Top Family Vacation Spots in Cusco, Cusco, Peru

Cusco, Peru, Cusco, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Top Family Vacation Spots

Top Family Vacation Spots in Cusco, Cusco, Peru

1. Sacred Valley of the Incas

A lush valley filled with Incan ruins and traditional villages, perfect for family exploration and learning about ancient cultures.
  • Rich History: Offers a glimpse into the Incan civilization through its well-preserved ruins
  • Cultural Experiences: Allows families to engage with local communities and learn traditional customs
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases breathtaking landscapes, including lush farmlands, towering mountains, and crystal-clear rivers

2. Machu Picchu

An awe-inspiring Incan citadel set high in the Andes mountains, ideal for adventurous families seeking unforgettable experiences.
  • Architectural Marvel: Features intricate stone architecture that showcases the Incan's masterful engineering skills
  • Nature and Wildlife: Surrounded by lush forests teeming with diverse wildlife, including exotic birds and alpacas
  • Incan Culture: Provides a unique opportunity to learn about the enigmatic Incan civilization

3. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

A vibrant, multi-colored mountain range offering a spectacular hiking adventure for families with older children.
  • Stunning Landscapes: Features a breathtaking display of colorful mineral deposits in the mountainside
  • Adventure and Fitness: Requires moderate to challenging hiking abilities, making it ideal for active families
  • Unique Photography Opportunities: Offers incredible photo opportunities against the backdrop of the vibrant mountain range

4. Lake Humantay

A picturesque glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, ideal for families seeking a scenic hike.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean landscapes and glaciers
  • Moderate Hiking: Requires a moderately challenging hike, making it suitable for older children and active families
  • Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot local wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and Andean foxes

5. Ollantaytambo

An Incan town with ancient ruins, offering families a chance to immerse themselves in Incan culture.
  • Archaeological Wonders: Features well-preserved Incan ruins, including terraces and temples
  • Cultural Immersion: Provides an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of modern Andean communities
  • Access to Machu Picchu: Serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu, making it convenient for families planning a trip there

6. Pisac Market

A bustling market selling local goods and textiles, ideal for families seeking cultural experiences.
  • Cultural Exchange: Offers opportunities to interact with local artisans and learn about traditional Peruvian crafts
  • Shopping Opportunities: Features a wide variety of locally made textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts for purchase
  • Local Cuisine: Allows families to sample traditional Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos

7. Chinchero

A picturesque Andean village known for its traditional textiles and vibrant market.
  • Cultural Immersion: Offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Andean communities and their traditional customs
  • Textile Workshops: Features textile workshops where families can learn about traditional Peruvian weaving techniques
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by rolling hills and colorful terraces, offering breathtaking photo opportunities

8. Pisac Inca Ruins

An extensive network of Incan ruins, including terraces, temples, and a fortress, offering families a chance to explore ancient history.
  • Archaeological Wonders: Features well-preserved Incan ruins, including terraces, temples, and a fortress
  • Cultural Immersion: Provides an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of modern Andean communities
  • Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding Sacred Valley

9. Urbabamba River

A rushing river ideal for white-water rafting and ziplining adventures, offering families a dose of adrenaline.
  • Adrenaline Activities: Offers exciting activities like white-water rafting and ziplining for families seeking adventure
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush forests and towering cliffs, offering breathtaking photo opportunities
  • Environmental Education: Provides opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts

10. Maras Salt Mines

A series of salt pans dating back to Incan times, offering families a unique and educational experience.
  • Historical Significance: Features salt pans that have been in use since Incan times
  • Cultural Education: Provides opportunities to learn about traditional salt production methods
  • Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning photo opportunities against the backdrop of the terraced salt pans and surrounding landscape

11. Moray Inca Terraces

A series of terraced depressions believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation, offering families a unique glimpse into the past.
  • Historical Significance: Features terraces that were likely used for agricultural experimentation by the Incas
  • Cultural Education: Provides opportunities to learn about ancient agricultural practices and Incan ingenuity
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant landscapes, offering breathtaking photo opportunities

12. Coricancha Temple

An Incan sun temple covered in gold, offering families a glimpse into the religious beliefs of the Incas.
  • Religious History: Features remnants of an Incan sun temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God Inti
  • Architectural Marvel: Showcases intricate stonework and a harmonious blend of astronomical alignments
  • Cultural Education: Provides opportunities to learn about the religious practices and beliefs of the Incas

13. Tipon Inca Ruins

A well-preserved Incan agricultural complex offering families a unique glimpse into ancient farming practices.
  • Historical Significance: Features an ancient Incan agricultural complex with intricate terraces and canals
  • Cultural Education: Provides opportunities to learn about ancient farming practices and Incan ingenuity
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant landscapes, offering breathtaking photo opportunities

14. Tambomachay Inca Baths

An Incan bath complex featuring intricate stonework and water channels, offering families a glimpse into the past.
  • Historical Significance: Features an ancient Incan bath complex with intricate stonework and water channels
  • Cultural Education: Provides opportunities to learn about the daily lives and customs of the Incas
  • Architectural Marvel: Showcases intricate stonework and a harmonious blend of water and architecture

15. Saqsaywaman

An impressive Incan fortress overlooking Cusco, offering families a glimpse into the might of the Incan empire.
  • Architectural Marvel: Features massive stone walls and intricate construction techniques
  • Cultural Education: Provides opportunities to learn about the military might and defensive strategies of the Incas
  • Natural Beauty: Offers panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley