7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Peru with a Toddler

Fly into the city of Cusco and take a taxi to Ollantaytambo, about two hours.

Check into El Albergue Ollantaytambo. It is a charming, rustic hotel located right at the train station. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Inca ruins. Known for its warm hospitality, organic farm and farm-to-table restaurant. Grab a Pisco Sour upon checking in. They are to die for here!

Once settled in, explore the town a bit. Grab some dinner at Apu Veronica Restaurant! Apu Veronica is a cozy, family-run restaurant in Ollantaytambo, known for its hearty Peruvian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. The menu offers a range of traditional dishes like alpaca steak, quinoa soup and fresh trout, all prepared with local ingredients. Its intimate setting, combined with friendly service, makes it a great spot for a relaxed and authentic dinner experience.

Breakfast at the hotel

Most hotels in Peru offer complimentary breakfast with your stay. El Albergue hotel has a great breakfast.

Head out for some exploring the cute town of Ollantaytambo. You can walk or take motorcycle taxi or tuki tuki. My toddler loved taking these. They are very affordable and get you from point A to B very quickly.

Visit the Ollantaytambo Ruins & Market

The Ollantaytambo ruins are a fascinating historical site, showcasing impressive Inca terraces, stone structures, and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. Climbing to the top offers a rewarding glimpse into ancient engineering and breathtaking mountain scenery. After exploring the ruins, a visit to the nearby market is the perfect way to unwind. The market is filled with vibrant stalls offering handmade textiles, pottery, and local crafts, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture while picking up unique souvenirs.

Lunch at the Hearts Cafe

The Hearts Cafe is a short walk from the ruins, they offer a variety of healthy, homemade meals, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian options, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Then head back to the hotel to relax and get your kiddos a nap if needed.

Dinner at the El Albergue Farm

The underground dinner, known as Pachamanca, is a traditional Peruvian cooking method that involves preparing food in a subterranean oven. This unique culinary experience begins with the digging of a pit in the ground, where heated stones are placed to create an oven-like environment. Various ingredients, such as marinated meats, potatoes and local vegetables are layered on top of the stones and then covered with more stones and earth, trapping the heat and cooking the food slowly.

During the cooking process, you will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient technique, which has deep cultural significance in the Andes. Once the food is ready, it is unearthed, revealing tender, flavorful dishes infused with smoky aromas. This communal dining experience is not only delicious but also a celebration of Peruvian culture and tradition, making it a memorable highlight for the whole family.

Back to the farm

After breakfast at the hotel, head to the farm, but this time to tour their coffee roasting room! The coffee tour at El Albergue’s farm offers a delightful and educational experience. We were guided through the entire coffee production process, starting with the cultivation of coffee plants on the farm's lush organic fields. The tour typically includes a detailed explanation of the different varieties of coffee grown, along with insights into sustainable farming practices and the significance of coffee in local culture. Our little one, Remi (3), played around right outside where we could see her while we learned about this process. We took home a bag of their unique honey coffee. After the tour, walking around to see all their animals, plants and farming, Remi really enjoyed this part.

Lunch at Chuncho

Head back into town to this charming dining spot known for its authentic Peruvian cuisine and cozy ambiance. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including fresh ceviche, hearty stews and locally sourced ingredients that showcase the flavors of the Andes. With its friendly service and inviting atmosphere, Chuncho is a great place to eat. We sat on the patio, which overlooked Plaza de Armas, people watched and sipped on our delicious craft cocktails while enjoying our food.

Plaza de Armas

Do some shopping and people-watching. Remi found some local kids to play with and they had a great time running around in the plaza.

Head back to the hotel to relax/nap. My husband and I switched off getting massages at the hotel while our little napped.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Delicious farm-to-table food! Get their pisco-sour. It was my favorite one from the whole trip.

Early Departure

Leave the hotel nice and early, the hotel will pack you a breakfast to go. We left our bags at the hotel and packed a small overnight bag for Aguas Calientes.

Catch the train to Aguas Calientes then your bus up to Machu Picchu. Explore one of the seven wonders of the world. Machu Picchu is seriously one of the coolest places I've ever been! It's this incredible ancient Incan city perched high in the Andes, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. You can wander through the ruins and see the amazing stone structures and terraces that the Incas built — it's hard to believe they managed all that without modern tools!

Lunch at The Sanctuary Lodge

The lodge is right at the bottom of Machu Picchu. Having lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge was such a treat! The restaurant offers stunning views of the ruins and surrounding mountains, which makes every bite even more special. The menu features delicious Peruvian dishes, so you can enjoy local flavors while you relax after exploring the site. It’s the perfect spot to recharge and soak in the breathtaking scenery before heading back to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Check in to hotel

We stayed at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The hotel offers spacious accommodations that can comfortably fit families, along with special amenities designed for children. Families can enjoy guided nature walks that are both fun and educational, introducing kids to the incredible biodiversity of the cloud forest. Once settled, you can relax, nap and enjoy the hotel's views and offerings.

Dinner at the hotel

The food was wonderful and so were the cocktails, so beautify put together. The restaurant provides a kid-friendly menu at its restaurant that our little Remi really enjoyed.

Have breakfast at the hotel and catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, drop off your bags and grab some lunch.

From Ollanta Tambo to Cusco

On the way to Cusco, we stopped at some incredible sights along the way. First, visit the Maras Salt Mines, where you can explore the stunning terraced salt evaporation ponds that have been used since Inca times. The breathtaking landscape and unique process of salt harvesting make for great photo opportunities and a fascinating glimpse into local traditions. Next, head to a nearby ladies weaving community in Chinchero, where you can witness traditional textile-making techniques passed down through generations. Here, you'll have the chance to see the artisans at work, learn about the significance of their vibrant patterns and even purchase beautiful handmade souvenirs. We got Remi and a one-of-a-kind handmade baby alpaca white sweater that we will cherish for a lifetime.

Tocuyero’s Boutique Hotel in Cusco

Staying at Tocuyeros Boutique Hotel in Cusco with a toddler is a delightful experience! The hotel has a cozy, welcoming vibe and is conveniently located near the main attractions, making it easy to explore the city with little ones. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, often going out of their way to help families feel at home. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing plenty of space for you and your toddler to relax in. Plus, the hotel's charming courtyard is perfect for letting your little one run around. Overall, Tocuyeros is a great choice for families looking for a comfortable base to enjoy the beauty of Cusco! Have dinner at the hotel. It is quite a beautiful dining experience with friendly staff and wonderful food.

Out and about town

After breakfast at the hotel, head out for a day of exploring the city. The hotel is in the San Blas neighborhood — so we started there. This charming neighborhood is known for its narrow, winding streets and vibrant artisan scene. As you stroll through San Blas, you'll discover a variety of unique shops selling handmade textiles, pottery and other local crafts — perfect for picking up some souvenirs. Stop by the San Blas Church, a beautiful colonial-era church with stunning woodwork and a lovely courtyard. The area is also home to many talented artists, so you might catch a glimpse of them at work in their studios.

Lunch at Green Point

This popular spot offers a diverse menu filled with delicious plant-based dishes, including fresh salads, hearty wraps and flavorful entrees. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. We aren't even vegans and we all loved this place so much. Be sure to also take some of their Kombuchas with you to go!

Enjoy more city exploring, shopping and site-seeing to walk off lunch. Then head back to the hotel to relax and nap.

Dinner at Yaku

This is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing and healthy dining experience! This charming café offers a variety of delicious juices, smoothies and light meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Be sure to try their acai bowls or a hearty salad — both are packed with flavor.

Plaza and markets

After breakfast at the hotel, do your last bit of exploring before heading home. Check out Cusco's Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the stunning architecture and do a little people-watching. From there, wander through the San Pedro Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, local crafts and some tasty street food. Definitely try the empanadas! After soaking in the market atmosphere, make your way to the Sacsayhuamán ruins for some incredible views of the city and a peek into Inca history.

After, have a final lunch at the hotel. We did room service while we packed up and got ready to catch our plane back home.

Then take a taxi to Cusco's airport for your flight home.