Kids to Machu Pichu
 

Has anyone taken kids under 5 years up the mountain? Any experiences?

I haven't taken kids to MP, but it doesn't seem like a good idea to me for a child that young. It's a lot of walking, and can be a lot of walking on steep steps and uneven surfaces. Plus, I can't imagine what there is of interest there for a child.

A 5yo kid won't understand or like the ruin itself. They will enjoy the nature, the forest around Machu Picchu, run along the grass, they will probably want to climb the stone (forbidden), but just for a while I guess. If they get hungry during the tour, they may get upset, or what if they want to go to the bathroom while you are going up to the viewpoint?, so at the end I think it will be complicated. As SJOGuy said, it may be a long day (they may get bored in the train, specially the way back to Cusco, it's too long for a kid).

You're also severely limited on what you can take inside, in particular, no food or drink. They'll let you get by with a small bottle of water (it does get hot up there), but as far any snacks or beverages a 5 y/o child might need, definitely not.

Thanks for all the feedback. Machu Pichu is definately out for us.

If your kids are used to walking / trekking then it will not be an issue. My son and I walked up and down diamond head without any issues. He enjoyed the walk a lot and is one of his favorite memories of Hawaii...

We are taking our kids (boy 4 girl 8) to Peru for 10 days in a couple months and we are going to see Matchu. Going anywhere with a 4 year old can be challenging, but I am not going all the way to Peru and not seeing Matchu. He will enjoy it at least as much as staying home and I will enjoy it way more.