Best Toddler and Baby-Friendly Hikes Around the World

Author: Celine Brewer

Last Updated:

We are big advocates of all kinds of outdoor family adventures with a baby or toddler. Getting out into nature and finding a place where we can get away from the hustle and bustle. Nature is a place where toddlers and little hikers can explore more on their own and under a (less) watchful eye. That’s why we love to find incredible baby-friendly and toddler hikes around the world.

Baby-friendly hikes are much easier to find since most hikes are doable with a baby in a baby carrier, assuming the hike isn’t too technical. We share all the best baby carriers for hiking with a baby so you and baby are comfortable getting out on the hiking trails together.

Likewise, most hikes can be done with a toddler if you can convince your toddler to be carried for a large portion of the hike or have your toddler walk the flat portions of it.

hiking with a toddler - Manarola Cinque Terre Italy

For truly toddler-friendly hikes we look for hiking trails that have fun elements and are relatively flat. We still often use a toddler carrier when hiking with toddlers for when our little hikers legs get tired. Here are our recommended backpack carriers for hiking with toddlers (we also include other toddler carriers if a hiking backpack carrier isn’t for  you).

The best way to find easy baby or toddler hikes near you is to use an app like AllTrails. This is a good idea any time you are taking a baby hiking, looking for short hikes or searching the best hikes for toddlers. You’ll get an idea of the elevation changes, difficulty level, distance and recent reviews from others who have been on the hiking trail.

hiking with a baby in sedona Arizona

For stroller-friendly hikes, look for trails that are relatively flat and wide. If you are lucky you might even find a few paved hiking trails perfect for a nature walk with a stroller, like some of those listed in our Best Hikes with Toddler or Babies in the USA.

If you are new to hiking with a baby or a toddler, don’t worry. You can find all our tips for hiking with a baby here and even more tips for hiking with toddlers.

Finally, if you plan to travel with a hiking backpack carrier on a plane, we share our experience on flying with our Deuter Kid Comfort 3 on multiple occasions.

While we’ve done a lot of hiking around the world, we love to include experiences from other parents. We asked other parents just like us to share their favourite hikes with toddler and babies around the world and here is what they came up with:

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14 Best Baby-Friendly and Toddler Hikes in Europe

Europe is a land of incredible history, but we think one of the best reasons to visit Europe with toddlers is the amazing kid-friendly hiking!

1. Latemar Natura Hiking Trail in Italy

toddler hiking on the Latemar Nature Trail in Italy

Submitted by Annabel of Smudged Postcard

We loved the Latemar Natura trail close to the village of Obereggen near Bolzano in northern Italy. This enjoyable toddler hike is around 3 km long and has lots of fun attractions for little hikers and toddlers including special look out points, sculptures and installations. The family-friendly hiking trail is well maintained and suitable for buggies but most kids will love running along the pathways which travel through wooded areas as well as along the hillside with dramatic views of the valley below.

There are a few areas of the pathway which are a little bit steep but generally it is a fairly flat hike which most young children will be able to walk. There’s sufficient diversions to distract young hikers from realizing the distance they’re travelling.

The Latemar Natura hike begins at the Oberholz chairlift where there’s a restaurant, toilets and a play area.

This toddler-friendly hike is a couple of hours from Lake Garda so if you’d like to combine a holiday on the lake with some time in the Dolomites with kids, this location is very convenient if you don’t want to drive too far.

2. Parco degli Acquedotti in Rome, Italy

kid-friendly walking trails in Rome, Italy - Aqueduct Park

Submitted by Celine and Dan of Baby Can Travel

Here’s another easy hike in Italy that your toddler can do all on their own. Aqueduct park, easily accessed by public transit from central Rome, is the perfect spot to let your toddler do some hiking. The easy walking trail is flat and you can go for as long as you want before turning back.

The easy walking trail is a dirt path that follows the well-preserved Roman aqueducts and it is narrow in parts, so it’s best to use a baby or toddler carrier rather than a stroller. You’ll find mostly joggers on this hiking trail with the odd bike, so just keep an eye out. Once you are done with your walk, you can stop at a nearby playground for a few more moments of peace before returning to the madness of central Rome.

When visiting Rome with a baby or toddler, you’ll be glad to escape the crowds and bustle of the city if only for a morning. This toddler and baby-friendly hike in Rome is the perfect spot to get away, have a picnic and enjoy the incredible architecture and history of the Roman culture.

3. Port Miou to Calanques Port Pin Hike in France

family friendly hikes in Calanque National Park France

Submitted by Sarah of Explore as a Family

The Port Miou to Calanques Port Pin in Calanques National Park is a manageable hike for kids of all ages, with the majority of the 2 km trail being fairly flat with hard packed gravel. We had our 10 week old and 2 year old in carriers but kids 4 and older would probably find this easy family-friendly hike manageable to do on their own.

This fun family hike in France took us about 45 minutes each way with the last stretch – the descent into the calanque – being the most precarious with some switchbacks and loose rocks. For safety reasons, you would want to either have a carrier handy or ensure that your kids are being extra careful.

As you may imagine from the name there are lots of pine trees that provide shade along the way. As with most family hikes you will want to pack lots of water, a sun hat and sunscreen, sturdy shoes as well as water shoes since the beach here is pebbles and not sand.

There is a large car park at Port Miou which is free in the low and shoulder seasons but during high season can be up to 10 euro per day. There is also some street parking but even during shoulder season we didn’t notice any free spaces.

Wondering what we bring for hiking with a toddler? Find all our recommend toddler hiking gear here.

4. Fairy Glen Family Hike on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

kid friendly hiking trails in Scotland - the Fairy Glen trail is a fun family adventure

Submitted by Celine and Dan of Family Can Travel

Let your toddler run wild on the short kid-friendly hike to the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. While this would be an equally pleasant hike while carrying a baby, it’s a great spot to let your toddler burn off some energy, rain or shine.

The small emerald hills with hiking trails running over and around them is the perfect place to let your toddler explore. They’ll even love spotting the sheep and bunnies in the area.

The official hiking trail to the Fairy Glen is only about 1.2 miles / 2 km long but you can spend even more time exploring the area.

Once you reach the large spiral, you’ll see Castle Ewan looming above it. It’s actually a large flat rock (not a castle) that you can climb, but we recommend taking turns heading up there if you are hiking with a baby or toddler. There are some tight spots to get up the to the top and the steps are high.

5. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Ireland

hiking with a baby at Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge hike in Ireland

Submitted by Natasha

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is one of the most scenic and beautiful kid-friendly hikes in Ireland. Connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, Carrick-a-Rede Island is the final destination. Suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level. That said, I wouldn’t recommend this hike for those afraid of heights. The hike itself is 1.6 miles out and back, good for all skill levels.

I would recommend baby wearing as the hiking trail can be steep, rocky and as mentioned high at parts. Once you get to the bridge itself you have to go up and down stairs to access the bridge. The bridge, itself, is very narrow and is not stroller-friendly. It is open all year round, aside from dangerous weather conditions.

What makes this a great hike with a baby or toddler? The views are spectacular, the most breathtaking cliffs, ocean on both sides of the bridge and along the hike you will see some local animals. It really is unbelievable. You can spend the second half of your day at the Giants Causeway (as it’s only 7 miles down the road). This should definitely be on your list of must-sees while in Ireland with a baby or toddler.

Parking for the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge hike is free, but to cross the bridge it’s 6.50 euros per person.

6. Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

great toddler hiles at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

Submitted by Celine and Dan of Family Can Travel

The Plitvice Lakes in Croatia is as impressive in person as all the pictures you’ve seen. The stunning waterfalls, pristine lakes and fun wooden boardwalks, make it a wonderful place to hike in Croatia with a baby or toddler. You don’t want to rush it here, so this is a great time to go at a slow pace and take it all in.

Within Plitvice Lakes National Park you’ll find 12 upper lakes and 4 lower lakes, with many kid-friendly hiking trails and some boardwalks throughout. While we don’t recommend bringing a stroller to Plitvice Lakes, we have seen it done. You’ll enjoy it much more if you have a baby carrier, especially on a busy day.

The flat trails make for some easy toddler hiking, but take extra caution on the boardwalks as there are no handrails. This is especially important on a busy day. We have even more tips for a family visit to the Plitvice Lakes with toddlers and the best walking routes to take.

7. Camino de Santiago in Spain

Hiking the Camino de Santiago with a toddler

Submitted by Mark of Mount Adventure Club

The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The most popular is the Camino Frances which begins just over the border in St. Jean Pied de Port, France and to walk the full route covers some 790 km. One of the world’s great long distance hikes, the same route has been walked for hundreds of years, it’s not usually considered a child-friendly hike or accessible with young hikers. But here’s the thing: hiking some or all of the Camino de Santiago with kids is 100% totally achievable.

By walking town to town, with supermarkets, bars, restaurants and water fountains along the way the logistical practicalities are easily covered. To make life interesting we decided to start in Le Puy en Velay, France and walked the Via Podiensis and the Camino Frances back to back last summer, hiking 1,500 km in total with our three children in tow. Our littlest hiker was just 3 when we set off.

The complete distance sounds daunting with kids but with accommodation every 8 km or so in Spain, you can take as long as you need, or as long as you have! France is not quite so well set up, but also completely doable.

We regularly covered 20 kms a day with Tom walking 3 or 4 of those under his own steam and the remainder parked up in an Osprey carrier on my back. We loved finding a town with a playground of which there were many. In total we spent 86 days across our two Caminos with a few rest days thrown in.

It’s not a technical walk at all, the tracks are well maintained and (mostly) not too testing, the first section of the Camino Frances is one of the most difficult (and incredible!) as you climb over 1, 000 m through the Pyrenees. Also for better or worse it’s such a popular walk, you’re never far from other walkers if help is needed and you generally pass through several villages each day.

The terrain, the food and the people make this hike. The Spanish have a special appreciation for pilgrims, but also especially for children and love seeing them, it’s like family wherever you go. We loved it and most importantly, Tom loved it as well.

For more Spanish adventures with a toddler or baby, see our posts on Madrid with a toddler and Seville with a baby.

8. Molde Panorama Hike in Norway

fun toddler hiking in Norway

Submitted by Celine and Dan of Family Can Travel

Norway is perhaps one of the most scenic places we’ve had the pleasure of traveling with our kids, so it’s no wonder that it also has some of the most incredible kid-friendly hiking. It’s not always easy to find hikes that toddlers can do on their own, especially in a place like Norway. That’s easy to get around by letting your toddler do portions of hikes and carrying them when they are tired or it gets too difficult.

Hiking the Molde Panorama is a fun toddler hike that your little hiker can complete all on their own. This scenic hike in the town of Molde has a trail that is wide and though it does have elevation gain, the ascent is not that difficult.

Our 4 and 2 year old hiked most of the Molde Panorama trail on their own. There is a little cabin at the top with benches you can stop to rest & eat as well. It was a great spot to relax and let the kids play. Which is perfect, as you’ll want the time to take in the view of the 222 snow covered peaks across the water.

If you are looking for a stroller friendly hike in Norway, consider the paved trail to Mount Floyen in Bergen.

9. Ladder of Kotor Hike in Montenegro

hiking with a baby in Montenegro on the Ladder of Kotor

Submitted by Jessica of Familee Travel

The Ladder of Kotor hike in Montenegro offers breathtaking views of the bay and mountainous landscape that hug Kotor’s charming medieval old town. Take the quicker more difficult trail directly up the stairs inside the city walls, or head outside the walled city to the easier (but longer) route – trailhead a little past Pekara AS bakery.

The Ladder of Kotor hike is not stroller-friendly, so bring baby carriers, even for toddlers. An ambitious toddler may want to hike part of it, but it’s easier to carry them. The trail is rocky switchbacks all the way up, wear supportive shoes with good grip.

Amazing views of Montenegro will wow you early on, so there’s no need to go all the way up if you don’t want to. Rocks, mountain goats, boats, and the fort are the highlights for your kids. Shade on the trail is very minimal. The entire hiking trail is about 4 miles (6.4 km) one way.

About a third of the way up, you’ll come to a house that sells water and beer. You can then return the same way you came, continue further up or cut across toward the fortress and come back down the steeper route (with some stairs) directly into the city walls.

Shop all our Baby Carriers for Hiking and Best Backpack Carriers for Toddlers in our convenient Amazon Shopping Lists.

10. Tisa Walls in Czech Republic

toddler hiking trails in the Czech Republic

Submitted by Celine and Dan of Family Can Travel

The Tisa Walls in the Bohemian Switzerland area of the Czech Republic is a fun and scenic place for a toddler hike. The Tisa Walls are found in the town of Tisa and are a series of rock formations. There are two different loop trails that you can hike with your kids here. If you plan on doing both loops, bring a toddler carrier for when your little one gets tired.

We started with the Male Tiske Steny loop trail, which is the more fun of the two loops for a toddler hike. The sandstone rocks tower above and there are endless opportunities for your toddler to climb, to find narrow sections to walk through and to run around.

The Velke Tiske Steny loop trail is less fun for the kids but it does take you to the top for some incredible views. This is a great time to give your toddler a break and carry him in a toddler carrier.

There are two entrances to the kid-friendly Tisa Walls – one outside of town by a restaurant and one in town by the cemetery. We recommend starting at the cemetery entrance as it allows you to easily walk both hiking loop trails.

11. Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland

hiking trails for kids in Switzerland - Lauter Hike with a baby

Submitted by Diana of Travels in Poland

Lauterbrunnen is a beautiful village in between the mountains in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. Cable cars run from the center of the village up into the higher smaller villages in the mountains. One beautiful hike can be taken from Grutschalp to Murren.

To get to Grutschalp, one must take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen up into the mountains. Carriers and strollers are fine to take. This is a stroller-friendly hike, albeit a bit rocky in some places, and certainly with several hilly climbs.

The views on this baby or toddler-friendly hike are spectacular. Hiking is done on a dirt road, up into a forest, through an open countryside that provides beautiful views across the valley and to the mountains nearby, and finally to the village of Murren, a car less village up high in the mountains. This family hike takes about 3 hours with a stroller but can certainly take longer when you stop to take photos, to play in the fields with flowers and to see the animals that graze in different places.

If you hike Lauterbrunnen with kids in the summer, there is also a small ice cream shop and restaurant at the halfway point by the small railroad. While a stroller is wonderful to bring, consider a hiking backpack carrier or carrier as well for an extra workout.

12. Belgian Ardennes in Belgium

hiking with a baby in Belgian Ardennes

Submitted by Bhushavali of My Travelogue

Belgian Ardennes is the hilly region in Southern Belgium, along the border of France. Toddler hiking here is very much possible and there are more than 70 way-marked trails varying from almost level-ground to extreme altitude variations and varying from just 5km to 100+ km! For the first ever hike after our daughter was born, we chose the Belgian Ardennes and we stayed at a resort in Spa (yes, that’s the name of a town!).

We chose one of the hiking trails that went through, just behind the resort which was also the short 5km trail. The trail was uneven and we had to cross some streams and climb over a couple of fallen trees etc., but there was not much altitude change. My daughter was slightly younger than 1 year old when we visited here and I wore her on an Onbuhimo baby carrier.

It was an easy hike with a baby and my husband and I took turns wearing our baby. Half-an-hour into the family-friendly hiking trail, with the cool breeze and natural sounds of the forest, made my daughter fall asleep on my back!

13. Cinque Terre in Italy

best toddler hikes in CInque Terre Italy

Submitted by Celine & Dan of Baby Can Travel

While Cinque Terre is not a specific hiking trail, there are so many wonderful options for baby and toddler hiking here that we are including the whole area. When visiting Cinque Terre with a baby or toddler, you can still do these popular scenic hikes from village to village.

Most of the Cinque Terre hiking trails are difficult and not toddler friendly, but if you have your baby or toddler in a good backpack carrier for hiking (we used the Deuter Kid Comfort 3 which is now the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro) they will be content to watch the world go by.

We found it worked best to go hiking with our kids in Cinque Terre first thing in the morning and take the train to our starting village. From there our toddlers could explore the fun streets without the crowds. Once they had walked around for a bit, we put them in the backpack carriers and started our family hike.

family adventures in Cinque Terre, Italy

After a morning of hiking with our kids, we found a playground or a spot on the beach to give them time to play.

Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats and toddler hiking snacks (plus a spill proof toddler snack cup). Some of these stunning hiking trails do have some shade but it can get very hot hiking in Cinque Terre. We recommend visiting Cinque Terre with kids in the Spring or Fall.

14. Hellnar to Arnarstapi in Iceland

hiking with a toddler in Iceland

Submitted by Celine and Dan of Family Can Travel

Another toddler hike that your little hiker can do all on their own is the hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. This incredibly scenic kid-friendly Iceland hike follows the coast line on a (mostly) flat trail. This spectacular hike traverses a lava field and there are some sections where the trail gets rocky, but it’s nothing your young hiker can’t manage with a little help. The hike is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) each way.

We started the hike in Arnarstapi, since that’s where our Airbnb was and there’s a small parking lot there. There are plenty of viewpoints at the start and the ocean views are something to not be missed. From there the toddler-friendly hike follows the coast line and eventually comes to an area filled with volcanic rock covered in moss. As you near Hellnar, the trail transitions into a long wooden boardwalk.

The Hellnar to Arnarstapi trail is not stroller-friendly, so have a carrier with you just in case. And keep an eye on your toddler to keep them away from the cliffs edge. For the most part, the hiking trail is a safe distance from the edge, but there are a few sections closer to Arnarstapi where you should be cautious.

3 Best Toddler and Baby-Friendly Hikes in Canada

1. Joffre Lakes in British Columbia, Canada

best toddler hikes in Canada - Joffre Lakes hike in BC

Submitted by Annika of Born to be Adventurous

Joffre Lakes, located in British Columbia, is a beautiful kid-friendly hiking trail to three pristine glacier fed mountain lakes. The 8 km out and back hiking trail has an elevation gain of 370 meters which can be challenging when you are carrying a baby or have a toddler that is hiking the trail. However, kids as young as three have been known to hike all the way to the second lake and back on their own two feet.

As you make your way up the family-friendly hiking trail closer to the glacier, the turquoise color of each lake becomes more vibrant. When the sunlight hits the lakes just right, they can sparkle as if little diamonds are scattered across the surface.

The hiking trail to the second lake has the most elevation gain with some cliffs that may require hand holding. The area around the second lake is the best place to have lunch or stop for a snack. The trail to the third lake passes a small waterfall and is more technical but worth the effort. If needed, pack a carrier to make it to the final lake. It is worth mentioning that the Joffre Lakes trail can be very busy.

2. Lake Agnes Trail in Lake Louise, Canada

kid-friendly hiking trail in Banff - Lake Louise to Lake Agnes hiking trail with a baby

Submitted by Emma of Wanderlust and Wet Wipes

It is impossible to prepare yourself for the colors of the lakes in Banff National Park, Canada. It comes from rock flour that drains through the rivers and into the lakes as the glaciers melt. The sun reflects off this sediment to give it a startlingly bright aqua / turquoise color.

The hike from Lake Louise to Lake Agnes is 3.5km from the chateau at the bottom of Lake Louise and there is a lovely tea house at Lake Agnes to take a break. You can go straight back to Lake Louise for a 7 km / half day total hike. Or, if you are feeling energetic, you can also hike from Lake Agnes along the Highline Trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers (where there is another teahouse) – this makes a 14.6 km loop and should take around 5 hours (not counting stops).

We took it easy so it took us a little longer. This is absolutely not a stroller-friendly Banff hiking trail– we had the baby on our back and little legs might struggle. The first part of the Lake Agnes trail is in the grounds of the famous Chateau Lake Louise hotel and is like a boardwalk so much better for strollers or a lighter walk with young ones.

3. Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, Canada

best toddler hikes in Banff - Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls

Submitted by Celine and Dan of Travel Banff Canada

Johnston Canyon is one of the busiest spots in Banff National Park, but for good reason. Johnston Canyon and its waterfalls are a must see attraction in Banff.

This beautiful toddler-friendly hike is along an easy trail that consists of a path through the forest and across elevated walkways and bridges. It’s mostly flat and enjoyable for toddlers and kids. It’s also easily doable with a baby in a baby carrier. Due to its popularity, we don’t recommend using a stroller for hiking Johnston Canyon with kids.

You’ll have the choice to just hike to the Lower Falls or make your way to the Upper Falls as well. If your kids have the energy, we recommend seeing both of these stunning Banff waterfalls. The Lower Falls are best seen in the cave on the far side of the bridge. It can get slippery and wet in the cave so take extra caution if you go in with a baby or toddler.

Toddlers will love getting close to this Banff waterfall in the cave at Johnston Canyon

The Upper Falls have two viewing platforms. To get to the Upper Falls it’s 2.5 km one way from the parking lot. There is very little elevation gain to the Lower Falls so your toddler should be able to do most of the walking then offer some help on the steep parts to the Upper Falls.

As usual, we recommend visiting popular places like Johnston Canyon as early as you can and even better if you can visit on a weekday.

Best Baby-Friendly and Toddler Hikes in Oceania

1. Hanmer Fairy Door walk in New Zealand

Fun hikes for toddlers in New Zealand - Hamner Springs Fairy Door Hike

Submitted by Jennifer of Backyard Travel Family

The Hanmer Fairy Door walk is such a beautiful walk to do with toddlers. While the Hanmer Fairy Door is only a short hike, you can join it up to the awesome Forest Amble walk to make this a 1 hour leisurely stroll.

The Fairy Door walk is located in the small resort style town of Hanmer Springs, 90 minutes north of Christchurch in New Zealand. The fun walk itself takes about 20 minutes to stroll, but the best part of this is that toddlers can walk this all on their own. It is also a stroller-friendly walk too.

The offroad trail is a flat safe track through the forest where kids can discover over 20 different fairy doors. The fairy doors open and walkers often leave little treats or trinkets for other children to find. (Top tip: Bring something to leave behind with you for other little hikers!)

The Hanmer Fairy Door trail is one small family hike that toddlers will run from tree to tree, searching for the colourful fairy doors. You won’t have to worry about them being too tired to walk on this one. So if you enjoy lighting up your children’s eyes, then the Hanmer Fairy Door walk is a must when visiting New Zealand.

2. Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

kid-friendly hikes in New Zealand - Hooker Valley Track Hike

Submitted by Anna

Hiking Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, and the majestic views both out and back, was the highlight our New Zealand adventure. We spent a month in New Zealand with our baby son who was four months old at the time and loved this trek for its stunning scenery.

On a sunny day, Mount Cook is in full view while hiking in and you can see parts of Mount Sealy on the walk back to the trail head. This 10 km baby-friendly hike is mostly flat and easy to meander with a baby. There were loads of families enjoying the park and the hike so we were in good company. The trail ends at a glacier lake where there is plenty of room to take a rest, feed baby, have a snack, etc.

It’s best to have your baby in a carrier since the hike is not paved and you’ll have to cross over a few swing bridges (which are very safe, just a bit daunting). The fun family adventure was a 2.5 hour drive from Wanaka but you can also camp at the trailhead.

Best Hikes with Toddlers & Babies in Asia

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine in Japan

hiking with a toddler in Kyoto, Japan - Fushimi Inari Shrine

Submitted by Celine and Dan of Family Can Travel

The Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto is a must see while traveling in Japan with kids and was one of our favorite easy walks around Kyoto. Your toddler will love walking through the thousands of bright orange torii gates. As one of Kyoto’s most-visited sites, this kid-friendly hike gets very busy so make sure to arrive early for the best experience.

If you are in Kyoto with a baby, you won’t be able to see this portion of the shrine with a stroller. It’s best to go with a baby carrier. We also recommend bringing a toddler carrier for your toddler, which will allow you to see more and complete the full loop hike.

The Yotsutsuji intersection is a great place for a break and the spot where most people turn around, but if you can go further as it’s well worth it. The torii gates are less frequent after this point but so are the crowds. Your toddler will be able to hike large portions of this awesome family hike, but having a backup for tired toddlers is always a good idea.

In total the Fushimi Inari hiking loop around is 3.4 mi / 5.4 km.

3 Best Toddler and Baby-Friendly Hikes in South America

1. Laguna de los tres at El Chalten in Argentina

toddler hikes in Argentina - Laguna de Los Tres Hike

Submitted by Lalitha of Jills Travel Life

Laguna de los tres at El Chalten in Argentina is a beautiful blue lake with the majestic Mt.Fitz Roy in the background. This was one of our favorite family hikes in Argentina. This hike is 15.5 miles round trip and it took us about 8 hours with a three year old hiking. This hike is accessible from the town or you can take a bus from El Pilar hostel.

The hike from El Pilar side is easier compared to the former. This route takes you through glacier Piedras Blancas and you get to see two valleys instead of one. The hike is almost flat with small bridges until the last kilometre. The last kilometre to the lake is very steep and will test your fitness.

Do check the weather as it can get very windy. Overall this beautiful family adventure can be done with toddler or baby in a carrier.

2. Machu Picchu in Peru

Hiking Machu Picchu with Kids

Submitted by Clotilde of A Princess Travelling with Twins

Visiting Machu Picchu with kids is perhaps not an activity many people would think about, but with a minimum of preparation, the experience will be really rewarding. The Machu Picchu site is vast and there are two different routes to hike plus the possibility to climb 2 mountains: Huayna Picchu and Mount Machu Picchu.

Generally, for the 2 marked routes a couple of hours of hiking are enough, but with young children it’s much better to count on three. In some places you will need to carry your kids and slow down, I wouldn’t venture on the mountains climbing as they are quite arduous, and you should be in strong physical shape to carry a child up and down there.

Ideally you want a proper child carrier backpack, but we still felt comfortable using a baby carrier and we found it was enough. As soon as you pass through the entrance gate you immediately face a fairly demanding ascent from the incline point of view (the altitude doesn’t help either), but safe and feasible for a three-year-old, who will be fascinated by the jungle that surrounds the path.

Continuing the exploration there are points, sometimes narrow and unprotected, where carrying your child is the safest thing, but also immense open spaces where they can run safely, explore the Incan ruins, and discover unexpected scenery.

Are you also traveling with twins? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Twins.

3. Short Inca Trail in Peru

Hiking to Machu Picchu with a baby on short inca trail

Submitted by Ariana of A World of Travels with Kids

Why is the Short Inca Trail in Peru good for a baby? Well, it is ‘short’, as the name suggests. The more famous Classic Inca trail is 3 days of hiking where this trek is just 1 day. It is 7.5 miles/ 12 km and only about 6 to 8 hours hiking.

Despite being short, the Short Inca Trail is still quite difficult as the entire hike is ‘up’- your starting altitude is 2,100 m / 6,900 ft and the highest point is 2,730 m / 8,792 ft. You’ll have 600 m of elevation gain, mostly through hiking on steps. This family adventure is quite hard work… especially if you are carrying a baby!

In our case, we’d actually planned to do the longer 4 day Inca Trail trek but our whole family had been sick and weren’t well – so we opted to have a porter carry the baby, which we were very glad of. In addition to being just one day on the trail, this trek is great for a baby as you get to spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes in a hotel. We then had a great Machu Picchu visit the next day.

Best Hikes with Babies or Toddlers Around the World

This post was written & edited by:

Celine Brewer - Baby Can Travel
info@babycantravel.com | Website | + posts

Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.

Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.

Read more about Celine Brewer.

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