I stayed at tambo del inka but in hind sight I would have stayed in Cusco the whole time & taken day trips from there. We booked a direct train to mp out of Tambo del inka but it was cancelled & we had to get a bus to ollantaytambo to catch the train which was a pain in the butt. There are trains to mp from Cusco, just take that. Also take day trips to salt mines & sacred valley direct from Cusco.

Another vote for option # 2! It is VERY nice and everyone is super helpful. If you want to have more say on your timing for Machu Pichu, get a driver to ollantaytambo and take the train from there. Trains leave from there often and only a few leave from Tambo del Inka. We got a driver to Ollantaytambo and then took the train back to the hotel.

Option #2. Tambo del Inka is just amazing and the garden areas are wonderful to stroll with your kid. Nevertheless, make sure to have him by your side as there is a river (beautiful) that goes by the property

Option 2 for sure. Better to climatize at the lower elevations before heading to Cuzco. So do Tambo first, then Cuzco. Met several young people that had the same plans as your #1 by starting in Cuzco but they had to moved down to the valley due to altitude symptoms. We never rented a car but took the Collectivos up and down the valley to visit other sights and ruins....super easy and very cheap. Saw quite a few local children with parents in the vans as well. Wouldnt hesitate with children. We flew into Cusco then went straight to Tambo for 2 nights at Tambo then 4 nights in Cuzco. We had no problems whatsoever.

Cusco is kind of a city feel, Tambo is in the Sacred Valley. It’s so relaxing. I couldn’t imagine going there and not staying at Tambo in the Valley. If you’re looking for relaxation that’s the place. In terms of trip to MP I can only speak to the train from the hotel to MP and it was one of our favorite parts of the entire 2 week trip.

Option #2 - the train station at the hotel makes it super convenient. I also recommend reaching out to guest services at Tambo. They are amazing! We did not book anything through large tours. They helped arranged a taxi with a guide to come and each day and take us to the sites, Moray, Maras,etc. It was actually cheaper than the tours and imagine it would be much easier with a young one.

Good evening,

I recommend you to take option 2.

It's very comfortable to depart from the trainstation which is situated in the garden of the Tambo del Inca Hotel.

Have fun and enjoy

Thank you all for your answers! Very helpful!! Will be moving forward with option #2!