Should Kids Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Parent Checklist

Yes! Kids should hike the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But the question you want to know, should YOUR child hike the Inca Trail? Like adults, there are some instances where they should not. We provide a checklist for parents to determine if your child is ready.

If you're not sure what the Inca Trail is, check out our- Idiot's Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail

Use the list of questions below to help decide if your child should do the 4 Day Inca Trail hike. Remember, there's an alternative 2-day trip with 1 full day of hiking the short 1-day Inca Trail, and a visit to Machu Picchu to explore on the 2nd day. No camping. There's one overnight in a hotel.

1. Does your child participate in regular physical activity?  
2. Does your child like, or seek out his/her own opportunities to be active?
3. Does your child enjoy camping or sleeping in a tent?  
4. Is your child able to carry a small backpack with water, rain gear, snacks and personal items?
5. Is your child's weight proportional to his/her height?  
6. Has your child ever participated in a multi-day trip with daily physical activity? (hiking, biking, kayaking)

Here's a link to see a list of other easy hikes for families traveling to Peru
How to analyze your answers to the questions
If you answered yes to at least 4 questions, then chances are your child would be good candidate to do the 4-Day Inca Trail hike. The thing to remember is that there is no turning back and there is no way to send in vehicles or helicopters to pluck you up for a rescue. In cases of dire emergency, the porters and guide have access to stretchers (strategically stored in campgrounds along the way) or mules, to carry out a sick or injured hiker. But most hikers who become ill during the hike, must hike themselves out.

If you answered "yes" to the question about participating in regular physical activity, but your child moans and complains about it, then that question should be a no. Is there an age limit for hiking the Inca Trail? No. But kids under age 6 may not be mature enough to hike.  And any age kid who is not able to understand safety precautions should not hike. Kids who ignore parental or guide advice, are not suited for this kind of hike. Even older teens who have issues with adult authority may not be good candidates for hiking the Inca Trail. Reckless behavior, whether intentional or careless, can lead to accidents and puts the safety of guides and other hikers in jeopardy.  
And if your child has never had the chance to sleep in a tent, but you answered yes to all other questions, he/she would probably be fine if you take the time to discuss the trip in advance.  
All our hikes, tours and activities for families traveling to Peru with kids are private
Adios Adventure Travel has always run private hikes and tours, although occassionally we combine families, couples or individuals into small groups where their itineraries overlap. However, for families with children under 17, we always set up private tours, hikes and activities.

Hiking the Inca Trail with Little Kids in Backpacks
If your dream is to hike the picturesque Andes Mountains with your smiling baby peeking over your shoulder from her backpack, please try it out at home first. Babies and toddlers can be picky about trying new things and you don't want to introduce something new like riding around in a backpack while you're on your epic family vacation in South America. I don't recommend hiking with babies in backpacks on the 4-day Inca Trail. Here's why.

• The altitude can affect them in ways that are unpredictable 
• There are no medical facilities along the way.
• Regulations require that groups have assigned camps. You have to begin the hike knowing you will make it to each camp. There's no flexibility to camp or take extended breaks anytime you like, in case baby has a meltdown. 

Hiking with baby can be done on the 1-day Inca Trail understanding that once you get on the trail, you are committed to hiking the entire day. It's not possible to call for a car for pickup or go back and get on the train. You have to hike either on the trail, or if for some reason you can't make it on the trail, you would return to the railroad tracks and follow them on foot to the village of Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo.)

Alternative Family-Friendly Hikes in Peru.

If you're still not sure about the 4-day Inca Trail hike for your child, check out the easy 1-Day Inca Trail hike.  The distance is 12 km / 7.5 mi total and does not involve camping. Children only need to hike for 1 day. Keep in mind that if your child has never hiked a full day in his or her life, this is not the hike to start with. Try them out on a hike at home first. The 1-day hike must be completed in roughly 7 hours.  Average time is 6 hours.
Normal, healthy children are more than capable of doing the 4-day hike. But whether or not they are emotionally mature enough to make the commitment is something Mom and Dad should take seriously. There is no wifi or "entertainment."  And children who have never been without electricity, may not know how to amuse themselves.  It's not customary to prepare "kid meals" or special food just for kids. Kids in Peru eat the same food as their parents, but in smaller quantities.

As parents, we travel with our children to inspire them to tap in to that vast, innate sense of curiosity that we are all born with, and the 4-day Inca Trail hike is the perfect way to do that.

If you still have questions, see the "get in touch" to call or email our US office. We're happy to discuss your child's needs.