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 San Blas. Appreciate the collections at Museo de Arte Precolombino and Museo Inka. Venture out of the city with trips to Ollantaytambo (El Albergue Farm, Perolniyoq Waterfall, &more), Urubamba (Hacienda del Chalan, Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado, &more) and Salinas de Maras (in Maras). There's much more to do: delve into the distant past at Qorikancha, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cusco Cathedral, see the interesting displays at Planetarium Cusco, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, go to the Cusco road trip website.

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, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.