Settle into your family-friendly hotel, rest, hydrate, and drink coca tea to help with altitude adjustment—take it slow this morning to avoid altitude sickness.
Explore the colorful market stalls and try a light lunch (roasted chicken, empanadas, fresh fruit). Markets are lively and a good introduction to local food and crafts (open ~6:00am–4:00pm).
Walk through this compact archaeological site and museum that blends Inca stonework with colonial architecture; it's an easy, informative visit and helps with gentle acclimatization (open ~9:00am–5:30pm).
Start in Pisac to browse the artisan market (best in the morning) and, if the family feels good, take a gentler walk up to the ruins for panoramic valley views (ruins open ~6:30am–5:30pm).
Lunch at a relaxed Sacred Valley restaurant with child-friendly menu options and local dishes made from fresh valley produce (many restaurants open 8:00am–10:00pm).
Visit the fortress and terraces of Ollantaytambo—kids enjoy the stepped terraces and climbing small ramps; the town itself is picturesque and easy to stroll (site open ~6:00am–6:00pm).
Comfortable restaurant with farm-to-table options; relaxed atmosphere suitable for families and located conveniently near the train station if you'll depart early next day.
Grab a light to-go breakfast from your hotel (sandwich, fruit, tea) so you can leave early for Machu Picchu—many families prefer this to maximize cooler morning temps and smaller crowds.
Board the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance; buses run from ~5:00am onward—expect short queues but book bus tickets round-trip in advance when possible.
Official guided tour (approx 1.5–2 hours) covers the main plaza, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun and other highlights—timed-entry required (site open ~6:00am–5:30pm).
If the family is up for it, a gentle but steady 1.5–2 hour walk to the Sun Gate offers iconic views of the citadel and is less steep than Huayna Picchu; otherwise relax and take photos in the main terraces.
Afternoon train back toward Ollantaytambo, then private transfer or bus to Cusco; expect the combined trip to take several hours—book trains early to secure seats.
Return to Cusco and enjoy a celebratory dinner at a quality local restaurant—Chicha by Gastón Acurio is family-friendly but reservations are recommended.
Stroll the artists' quarter to visit small workshops and galleries—short, easy walks and great for picking up smaller souvenirs; open all day but quieter in the morning.
Book a 2–3 hour workshop where kids can learn to make chocolate or simple Peruvian dishes—fun, hands-on and family-friendly (many tours run mornings to early afternoon).
Private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your flight home—allow at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international.