. Life is transient and impermanent. Do it when you can....while you can.

22/06/2023

The 'what-to-pack-that's-not-on-the standard-packing-lists' list. Whoever you decide to book your trek through will have a suggested packing list. There are also tons of suggested Inca Trail packing lists online. This is the list that we came up with while hiking the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail is 26 miles....which probably took us about 24 hours to hike in total. That's a lot of time think, reflect and discuss what items would make the trek more comfortable. We laughed and laughed about some of these items, but honestly, not all a bad idea! 👎😂

1) Instant coffee packets - my husband and I are avid coffee drinkers. To start your day with a good cup of coffee, especially while overlooking the scenic Andes Mountains.... ahhh ☕️. Well, our tour company offered coffee, but it was cold and as thick as molasses. We would add hot water and powdered milk but that didn't help much. For those 4 mornings I replaced my coffee habit with a cup of coco tea that was kindly delivered to our tent each morning. Yes, coco tea for the altitude, etc....we are just stating additional luxury items here.
https://www.starbucks.com/menu/at-home-coffee/via-instant

2) Folding potty seat with handles - joking, not joking! I'll talk more about this later in "All About the Toilets" and you'll see why.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Primo-Folding-Potty-Seat-with-Handles/28775086
Another nice option if it were possible:
https://www.amazon.com/BLIKA-Portable-Camping-Capacity-Stainless/dp/B09BDXGFP5?th=1

3)NASA diapers - do they sell those?! If you completely wanted to avoid the Inca Trail potty situation and just power through having to stop and do your business.

4) lots of gallon-size ziplock bags - Our tour company provided a small duffel bag for our Inca Trail clothing, etc. (Your suitcases will be kept at a secure location with the trek company). The duffel bags are not waterproof and if it rains, all your clothing could get wet. We were also provided a trash bag inside the duffel bag, but the gallon ziplock bags were very helpful for organizing each days clean clothing. You could then exchange your dirty, stinky cloths into the bag and hopefully avoid stinking up the rest of your clean clothing.

5) Reward snacks for the young hikers - Between our two families, we had a 10 year old and a very petite 9 year old. We heard hiking the Inca Trail was challenging and we did our best to prepare all the kids, but you never know how they'll do until you're on the trail....hiking for hours up some very steep steps, all day. So, we packed some reward treats in our day packs. We are healthy people, but when you need to get your kid to hike up 2,900 feet in elevation gain in about 4 hours, healthy kinda goes out the window. Rice Krispy treats, Peruvian lemon candies, trail mix with M&M's....whatever it takes!

For those of you who have hiked the Inca Trail, what did you pack that you feel was very helpful and not on the standard packing lists?

15/06/2023

So you've decided you want to visit Machu Picchu with your family! Now the planning begins! It is no longer permitted to hike the Inca Trail on your own. You must hire a guide or go with a tour company. After some online searching, we decided on Trexperience. They have won many Traveler's Choice awards and Certificates of Excellence through Trip Advisor. They are also a local company in Peru who cares about community and environmental conservation. So, this made my decision to book through them a comforting one. I will tell you that for the 8 months we started planning out this trip, any time I sent the company a message through WhatsApp, they always responded in a timely manner. Like I mentioned, we are not a travel company, nor do we receive monetary compensation for any of this - we were just genuinely pleased with this company from beginning to end. But do your own research and see which company is the best fit for your family.

Depending on which company you choose to use, they will offer various treks. Our family and friends we were traveling with decided on the 7 day Sacred Valley + Inca Trail tour. This included a tour of Cusco one day, Sacred Valley the next, and on day 3, the Inca Trail hike would begin! I highly, highly recommend arriving a day or 2 in Cusco before your hike begins. I believe it allowed our bodies time to acclimate and to also enjoy the charming city of Cusco. We all fell in love with the city - the vibrant colors, cobble stone streets, the food and the people. It truly is a magical place.

Note - Lima is at a lower elevation. We decided to fly into Lima and then immediately to Cusco to allow are bodies time to just get used to the elevation. Also, to allow some buffer time in case of any flight cancellations. We traveled at the end of May into June and the weather was perfect! The crowds weren't that bad either.
Lastly, when it comes to hiking Machu Picchu with kids, there are several important things to take into account to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here's a guide on what to consider:

1) Age and Fitness Level: Assess your child's age and physical abilities. Machu Picchu involves uphill trekking, stairs, and uneven terrain. Choose routes that are suitable for their age group and ensure they are physically capable of handling the hike.

2) Acclimatization: Machu Picchu is located at a high altitude, so it's crucial to allow time for acclimatization. Spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before attempting the hike to help your child adjust to the altitude.

3) Pack Light: Encourage your child to carry a small backpack with essentials like snacks, water, sunscreen, and a raincoat. Keep their load light to prevent fatigue and discomfort during the hike.

4) Proper Clothing and Footwear: Dress your child in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes with good traction are essential to provide support and prevent slips.

5) Hydration and Snacks: Remind your child to drink water regularly to stay hydrated throughout the hike. Pack energy-boosting snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and fruits to keep them fueled along the way.

6) Rest Breaks: Plan regular rest breaks during the hike to allow your child to catch their breath, rest their legs, and take in the stunning scenery. This will help prevent exhaustion and maintain their enthusiasm.

7) Safety Measures: Educate your child about basic safety measures, such as staying on marked trails, not venturing too close to cliff edges, and being aware of their surroundings. Keep an eye on them at all times and ensure they understand the importance of following instructions from guides.

8) Cultural and Historical Education: Before the hike, teach your child about the history and significance of Machu Picchu. This will enhance their experience and appreciation of the site.

9) Enjoy the Journey: Encourage your child to embrace the adventure, take their time, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Encourage them to ask questions and engage with the guides to enhance their learning experience!

14/06/2023

Are you thinking about visiting Machu Picchu / hiking the Inca Trail with your kids?! Embark on an extraordinary adventure where ancient wonders and family go hand in hand! This page is dedicated to helping you plan an unforgettable journey to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, with your little explorers in tow.

Whether you're an experienced globetrotter or a first-time adventurer, we're here to provide you with a wealth of information, tips, and inspiration for a successful trip to this enchanting destination. From itinerary suggestions to family-friendly activities, we've got you covered!

Join our vibrant community of fellow travelers who have experienced the magic of Machu Picchu with their children. Share your stories, ask questions, and connect with like-minded explorers who are just as passionate about exploring the world with their kids as you are.

On this page, you'll find engaging content that caters specifically to families, including practical advice on travel logistics, safety considerations, and age-appropriate activities. We'll guide you through the wonders of Machu Picchu, ensuring that your journey is both educational and fun for your little adventurers. Please know we are not a travel company, just a family passionate about traveling together and want to help other families plan their own amazing trip!

Feel free to post your questions, share your photos, and engage with our community. Together, let's create an invaluable resource for families planning a memorable trip to Machu Picchu.

So, buckle up, gather your loved ones, and let the spirit of exploration ignite as you embark on an incredible journey to Machu Picchu with kids! 🌿🏞️

Start exploring and discovering the wonders that await!

The Exploring Machu Picchu with Kids Team

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