18 days in Machu Picchu & Cusco Itinerary

A symbol of the Incan civilization, the abandoned city of Machu Picchu represents a must-see on a Peru vacation.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Wed): steep yourself in history at Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu and then examine the collection at Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Thu): get great views at Intipuncu, then delve into the distant past at Winay Wayna, and then take in the natural beauty of Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes).

For photos, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, read Machu Picchu online road trip planner.

Cusco to Machu Picchu is an approximately 4.5-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of bus and train; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Cusco.

Capital of the Inca Empire for three centuries, World Heritage-listed Cusco is now a major tourist destination, drawing nearly 2 million annual tourists with its well-preserved colonial architecture and proximity to Machu Picchu.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Sacsayhuaman and Museo Inka. Appreciate the collections at Museo de Arte Precolombino and Planetarium Cusco. Venture out of the city with trips to Salinas de Maras (in Maras), Urubamba (Hacienda del Chalan, Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado, &more) and Ollantaytambo (El Albergue Farm, Perolniyoq Waterfall, &more). There's still lots to do: visit San Blas, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cusco Cathedral, delve into the distant past at Qorikancha, and tour in harmony with nature at Manu Wildlife Peru.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Cusco online route planner.

You can drive from Machu Picchu to Cusco in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. In June in Cusco, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 1°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.