A compressed, well-paced 14-day circuit through Peru’s coastal desert, high Andes and cloud forest—see the Nazca Lines from the air, ride reed boats on Lake Titicaca, and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Practical advice for acclimatizing and packing included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the plane into Lima’s warm coastal air and the road already pulls you south—toward desert lines drawn across a plain, and upward into a highland world where condors hug thermal lifts.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
14 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to walk 3–7 hours on uneven trails and manage stairs at altitude; casual travelers should allow extra rest.
Wildlife
History
The itinerary threads pre-Inca cultures, Inca engineering (terraces and sacred sites), Spanish colonial cities like Arequipa, and the mysterious Nazca culture that created desert geoglyphs centuries earlier.
Conservation
Highland trails and Machu Picchu face erosion and overuse—follow marked paths, respect local rules, and prioritize licensed guides and community-run tours to support conservation.
Reserve your spot on the Line Nazca Uros Titicaca and Machu Picchu Essential Peru 14 Days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize slowly
Spend your first 48 hours at lower altitudes if possible and drink plenty of fluids; Cusco sits around 3,400 m and Puno/ Taquile are higher.
Pack for varied climates
Bring a lightweight rain shell and warm mid-layer—coastal sun can turn into chilly mountain air in the evening.
Bring small bills and cash
Markets, boat operators on Lake Titicaca and some rural stops prefer soles or cash for souvenirs and tips.
Train and trail timing
Start Machu Picchu and short Inca Trail segments early to avoid crowds and afternoon clouds in the cloud forest.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Support and traction for stone Inca steps, uneven cloud-forest trails and Colca Canyon viewpoints.
Insulating mid-layer
Warmth for cold highland mornings and evenings, especially at passes like Patapampa (≈4,660 m/15,300 ft).
Hydration system (1–2L)
Maintain hydration—key for altitude adaptation during long drives and hikes.
Light rain shell
Useful in the wet season for cloud-forest rain on the Inca Trail and showers in the Sacred Valley.
summer