Traveling to Cusco with kids is one of the most rewarding family trips you can take. Between the history, culture, mountain scenery, markets, ruins, and access to Machu Picchu, it’s unforgettable for both children and parents.

My children have been traveling internationally since they were babies, and after many trips, I’ve learned what actually matters when packing for Cusco: comfort, practicality, and keeping everyone happy while moving all day.

The best part? Cusco is a real, thriving city with stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and modern conveniences, so you do not need to overpack. But bringing the right essentials makes everything easier.

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1. Give Every Child a Real Backpack

Since my kids were little, they’ve always carried their own backpacks (I might have carried it for them when they were tired).

I skip tiny toddler backpacks and use real backpacks because they’re much more useful. They fit:

• Water bottle
• Jacket
• Snacks
• Headphones
• Tablet
• Books
• Small toys

It also teaches independence, helps parents avoid carrying multiple tiny bags and if your luggage is overweight, you can fill those backpacks up!

Choose one that is:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Not oversized
• Easy for them to open

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2. Bring Plane Snacks They’ll Actually Eat

Airplane food can be unpredictable, especially with tired kids.

I always bring foods I know they’ll eat:

• Sandwiches
• Cheese
• Crackers
• Fruit
• Boiled eggs in a lunchbox
• Favorite snacks

After security, I usually buy milk or water.

I avoid too much sugar on long flights because overtired kids + candy + red-eye flights = regret

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3. Dress for Comfort, Not Fashion

Cusco is a walking city. Think adventure travel style.

Most people are dressed in:

• Layers
• Sneakers
• Puffers
• Fleeces
• Joggers
• Backpacks

You do not need fancy outfits.

Nice Dinner Outfit (Optional)

If you want one nicer evening out:

• Nice jeans + sweater
• Casual dress + leggings
• Clean sneakers or boots
• Collared shirt for boys

That’s more than enough.

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4. Bring Great Walking Shoes

This is one of the most important things to pack.

Cusco has:

• Cobblestone streets
• Narrow sidewalks
• Hills
• Uneven pathways
• Stairs
• Long sightseeing days

Bring supportive sneakers with grip.

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5. Baby Carrier Over Stroller

If traveling with toddlers, I’d personally choose a carrier over a stroller.

Historic streets and very narrow sidewalks can make strollers tricky.

A carrier gives you much more flexibility.

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6. AirTags + Safety Plan + WhatsApp

My children don’t have phones, so we use Apple AirTag.

We also teach them:

• Parents’ phone numbers
• Stay in one place if separated
• Go into a busy restaurant or shop and ask an employee for help

Download WhatsApp Before You Go

This is extremely helpful in Peru.

Many locals, hotels, drivers, guides, and tour companies communicate through WhatsApp instead of international texting.

If you ever become separated from family members, many people are also comfortable calling internationally through WhatsApp.

It’s one of the most useful travel apps for Peru.

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7. Sun Protection Is Essential

Even when it feels cool, mountain sun can be strong.

Pack:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Lip balm with SPF
• Aloe just in case

Especially important for kids outdoors all day.

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8. Layers for Changing Weather

Weather can shift quickly in the Andes.

Bring:

• T-shirts
• Long sleeves
• Fleece
• Lightweight puffer
• Rain layer
• Leggings or cargo pants
• Extra socks

Morning may feel chilly, midday warm, evening cool again.

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9. Bring a Thermos

One of my favorite travel tips!

I bring a thermos for warm drinks during our day trips.

Many people in Cusco enjoy muña tea (pronounced moon-ya) or coca leaf tea, a traditional Andean herbal tea commonly enjoyed in mountain regions.

I personally prefer muña tea over coca leaf tea because it feels more soothing, gentle, and calming, especially after a long travel day or when adjusting to the altitude.

Muña has a fresh herbal taste and is something I enjoy throughout the day without feeling overstimulated. Some travelers do prefer coca leaf tea, especially when they want a more energizing boost while acclimating. If you choose coca tea, I’d recommend drinking it earlier in the day rather than at night, since some people find it stimulating and it may make it harder to sleep.

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10. Medicines Stay With You

Never pack important medications in checked luggage.

As a retired registered nurse, I always keep these in my backpack:

• Prescription medications
• Fever reducer
• Motion sickness medicine
• Bandages
• Electrolytes
• Stomach medicine
• Any child-specific essentials

Cusco is a major city, so if you need anything, you’re covered. Pharmacies like Inkafarma, Mifarma, and Arcángel are easy to find throughout the city, along with little shops for band-aids, snacks, and basics. There are also clinics and hospitals nearby if needed.

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11. Books About Peru + Cusco

One of my favorite parenting travel habits is preparing kids before the trip. We read books about the places we will visit.

Then when they arrive, they connect what they learned with what they see.

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12. Cameras + Binoculars

Kids love having their own perspective.

Bring:

• Kid camera or small digital camera
• Binoculars for ruins and wildlife

Their photos are always different from mine…and often better.

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13. Don’t Overpack

This is important:

Cusco is a modern city where people live everyday life.

You’ll find:

• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Snacks
• Restaurants
• Clothing basics
• Toiletries

Pack smart, not excessive.

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14.Teach Kids a Few Words in Quechua and/or Spanish

Before visiting Cusco, I love teaching my kids a few simple words in Quechua and Spanish. Most people in Cusco speak Spanish, and in some areas Quechua is still widely spoken. Learning even one or two words shows respect, appreciation, and that you recognize you are visiting someone else’s home and culture. Even a small effort is usually received warmly…especially from children.

Easy Quechua Words

• Rimaykullayki (ree-my-kool-YAH-kee) — Hello
• Añay (ah-NYAI) — Thank you
• Maypin baño? (my-pin BAN-yo) — Where is the bathroom?

Easy Spanish Words

• Hola (OH-lah) — Hello
• Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) — Thank you
• Chao (CHOW) — Bye

Even one kind word can create a beautiful connection

My Family’s Non-Negotiables for Cusco

1. Comfortable sneakers
2. Layers
3. Sunglasses, hat + sunscreen
4. Snacks + water
5. Lightweight backpack
6. Medications
7. Thermos
8. WhatsApp
9. Good attitude

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Final Mom Advice

Nobody cares if your child wears the same fleece three days in a row.

Nobody cares if you wear sneakers to dinner.

Everyone is busy exploring one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Choose comfort, bring snacks, stay flexible, and enjoy the adventure.

That’s what your kids will remember.

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Quick Packing Checklist

✔ Backpack
✔ Layers
✔ Sneakers
✔ Sunglasses
✔ Sun hat
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Snacks
✔ Water bottle
✔ Thermos
✔ Medications
✔ Camera
✔ Books
✔ Carrier for toddlers
✔ AirTags
✔ WhatsApp
✔ One nicer outfit (optional)

Thanks for reading!

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