Latin America · Best May–Sep
Machu Picchu packing list for families
Peru packs mountain weather, ancient stone steps, and real altitude into one trip. The right layers and shoes make the difference between kids who love the ruins and kids who just want to sit down.
Photo by Eddie Kiszka on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Peru: Machu Picchu
- Altitude is the thing to plan around. I like starting in the Sacred Valley, which sits lower than Cusco, and keeping the first day or two slow before any big sightseeing.
- Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket with set routes, and your passport is checked at the gate, so book early for dry-season dates and keep passports in your daypack.
- Days swing from chilly mornings to strong midday sun. Dress everyone in zip-off layers, and bring a sun hat and a packable rain jacket even in the dry season.
Best timeMay–Sep
PlugsType A and C, bring an adapter
MoneyPeruvian sol
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Peru: Machu Picchu
This time of year
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Carry-on19
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Small daypackMachu Picchu limits bag size at the entrance.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable fleeceMornings and evenings at altitude are cold.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Kids' hiking shoesKristina's pickStone steps at the ruins get slick after rain.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure1
Rain ponchoShowers roll in quickly around Machu Picchu.
Little ones13
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
SPF lip balmHigh-altitude sun and dry air chap lips fast.
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType A and C, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Peru: Machu Picchu weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66°F 19°C | Rainy season: green hills, frequent afternoon rain, and muddier trails. | The landscape is at its greenest after the rains. |
| February | 66°F 19°C | Rainy season: green hills, frequent afternoon rain, and muddier trails. | The classic Inca Trail closes for maintenance, though Machu Picchu stays open. The landscape is at its greenest after the rains. |
| March | 67°F 19°C | Rainy season: green hills, frequent afternoon rain, and muddier trails. | The landscape is at its greenest after the rains. |
| April | 68°F 20°C | Rains taper off and the valley is still lush. | The landscape is at its greenest after the rains. |
| May | 68°F 20°C | Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco. | Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives. |
| June | 67°F 19°C | Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco. | Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives. Inti Raymi, the Inca sun festival, fills Cusco on June 24. |
| July | 67°F 19°C | Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco. | Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives. |
| August | 68°F 20°C | Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco. | Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives. |
| September | 69°F 21°C | Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco. | Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives. |
| October | 70°F 21°C | Warmer days with clouds building and showers returning. | |
| November | 70°F 21°C | Warmer days with clouds building and showers returning. | |
| December | 68°F 20°C | Rainy season: green hills, frequent afternoon rain, and muddier trails. | Cusco's Christmas Eve market in the Plaza de Armas. |
Questions families ask
Peru: Machu Picchu with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Peru: Machu Picchu with kids?
The best time is May–Sep. Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco.
What's the weather like in Peru: Machu Picchu?
Typical daytime highs range from about 66°F (19°C) in January to about 70°F (21°C) in October. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Peru: Machu Picchu?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Peru: Machu Picchu?
Type A and C, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Peru: Machu Picchu with kids?
Altitude is the thing to plan around. I like starting in the Sacred Valley, which sits lower than Cusco, and keeping the first day or two slow before any big sightseeing.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.