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The Urubamba River winding through the Sacred Valley
Where to stay

Family accommodation in Cusco: what to look for and where to stay with kids

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Travelling to Cusco with children is a wonderful adventure: llamas, ruins that look like castles, colourful markets and trains through the valley. But the altitude, cold nights and steep streets make choosing the right accommodation even more important than elsewhere. A good place to sleep can make the difference between an exhausting trip and a happy one. This guide sums up what to look for, which areas suit families and how to plan your nights so everyone rests.

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First, the altitude

Cusco is at about 3,400 metres. Children, like adults, can get headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite or poor sleep in the first days. That's why many families start in the Sacred Valley, at around 2,800–2,900 metres, and go up to Cusco after two or three nights. Always consult your paediatrician before travelling, especially with young children.

What to look for in accommodation

  • Family or connecting rooms: many hotels have triple or quadruple rooms; ask when booking.
  • Heating: essential on cold nights, especially from May to August.
  • Oxygen available: almost every hotel has a cylinder; some offer oxygen rooms.
  • Access without lots of stairs: with buggies, car seats or tired children, hills and stairs take their toll.
  • Cot or extra bed: confirm availability and cost.
  • Breakfast included and early: useful for pre-dawn tours.
  • Outdoor space: a courtyard or garden where children can play is a luxury.

Recommended areas in Cusco

  • Avenida El Sol: flat, with easy car access and spacious hotels. Very comfortable for families.
  • Around the Plaza de Armas: everything close, though some streets are noisier at night.
  • Wanchaq: quiet, with supermarkets and parks, ideal for long stays.
  • Best avoided at first: the upper parts of San Blas or San Cristóbal, because of the hills.

The Sacred Valley: family paradise

The valley is full of hotels and lodges with big gardens, animals, play areas and large rooms. The altitude is lower, the climate milder and the pace calmer. Urubamba and its surroundings have many family-friendly places, and Ollantaytambo is handy for the Machu Picchu train.

Apartment or hotel?

For families, an apartment with a kitchen and several bedrooms can be more comfortable and cheaper, especially on long stays. In exchange you lose 24-hour reception, luggage storage and help with taxis and tours. If you choose an apartment, confirm heating, hot water and access.

Aguas Calientes with kids

If you're going to Machu Picchu, a night in Aguas Calientes avoids a very long day there and back from Cusco, which children appreciate. Look for accommodation near the station or bus stop so you don't have to haul luggage.

Keeping a routine

  • Plan at least one rest day without tours.
  • Schedule visits for the morning and quiet afternoons at the hotel.
  • Bring familiar snacks for the first days.
  • Constant hydration: bottled or boiled water.
  • Layered clothing: mornings and nights are cold and the midday sun is strong.

Things to do near your accommodation

Choosing the right base also means having easy plans close by for free time. In Cusco, children usually love the llamas and alpacas seen in San Blas and at Sacsayhuamán, San Pedro market with its fruit juices, and chocolate workshops. In the Sacred Valley, many lodges have vegetable gardens, animals and riverside paths. Ask at reception about family activities near your accommodation.

Safety at your accommodation

  • Check railings on terraces and stairs, common in old mansions.
  • Ask about stoves or heaters and keep them out of children's reach.
  • Keep the hotel's phone number and written address in case you get separated.
  • Travel with medical insurance covering the whole family.

A stress-free arrival

Arriving with tired children after a flight and hunting for a taxi can be tricky. A booked airport transfer, straight to Cusco or the Sacred Valley, makes the first day much simpler.

Before you go

Airport transfer

Book a private Welcome Pickups transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel before you land, with your driver waiting in arrivals. Check the price and cancellation terms when booking.

Book your airport transfer →

Frequently asked questions

Where is it best to stay in Cusco with kids?
In a flat area like Avenida El Sol or near the Plaza de Armas, starting in the Sacred Valley if possible.
Do Cusco hotels have family rooms?
Many have triples or quadruples; always ask when booking.
Is it safe to take young children to Cusco's altitude?
Many families do so without problems, but consult your paediatrician first and acclimatise gradually.
Is it worth sleeping in Aguas Calientes with kids?
Yes, it avoids a very long round trip to Machu Picchu.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).

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