How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Cusco, Peru

Last updated on January 19th, 2021 at 08:27 am

Expert Tips on How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

It’s very common for travelers visiting Cusco, Peru, to worry about altitude sickness. Especially if you’re thinking about embarking on an adventure tour where you’ll be hiking, climbing, or simply reaching high altitudes. It’s normal to be a bit apprehensive, but once you’ve learned our expert tips on how to avoid altitude sickness, we hope you’ll feel a bit better about planning a trip to Peru.

What is altitude sickness?

What to know about altitude sickness when traveling in Peru

Before you can learn how to avoid altitude sickness in Peru, you must know about the illness. Altitude Sickness, known as soroche in Peru, can occur for many people at heights starting at 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level. Altitude sickness is caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood and can cause dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Many people have said altitude sickness feels like having a hangover. Everyone is susceptible to altitude sickness; it doesn’t matter your age, gender, weight, or even fitness level. You must know your limitations and always consult your physician to get their medical advice before you go. They are knowledgable about your medical history and can give you the best information related to you and your needs.

What are the high altitude destinations in Peru?

See our list of elevations including Machu Picchu elevation, Cusco altitude, and more. 

• Rainbow Mountain* 17,060 feet (5,200 meters)
• Cerro de Pasco 14,200 feet (4,330 meters)
• Puno/Lake Titicaca 12,500 feet (3,811 meters)
• Cusco 11,152 feet (3,399 meters)
• Huancayo 10,692 feet (3,259 meters)
• Huaraz 10,013 feet (3,052 meters)
• Ollantaytambo 9,160 feet (2,792 meters)
• Ayacucho 9,058 feet (2,761 meters)
• Machu Picchu 7,972 feet (2,430 meters)

*The Rainbow Mountain is a sight to behold, but one must understand hiking to the summit isn’t an undertaking that should be taken lightly. The tour from Cusco and back can choose from 14 to 16 hours depending on weather, and as you can see from the chart above, its 5908 feet (1801 meters) higher in altitude to Cusco, so we recommend at least two nights in the city before undertaking the hike.

How can I prepare for altitude sickness in Peru?

How to combat altitude sickness in Peru

One way to prepare for altitude sickness is to spend some time resting in the Sacred Valley. The town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley is at a much more manageable height of 9,160 ft (2,792 meters) above sea level (compared to Machu Picchu and Cusco). This is where we always recommend our clients begin their journey, particularly if they plan to hike the Inca Trail. Spending a night resting in the Sacred Valley helps travelers prepare their bodies for climbing the high altitude of Cusco, significantly reducing their altitude sickness.

Besides preparing your body for the altitude, The Sacred Valley is a beautiful place to spend a few days exploring. You can visit the famous Pisac Market or relax and unwind in the many delightful hotels. My particular favorite is the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness Spa.

How to prevent altitude sickness in Peru:

To enjoy your trip to its fullest, follow these simple tips to avoid altitude sickness.

1. Stay hydrated

People often wonder, what can I drink to help with altitude sickness in Peru? We have an answer for you – water! It is very important to stay hydrated. The human body will lose water when it reaches high elevation, that is why it is vital to keep hydrated. The higher the elevation, the more water you should drink. For example, you should be drinking more water if you’re visiting Cusco compared to if you’re exploring Lima.

2. Avoid alcoholic beverages

To reduce altitude sickness symptoms, please refrain from drinking alcohol. Alcohol will worsen your symptoms of altitude sickness. You should not drink alcohol in high altitude places for the first several days of your arrival.

3. Don’t overdo it with activities

While you might feel the urge to get outside and quickly start exploring, we urge you to take it easy for the first couple of days. Participate in mild activities in your first few days in Cusco, Peru. Stroll around the city and parks, and take it easy. Don’t try and do everything at once when you first arrive in Peru. Instead, listen to your body.

4. Eat a diet full of carbohydrates

Carbs are a great source of energy when you’re at high altitudes. Pasta and bread are great things to eat and there are plenty of Peruvian dishes that are perfect to eat. However, make sure you don’t overeat either!

5. Add coca to your daily regimen

One of the best natural and local supplements for altitude sickness is coca. Coca tea, coca candy, cocoa brownies, and the raw coca leaves themselves are great natural treatments for altitude sickness. Coca can be found everywhere in Cusco, and it can help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness.

6. Consult your physician

Before you go on your trip to Peru, make sure to consult your physician about your plans to visit places of high altitude and how to stay healthy. Your physician may advise and prescribe you an “altitude sickness tablet” and will most likely advise you to take these at least one day before your arrival.

If you find yourself affected by soroche, you can take Diamox/Acetazolamide. This medication is available at pharmacies in Cusco. There are also health clinics in Cusco, some of which have English speaking personnel. Bring your travel insurance card when you go.

7. Inquire about oxygen supplementation

Many 4-star and 5-star hotels in Cusco offer oxygen supplementation or oxygen-supplemented rooms and some medical services. Talk with your hotel to see if oxygen is available.

Some hotels that offer oxygen enrichment include:

• El Monasterio
• Casa Cartagena
• Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
• Palacio del Inka Cusco
• Inkaterra La Casona
• Casa Andina Premium Cusco
• Novotel Cusco
• Ramada by Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco

8. Buy travel insurance

Travel insurance may help protect you from unforeseen incidents that can happen while traveling. Get a free quote on travel insurance before your trip to Peru and see if one of the packages covers altitude sickness.

9. Contact an expert

Our Travel Consultants at SouthAmerica.travel are experts in this destination and have been sending clients to Cusco, Peru, for 19 years. Several of our consultants have been to Cusco and Machu Picchu themselves and can give you excellent advice on being prepared and help you avoid altitude sickness. Be sure also to read our client testimonials, as this will provide you with some more insight into the destination and our client’s experiences.