A two-week journey that links Peru’s Inca heartland with Bolivia’s otherworldly salt flats. Expect archaeological giants, desert coasts, high Andean wetlands and significant altitude transitions.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the early-morning flight into Cusco’s thin air or watch pink flamingos mirror themselves in a crater lake at sunset — this itinerary stitches together two countries’ highland dramas into a single, continuous adventure. From colonial Lima’s baroque churches to the wind-swept white plain of Uyuni, the landscape keeps changing like chapters in a field guide.
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
14 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness recommended; ability to tolerate multiple days above 3,000–5,200 m and short hikes of 1–3 hours at altitude.
Wildlife
History
The itinerary links pre-Columbian engineering (Nasca aqueducts, Inca terraces) with colonial-era centers like Lima’s San Francisco convent and Cusco’s stone ceremonial sites.
Conservation
High-altitude wetlands and salt flats are ecologically fragile; travelers should stick to marked paths, avoid leaving waste and support local community guides to promote sustainable tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Wonders Peru Machupicchu & Bolivia Salar Uyuni 14Days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before high passes
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco or similar elevation to reduce altitude sickness risk; avoid heavy exercise on arrival.
Hydration and medication
Drink regularly (not just when thirsty) and consider acetazolamide if prescribed; salty, dry air increases dehydration risk.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Bring broken-in hiking shoes for terraces, salt crusts and rocky trails—sandals won’t cut it on Uyuni or Vinicunca approaches.
Expect long transfers
Plan for multi-hour bus legs and early starts; carry snacks, a neck pillow, and a compact charger for devices.
Layered clothing system
Cold nights and sun-exposed days require a base, insulating midlayer and windproof shell.
High-SPF sunscreen & sunglasses
High-altitude UV is intense—protect skin and eyes on exposed trails and the salt flats.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction are needed on terraces, rocky paths and the polished salt surface.
Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets
Safe hydration is essential in remote stretches where bottled water may be scarce.