Photo: Pamela Ortiz
Photo: RUBEN QUISPE
Photo: Erick Gustavo Quito Velarde
Laguna Huaypo
★4.7(84 reviews)FreeNature
🕑 3-4 hours including travel time from Cusco👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Older kids and teens will appreciate the easier hiking trails and photography opportunities, while younger children enjoy feeding the birds and running in the open meadows. The high altitude may be challenging for toddlers, so gauge your family's acclimatization level.🧡 Saved by 47 families
About
Laguna Huaypo offers families a serene escape from Cusco's bustling streets, where kids can explore gentle walking trails around a stunning Andean mountain lake at 3,600 meters elevation. The wide-open spaces are perfect for picnicking while spotting local wildlife like ducks, coots, and if you're lucky, Andean geese against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Highlights
- ✓Stunning panoramic views of the Andes mountains reflecting in the crystal-clear lake waters
- ✓Easy, family-friendly walking trails perfect for nature exploration without strenuous hiking
- ✓Birdwatching opportunities with various Andean waterfowl species
- ✓Wide open spaces ideal for picnicking and letting kids run freely
- ✓Authentic local experience away from tourist crowds
Pro Tips
- 1.Spend at least 2-3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before visiting, as the lake sits at high altitude and the walking trails can be tiring for unacclimatized children.
- 2.Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of snacks, as there are no restaurants or food vendors at the lake itself. Bring extra layers as temperatures can drop quickly even on sunny days.
- 3.Hire a taxi from Cusco for the 45-minute journey (negotiate round-trip fare in advance, around 80-100 soles) as public transportation is limited and irregular.
- 4.Bring bread to feed the waterfowl, which kids love, but keep a respectful distance from all wildlife and teach children about the fragile Andean ecosystem.
- 5.Visit on weekdays to have the trails nearly to yourselves. Weekends attract more local families, which can be fun for kids to interact with Peruvian children.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between May and September during Peru's dry season for the clearest skies and best trail conditions. Aim for late morning (10am-11am) when temperatures warm up but before afternoon clouds roll in, typically around 2pm.
What to Know
Admission is free but bring cash for your taxi and any roadside vendors. There are no facilities (restrooms, changing areas) at the lake, so plan accordingly. The trails are not paved but are relatively flat and manageable for most families.
Seasonal Notes
The dry season (May to September) offers the most reliable weather and best conditions. During the rainy season (November to March), trails can be muddy and afternoon storms are common. The lake is accessible year-round but winter months (June to August) can be quite cold, especially for children.
Nearby Eats
Pack your own picnic as there are no restaurants at the lake. In Chinchero village (15 minutes away), you can find small local eateries serving traditional Peruvian dishes like caldo de gallina (chicken soup) that are filling and kid-appropriate after your outdoor adventure.
More Activities Near Cusco
Nature
Parque Arví
Free
Parque Arví offers families an unforgettable cloud forest adventure just outside Cusco, featuring a thrilling cable car journey over stunning Andean landscapes. Kids will be mesmerized by the aerial ride and excited to explore gentle hiking trails through misty forests where they can spot hummingbirds, butterflies, and other Andean wildlife. The combination of exciting transportation and nature exploration makes this a highlight for families visiting Peru.
Museum
Retablo Museum
$
The Retablo Museum offers a colorful, culturally immersive experience perfect for introducing children to Peruvian folk art. The three-dimensional retablo boxes depict vibrant stories from Andean life, featuring tiny handcrafted figures, animals, and scenes that captivate young imaginations. This small, manageable museum provides an educational yet entertaining way to explore local traditions without overwhelming little ones.
Restaurant
Picantería Cusco
$$❤️17
Picantería Cusco offers families a welcoming introduction to authentic Peruvian cuisine in a traditional setting that embraces children. The restaurant features a dedicated kid-friendly menu alongside classic local dishes, making it easy for parents to share Peru's culinary culture with adventurous young eaters while having familiar options for pickier palates.
Museum
Andean Cosmovision Museum
$
The Andean Cosmovision Museum offers families a fascinating journey into the spiritual beliefs and worldview of Andean cultures through interactive exhibits and ancient artifacts. This intimate museum provides an excellent educational opportunity for children to learn about Peruvian indigenous traditions, astronomy, and the connection between nature and spirituality in a way that goes beyond the typical Machu Picchu tour.