Family-Friendly Adventures in Cusco!

Q"enqo (Qenko)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Q"enqo (Qenko), Cusco

Morning: Arrival at Q"enqo

Start your adventure early by catching a taxi or bus from the historic center of Cusco. It"s a short ride - only about 15 minutes - to this fascinating archaeological site nestled in the Peruvian landscape. The site opens at 7 AM, perfect for beating the crowds and enjoying a cooler exploration.

Exploring Q"enqo

Q"enqo, a mysterious part of the Sacred Valley, was an important ceremonial center for the Incas. Its name means "zigzag," likely due to the labyrinthine underground channels or perhaps the zigzagging channels carved into its rocky surfaces, which were possibly used for channelling chicha (corn beer) during rituals. Take your time wandering through its enigmatic chambers and passageways. Be sure to show your kids the giant limestone block with carvings that create shadow plays with the sun, illustrating the Incan mastery of integrating natural elements into their spiritual practices.

Interactive Learning

Engage the kids by playing a "history detective" game where they guess the purpose of different areas, like the amphitheater or the carved seats. Discuss how the Incas used natural caves for their ceremonies and how they might have felt attending one.

Afternoon: Picnic and Reflection

By midday, unpack a picnic at the nearby grassy areas, under the eucalyptus trees. Use this time to relax and reflect on what you"ve learned. Ask the kids to imagine what a ceremony might have looked like and draw it in their travel journals.

Late Afternoon: Return to Cusco

Stroll back to your transportation around 3 PM and head back into Cusco. This gives you plenty of time to unwind back at your accommodation or perhaps explore some more of Cusco"s charming streets as a family.

Remember, Q"enqo is part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket, so if you"re planning to visit multiple sites, this could be a cost-effective option. Enjoy immersing your family in the rich history and culture of the Incas!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Inca Quarry Trail

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating adventure with your family along the Inca Quarry Trail, a less-trodden yet enriching alternative to the classic Inca Trail. This 4-day trek not only offers stunning scenery but also a deep dive into Incan history without the crowds, making it perfect for a family excursion.

Day 1: Cusco to Rafq’a

Begin your journey in Cusco, where you"ll catch an early morning transport to Socma, a small community in the Sacred Valley. From Socma, start your hike towards the Perolniyoc cascade, a breathtaking waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing splash. Post lunch, trek to your campsite near Rafq"a. This day involves about 4 to 5 hours of hiking, making it a gentle start to your adventure.

Day 2: Rafq’a to Cachiccata Quarry

The second day, considered the most challenging, involves a 5-6 hour hike to the top of the 4,450 meters Kuychicassa pass. The effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and the Veronica Mountain. Descend to the Cachiccata Quarry, where you"ll find large stones that were carved but mysteriously abandoned by the Incas. Spend the night camping nearby, under the stars.

Day 3: Cachiccata Quarry to Ollantaytambo

Explore the quarry in the morning, learning about the stone extraction techniques the Incas used. Then trek downhill to Ollantaytambo, about 3-4 hours away. This living Incan town is notable for its water channels running along the narrow streets. Explore these ruins, which served as a strategic military, agricultural, and religious hub.

Day 4: Ollantaytamboo to Machu Picchu

From Ollantaytambo, take an early train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Spend the day marveling at this New Wonder of the World before returning to Cusco by train and bus.

This itinerary offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and history, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Agricultural Terraces of Moray

Why Visit?

Morning: Departure & Arrival

Start your adventure to the Agricultural Terraces of Moray early in the morning. If you"re based in Cusco, you can rent a car or join a guided tour; the drive is scenic and takes about 1.5 hours. The route passes through the beautiful Sacred Valley, so keep your cameras ready!

Late Morning: Exploring Moray

Once at Moray, begin exploring the site known for its remarkable Incan ingenuity. These circular terraces served as an agricultural laboratory with each level possessing a different microclimate. This allowed the Incas to experiment with crops, a fact that will fascinate both kids and adults alike. The temperature can vary by as much as 15°C from top to bottom!

Take a guided tour (highly recommended) to dive deep into how the Incas used this site effectively for agricultural research. Walking down the terraces, imagine being an Inca farmer experimenting with crops - a great way for kids to learn history hands-on!

Lunch: Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated areas with a panoramic view of the terraces. This is a perfect time for the family to relax and soak in the serene beauty of the Andes.

Afternoon: Maras Salt Mines

Post lunch, drive about 20 minutes to the Maras Salt Mines. These pre-Inca salt pools make for a striking landscape that is not only a photographer"s dream but also a curious sight for young explorers. Learn how salt has been harvested traditionally and even try your hand at collecting some under the guidance of local workers.

Late Afternoon: Return to Cusco

Wrap up the day with a scenic drive back to Cusco. If time permits, stop by the town of Chinchero to witness a traditional weaving demonstration, offering a gentle close to a day full of history, science, and local culture.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ollantaytambo Ruins

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating family adventure to the ancient Ollantaytambo Ruins, nestled in the Sacred Valley of Peru! Begin your journey from Cusco, easily accessible by bus or train, which offers stunning scenic views as you travel approximately 2 hours to reach this historic town.

### Morning Exploration

Start early to beat the crowds and the sun. Once you arrive, head directly to the Ollantaytambo Ruins. The entrance is part of the Boleto Turistico (Tourist Ticket), which covers multiple sites and can be purchased in Cusco or at the site itself. Ascend the terraces at a leisurely pace, suitable for little legs, and reach the top to enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and the intricate stone work, which was once part of a strategic military, agricultural, and religious hub.

### Learn and Play

Engage the kids with stories of the great Inca leader, Pachacutec, who built this fortress to protect against invaders. Explore the Temple of the Sun and marvel at the massive stones perfectly aligned with astronomical events. Kids will love hearing about the Inca’s ingenious farming techniques and might even relate to the ancient children who once played there!

### Lunch and Local Culture

Take a break and enjoy a picnic with local produce from the nearby market, or dine at a family-friendly restaurant in the town’s charming plaza. Post-lunch, stroll through the cobblestone streets, visiting local shops for handcrafted souvenirs, and watch artisans at work.

### Afternoon Adventure

In the afternoon, consider a visit to the nearby chocolate museum where families can learn about chocolate making from bean to bar and participate in workshops.

### Relaxing Evening

Conclude your day by the river or in a quiet spot where kids can sketch the ruins or journal about their day while adults enjoy a moment of peaceful reflection on the rich history of the Incas.

This family-friendly tour of Ollantaytambo offers a memorable and educational experience that blends history, culture, and adventure, perfect for curious minds of all ages!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ausangate Trail

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical 5-day journey along the breathtaking Ausangate Trail, nestled in the Peruvian Andes, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco. This adventure is best suited for families with older children who relish outdoor trekking and have a moderate level of fitness.

Day 1: Cusco to Upis

Begin your journey by driving from Cusco to Tinqui, which takes about 3 hours. From Tinqui, start your trek towards Upis. Along the way, enjoy the stunning vistas of the rugged terrain and the majestic Mount Ausangate. Set up camp in Upis, where you can unwind in the thermal springs while admiring the towering peaks.

Day 2: Upis to Ausangate Cocha

Head for the first mountain pass, Arapa Pass (4,850 meters), enjoying panoramic views and spotting vibrant bird life. Descend to Lake Pucacocha, a picturesque spot perfect for a family picnic. Camp by Ausangate Cocha, a serene lake that mirrors the snowy summit.

Day 3: Ausangate Cocha to Q"ampa

Trek through the high pass of Palomani (5,200 meters), the highest point of the trek, offering exhilarating views. Descend to the broad Pampa Jutunpata and then ascend to Q"ampa pass. Overnight at Q"ampa.

Day 4: Q"ampa to Pacchanta

Descend through the valley to the small village of Pacchanta. Here, soak in the hot springs and enjoy a traditional Andean meal— a great way to relax and reflect on the journey. Learn about the local Quechua culture from the village residents.

Day 5: Pacchanta to Cusco

Enjoy a leisurely morning at Pacchanta before trekking back to Tinqui. From there, a vehicle will take you back to Cusco. Reflect on the incredible memories and breathtaking scenery you"ve experienced.

This route is not only a physical journey but also a cultural experience, offering a glimpse into the life of Andean communities and the stunning natural beauty of Peru.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.