Arriving in Cusco with children requires more planning than most airports — not because the terminal is difficult, but because of the 3,400-meter altitude. Here is practical advice for families.
The altitude matters more than anything
This is the single most important thing for families arriving in Cusco. At 3,400 meters, everyone — adults and children alike — will feel the reduced oxygen. Children may experience:
- Headaches
- Fatigue and irritability
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath during any physical activity
- Move slowly through the terminal — do not rush
- Have water bottles ready for the whole family
- Coca tea (mate de coca) is safe for older children and widely offered at hotels
- Consult your pediatrician before the trip about altitude medication for children
- Plan a very light first day — no hiking, no ruins, just rest
Car seats and child safety
Standard taxis and the official airport taxi service do not provide car seats. Peru does not strictly enforce child car seat laws, but the winding streets of Cusco and especially the mountain roads to the Sacred Valley make a car seat genuinely important.
Your options:
- Bring your own car seat — the most reliable approach, especially for children under 4
- Book a private transfer with a car seat — request it when booking and confirm the day before your flight
- Rent a car seat with your rental car — available from some agencies, but quality varies
Navigating the terminal
CUZ airport is small and single-level. There are no long walks, no complicated connections, and no stairs between arrivals and the exit. This makes it easy with strollers.
The baggage claim area has free trolleys. The distance from baggage claim to the taxi stand or pickup area is about 50 meters — flat and straightforward.
The one challenge is the arrivals area can be crowded with touts offering tours and taxis. With children in tow, it helps to have a plan — head straight to the official taxi counter or look for your pre-booked driver's name sign.
Best transport choices for families
| Family Setup | Recommended Option | Price (EUR) | |-------------|-------------------|-------------| | 2 adults + 1 child, city center | Official taxi or transfer | EUR 4–15 | | 2 adults + 2 kids, need car seats | Private transfer | EUR 10–18 | | Family heading to Sacred Valley | Minivan transfer | EUR 45–85 | | Extended family, 5+ people | Pre-booked minivan | EUR 15–25 (city) |
Practical tips for families
- Pack snacks in carry-on — children may not feel like eating at altitude, but having familiar snacks helps
- Have entertainment for the car — the Sacred Valley drive is beautiful but long for small children
- Book accommodation at slightly lower altitude if possible — the Sacred Valley (2,800m) is gentler for acclimatization
- Do not plan Machu Picchu for day one — let everyone adjust for at least 24–48 hours
- Sunscreen is essential — UV radiation is intense at this altitude, even on cloudy days