Cusco · With kids
WITH KIDS
Ruins children can climb, llamas everywhere, and an altitude that needs two days of doing nothing.
Sacsayhuamán above the city
Enormous fitted stones on a hill above the city, with wide grass terraces, llamas and a natural rock slide. Twenty minutes uphill. Ages 4+.
Maras salt pans
Thousands of white evaporation pools stepping down a hillside, with walkways between them. Striking, brief and very bright. Ages 5+.
Ollantaytambo in the valley
A Sacred Valley town of Inca streets and water channels, with terraces to climb and the train station for Machu Picchu. Lower and warmer than Cusco. Ages 6+.
Ccochahuasi sanctuary
A rescue centre on the Pisac road with condors, pumas and alpacas at close range, run on donations. Under an hour. Ages 3+.
Altitude first, sights later
At 3,400 metres, plan two slow days before anything strenuous — coca tea, short walks, early nights. Cobbles and steps rule out strollers entirely.