The Andes are demanding to travel through, but they repay the effort. These are the places that most often end up on travelers’ lists, with notes on how to handle altitude and logistics.
Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel high above the Urubamba River. It’s crowded, but it’s still extraordinary, especially in early light with mist in the valley.
- Getting there: Train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then a short bus ride. Or hike the Inca Trail (4 days) or a shorter route such as Salkantay.
- Tickets: Entry is timed and capped daily. Book weeks to months ahead, more for peak season (June–August).
- Cusco: Allow at least two days. Visit Qorikancha, the San Pedro market and Sacsayhuamán, and take it slowly because the city is at 3,400 m.
- Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray and Maras are worth a day or two and are lower than Cusco.
La Paz, Bolivia
The seat of government is a city of steep streets in a deep canyon, at about 3,650 m. The Mi Teleférico cable car lines are both transport and an unmatched way to see the city from above.
- Don’t miss the Witches’ Market, Plaza Murillo and the Cholita wrestling shows in El Alto.
- Take a day trip to Tiwanaku, a pre-Inca site, or to Lake Titicaca.
- The airport in El Alto is at 4,000 m. Take it easy when you land.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito’s old town was among the first UNESCO World Heritage sites. Baroque churches such as La Compañía and the views from the Basílica del Voto Nacional are the highlights.
- Ride the TelefériQo cable car up the Pichincha volcano for views, if the weather is clear.
- Visit the Mitad del Mundo monument or, more informatively, the Intiñan Museum, on the equator line.
- Use Quito as a base for Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa crater lake.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The world’s largest salt flat, at around 3,650 m, covers over 10,000 sq km. Most visitors join a one- to three-day jeep trip from the town of Uyuni, which may include the train graveyard, Isla Incahuasi (with giant cacti), and colorful high-altitude lagoons.
- Wet season (Jan–Mar): Mirror-like reflections.
- Dry season (May–Oct): Hexagonal salt patterns and full access.
- Nights are very cold. Choose a reputable operator, and check vehicle safety and the guide’s experience.
Compact routes
- Cusco core (5–6 days): Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Fly in and out of Cusco.
- Altiplano (7–8 days): La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni. You can add Sucre or Potosí if you want more time.
- Quito arc (5–6 days): Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Otavalo market.
Combining Peru and Bolivia is possible via Lake Titicaca (Puno to Copacabana by bus).
Acclimatization and comfort
- Plan 1–2 easy days on arrival in Cusco or La Paz.
- Choose a lower base first, such as the Sacred Valley, then climb higher.
- Eat light, avoid heavy alcohol and drink water regularly.
- Dress in layers: warm mornings turn into very cold nights.
- Consider travel insurance that covers altitude-related medical care and evacuation.
- Talk to your doctor if you have heart, lung or blood conditions.
If you have limited time, focus on one country and do it properly. A week in Peru covering Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu is better than a rushed three-country tour.
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