Can You Hike The Inca Trail With Kids? (Everything That Parents Need To Know)

Can You Hike The Inca Trail With Kids?

Quick Answer: At this current time there are no age restrictions for hiking the Inca Trail, which means kids of all ages could theoretically join the experience.

However it’s important to remember that this hike can be very challenging, and also dangerous in some parts. For this reason we recommend only hiking the Inca Trail with kids ages 8 and over, given they will be better suited for the experience.

Again it’s down to your judgment though, as every child is different and some may find a multiple-day hike easier than others. You’ll also want to see if they are enthusiastic about taking on the hike, and if they are already used to completing long trails.

Why You Should Hike The Inca Trail With Your Kids (The Main Benefits)

Now we know that it’s very much possible to hike the Inca Trail with kids, it’s also worth looking at the main benefits of doing so for both your children and for your family as a whole. Many of these will be similar to the benefits you will get from visiting Machu Picchu with your kids, which is why we suggest this route for families.

Personal Growth And Character-Building

As we mentioned before, the Inca Trail is a challenging yet really rewarding path to hike along for both adults and children. And whilst of course you’ll want to make sure your children are happy to head along the route, you’ll find they’ll grow from the experience in several ways too.

There will be stretches which will require them to put in harder work to keep going forwards, which is a fantastic life lesson for them in terms of perseverance and taking life one step at a time. You may also find your children more open to exploring other aspects of their personalities along the route, and feel more free to express themselves as they interact with nature and the archaeological sites.

Family-Bonding Time

In our busy working lives it can be difficult to find adequate time to not only spend with our children, but to really connect with them on a personal level too. Going on a family holiday is a great way of showing them that you are really present for them with little distractions around, however hiking the Inca Trail may be that extra level that you’ve been looking for.

Each day there will be plenty of hiking and time for talking, and in general when hiking we are more open to different conversations. This is a great opportunity to talk about life with your kids, and what they are most excited for. You’ll also create unforgettable memories with your children as you appreciate the views from on top of the Dead Woman’s Pass, spot wild Alpacas grazing along the route and also take memorable family photos next to the various ancient ruins that you’ll see (which is why it’s also worth heading to Machu Picchu with your kids).

Educational Lessons And Appreciation

A big part of traveling in general is broadening our perspectives, and understanding that life can be very different in other areas of the world. Children that are hiking the Inca Trail will get to experience this first hand as we hike past remote Andean villages, where they can also play with the indigenous children before we continue hiking along the route.

Your kids will also learn to appreciate better what they already have in life. If your children can speak some Spanish then they can have chats with the porters and our other workers, however even if they can’t they’ll begin to really respect the amount of work the workers are putting in over the four day period. After all the biggest lessons in life are the ones learned from watching first-hand, and not necessarily from being told about them.

A Real Sense Of Achievement

Nowadays it can be very easy to be constantly absorbed with many modern-life distractions, whether that’s playing online games non-stop or spending time on iPads and Mobile Phones. Whilst this will feel good at the time, your children may be secretly yearning for a real win in life.

Hiking the Inca Trail is one of the biggest achievements that your child can have, and helps them to really focus on making the most of life. As we saw previously, it will help them to develop perseverance, however the experience will also teach them to really go after their goals in life no matter how big and scary they may seem at first.

How To Stay Safe On The Inca Trail With Your Kids

As we will be hiking through the Peruvian mountains, many of you reading may be worried if the Inca Trail is dangerous or unsuitable for children.

Having led many hikes with families that have kids before (who virtually all succeeded), we can say that it’s definitely possible to finish the entire route safely whilst having an enjoyable time. Again the most important safety tip you can give your child is to always stay on the stone path, and walk slowly at a comfortable rhythm for them.

There will be a chance that we can spot wildlife along the way, and if this is the case it’s important that your child maintains their distance. Our trek leaders are experienced in dealing with local wildlife, so it’s best to stand-back with your children in the event that you see any along the route until they have dealt with them.

Choosing The Best Time To Hike The Inca Trail With Your Kids

In general, the dry season (which runs from May until October) is the best time to hike the Inca Trail, and especially so when with children. Here there are clear blue skies to enjoy along the way, and also with better views over the Andes and across to different archaeological ruins.

It’s also best to head during this time as there will be virtually no rain. Whilst you can hike during the wet season, the path can be slippery at times and not so ideal for children in particular. Of course the other benefit of the dry season is that it coincides with the school summer season in many parts of the world, making it easier to book a trip to Peru.

It’s important to know that temperatures can get cold at night, so you’ll want to pack properly. On our tours we supply high quality tents and thermal sleeping bags which will be more than enough, however extra layers will really help too. If your children especially don’t like the cold, then the months of May or October will be slightly warmer.

Preparing Your Kids For An Inca Trail Hike

As with anyone of any age, preparation is very important before starting this trek and can make or break your experience. And given kids tend to get tired quicker, you’ll want to prepare well in advance.

Starting with longer hikes around 3-6 months in advance is ideal, where you can gauge your child’s fitness level and how well they can walk for long distances. 

You’ll also want to spend a few days in Cusco beforehand with them too, where they can acclimate properly to the higher altitudes by heading on treks around the Sacred Valley (such as around Pisac and up to the Cristo Blanco Statue).

Overall, preparing your kids for the Inca Trail is very similar to how you will also prepare.

Inca Trail With Kids FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the biggest questions we get from readers on bringing kids on the Inca Trail.

Which Inca Trail Circuit Is Best For Kids?

Children have completed the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail before and have loved it, so if your child is up for a challenge then they can certainly head on this route. If you’re unsure or worried about your child’s fitness or lack of enthusiasm, then we would instead recommend the shorter, 2 Day Inca Trail.

What Age Is The Inca Trail Meant For?

Given there is no legal requirement, it can be hard to gauge given every child has different fitness levels and abilities. However we would say that children above 8 will be old enough to cope with the longer hikes, and also really appreciate what they learn along the way. This will be similar if you are thinking of visiting Machu Picchu with kids.

Alternative Family-Friendly Hikes In Cusco For You And Your Kids

Perhaps you haven’t got so much time to complete the classic four day Inca Trail trek with your kids. Or maybe you just have, and are now all excited for another adventure. Below we’ll look at some other great family hiking experiences.

The Short Inca Trail 

Spanning just two days instead of the usual four, the Short Inca Trail is much easier to hike than the standard route. Whilst you won’t see the same landscapes, you and your children can still enjoy many ancient archaeological sites and also spot different wildlife too.

The Lares Trek 

Another great hiking option in Cusco, the Lares Trek is the perfect all-rounder that can be completed in any month of the year. Whilst still challenging, you’ll all enjoy a variety of different landscapes such as glacial lakes, waterfalls as well as some iconic Andean peaks. On our Lares Trek tour we will also visit Machu Picchu right at the end.

The Seven Lakes Of Ausangate 

Perhaps you want a one day hike instead? If this is the case, then the Day Trip to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate will be a very memorable experience. Here you’ll visit lakes of all different kinds of colors (such as reds and blues), and completing the hike will serve as a great achievement for both you and your kids.

Summary Of Hiking With Kids On The Inca Trail

And that’s all for our guide on whether you can bring kids with you on the Inca Trail.

This unforgettable hike through the Andes isn’t just reserved for adults – given there is no legal age requirement to join the experience. However it’s important to be objective with your own child’s fitness levels and desire to hike it, along with preparing properly for the trek in advance.

Learn more about the different Inca Trail Circuits, where you can decide which one is best for you and your child.