Most people will know Cusco as the city that is the gateway to Machu Picchu, but to dismiss the city as simply a transit point is to miss out on the wonderful things that can be enjoyed in the area.

Whether you are traveling with young children or teenagers, there are plenty of things to do in Cusco that will be interesting for all the family, and help to bring the family together to enjoy some amazing experiences in Peru.


Here are some of the best family friendly activities to enjoy in and around Cusco.

Go Horseback Riding Up the Valley

This part of Peru is famous for its scenery, and when it comes to climbing up the slopes to get some great views and to explore the area, doing so on horseback is a very interesting way to see the sights of the Sacred Valley.

While the adults will drink in the views and the scenery, the children will love bonding with the placid Paso horses that are found in this part of the world and used for most horse trekking trips.

Feeding Pigeons at The Plaza De Armas

If you have younger children, this is one of the best ways to get them to enjoy the Plaza de Armas, as there are several vendors around the square that sell bird seed that the children will be able to share with the birds. This will also give you the opportunity to explore the square together, and to see some of the wonderful buildings that are located around the square itself.

Exploring Sacsayhuaman

The Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman are a great place for children, as they really do help to fire their imagination, and when you talk with them about the great Inca people, the fortifications and the great celebrations held on this site, it can be a great history lesson too.

The large walls are also very impressive, and help to make this a great place for children to play with imagination.

Learn More about Chocolate at the Choco Museo

There are few things that can help to persuade children to make the right decision more than chocolate, so going to a museum dedicated to the wonderful treat is usually a no-brainer for families visiting Cusco. With great exhibitions and workshops for children that will allow them to make their own chocolates, this is a great way to learn and to enjoy at the same time.

Take A Peruvian Cooking Class

Cooking is a great activity for younger children, and there are some great classes in Cusco that will allow you to learn more about the local dishes in a fun and friendly environment, and to try out a few recipes too. Plenty of fun, these classes are a great way to help give children and young people a taste for different cuisines, this is a great option for a relaxed afternoon.

See the City from the Tram

Five times a day, the tram leaves the Plaza de Armas on a tour of the city, and takes in many of the major sites in the city. This open air trip is fun for children and allows them to see a lot of what is going on in the city, while it is an ideal activity for those just arrived in the city, who are looking for something without too much exertion if they are still acclimatizing to the high altitude of the area.

Try the Ice Cream at El Hada

El Hada is one of the best places in the city if the sun is shining and you are looking for a cooling snack. With over forty flavors of ice cream on offer, from the typical sweet flavors you would expect through to more adventurous options such as lavender and baked apple varieties.

Go Quad Biking in the Hills Around the City

If you are traveling with teenagers who want to get a little more speed into their adventure around the city, quad biking is a great option as it is a generally safe activity, but also one that offers enough adventure to be enjoyable. From full sized quad bikes for the older teens down to smaller bikes, there are options that will make the trip fun for everyone in the family.