A vacation in Peru is every traveler’s dream vacation. We are here to help you experience every corner of Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley. It would be best if you considered many things to get to know the incredible Inca citadel with the whole family.
Consider the altitude when planning your next vacation in this amazing Latin American country. It can significantly affect you and your family during the trip. We worked with experts from Machu Travel Peru to create a short article about altitude sickness in Peru and its effects.
In this article, we will share tips to help you prepare to avoid altitude sickness.
Tips and suggestions about Altitude Sickness
- What is altitude sickness?
- Main effects
- How to prevent Altitude Sickness
- Important tips
- What to eat in the height
- Consult your doctor
- Altitude sickness in Cusco
- Things to know
- Enjoy and experience Peru
What is altitude sickness?
First of all, what is altitude sickness? Altitude sickness, called Soroche in Peru, can happen at heights of 8,000 feet (2,800 meters) or higher.
Lack of oxygen in the blood causes nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. People say the feeling is the same as having a hangover, so if you are affected, you should drink plenty of fluids.
Suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of physical condition, age, or weight. Therefore, upon arrival in the Peruvian Andes, it is advisable to rest or drink plenty of fluids. Take your time, no matter how narrow your Peruvian itinerary is. There will always be times to rest.
Main effects
You might not feel hungry on the first day at a high altitude. It may also take longer for your food to digest. So, it is best to avoid a large meal at high altitudes, so take it carefully.
In general, those who plan to visit Machu Picchu, usually do so without considering acclimatization. But if you are sensible, you will enjoy a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before embarking on your adventure.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
The only proper way to prevent it is to gradually go from sea level to high altitude. But if you don’t have the luxury of time, there are ways to help prevent the symptoms of altitude sickness.
A good tip is to stay hydrated. Drink at least two water bottles daily and drink coca tea or chew coca leaves, which all hotels provide at the reception. Take advantage of this complimentary tea, which will significantly help you.
Avoid alcohol for the first few days. Drink water instead. Alcohol will not help you stay hydrated. After a few days at altitude, you can enjoy the many cocktails and other drinks.
Important tips
When arriving in the Peruvian highlands, try to reduce physical exercise. Take it easy and try to walk for at least the first 24 hours to 48 hours. Listen to your body if you feel tired, and rest. If you feel short of breath, stop and rest.
To hike in Cusco and Machu Picchu, it’s wise to get in shape and train beforehand. Take long walks with a heavy backpack. You may not be at altitude of Machu Picchu, but any exercise will help you before your hike. With so many hiking trails and vacation spots in Peru vacation spots in Peru, it is better to be prepared than to miss out on these natural wonders.
What to eat at the height
When considering what to eat at high altitudes, it is essential to avoid large meals in the first days in Cusco to avoid mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
Carbohydrates help your body adjust to high elevations and altitudes. Foods like potatoes, pasta, and bread are excellent sources of carbohydrates, but you should eat them in small portions. As mentioned earlier, you should drink plenty of water and coca tea. This will help reduce the effects of altitude sickness.
The facts about Peru regarding food are essential because taking care of the diet and our food cycle in the Andes. It would be fundamental to enjoy this adventure.
Consult your doctor
Before leaving home, talk to your doctor about medicines for altitude sickness or if you. Your doctor will recommend some medication to take with you on your vacation in Peru. Your doctor will advise you to start taking your medication at least one day before visiting Cusco. Don’t let this condition ruin your Machu Picchu tour.
Altitude sickness in Cusco
If you arrive in Cusco and start feeling the effect of the altitude, don’t worry; it is normal. If you don’t have medications with you, most pharmacies will have medications. These come in tablet form, so keep this in mind. A great tip is to check that the tablets have not been tampered with and that the packaging remains intact.
You may need to visit a local doctor, hospital, or clinic if your condition is severe. Many good clinics are available; ask at your hotel reception. With so many things to do in Peru, letting this minor disease put you off is a waste. Take care and enjoy Peru.
Things to know
Altitude sickness affects the human body in different ways, especially the brain and lungs. So, if you’re worried about altitude sickness in Cusco, some four- and five-star hotels offer oxygen to help you feel better. These provide oxygen to infuse into your room for an extra charge.
Such hotels encompass the Monastery, Casa Cartagena, Hotel Liberator, Inkaterra, and Novotel. Every hotel in Cusco has oxygen cylinders at the front desk, so if you require some, you must request it.If you are considering trekking to Machupicchu, like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, make sure you find out beforehand about temperatures and altitudes. This will allow you to plan for clothing, food, etc.
People expect the altitude in the Peruvian Andes to be inconvenient, but with the necessary precautions, it will not pose a real problem. It is essential to mention that the best time to visit Peru is within the months of May to September due to the dry season.
Enjoy and experience Peru
However, don’t let the fear of altitude sickness ruin your vacation. Most people don’t even notice it, some just experience a little headache. It is impossible to predict, but if you are cautious, you are less likely to suffer the effects. Don’t let a little feeling ruin the different tours in Peru.
“YOUR ATTITUDE, NOT YOUR APTITUDE, WILL DETERMINE YOUR ALTITUDE.”
We hope we have been of help together with the experts of Machu Travel Peru. If you want more advice about this condition, you can consult our qualified advisors. Peru is a wonderful country to let the altitude ruin your vacation. Take care of yourself and enjoy this magical place in the world.
