Altitude Sickness in Cusco: A Guide to Understanding and Coping with this Challenge

Have you heard of altitude sickness in Cusco? It’s more common than you think and can affect anyone visiting this beautiful city in Peru. But don’t worry, in this article I will provide you with all the information you need to understand what altitude sickness is, how it affects your body and what measures you can take to prevent and treat it. Read on to find out more!

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (MAM) or soroche, is a medical condition that can affect people who ascend to high altitudes, such as the city of Cusco, which is more than 3,400 metres above sea level. It occurs due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure and the lower amount of oxygen available at these altitudes.

How does altitude sickness manifest itself?

Symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild to severe and include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dyspnoea, lethargy, rapid pulse, insomnia and even shortness of breath. These symptoms usually appear within the first 24 hours after reaching high altitudes.

Preventing Altitude Sickness:

1. Gradual Ascent: One of the best ways to prevent altitude sickness is to gradually ascend to higher altitudes. This allows your body to slowly adapt to the altitude and reduce the chances of suffering from symptoms.
2. Hydration: Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
3. Rest and Avoid Alcohol: Get plenty of rest and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, both of which can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
4. Be physically prepared: A few months before your travels you should practice breathing and physical exercise to make it easier to acclimatise.

Treatment of altitude sickness:

If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness during your visit to Cusco, here are some measures you can take:

1. Rest: Rest and allow your body to acclimatise to the altitude.
2. Hydration: Drink water to combat dehydration and help alleviate symptoms.
3. Medication: In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Coca tea for altitude sickness in cusco

Recommendations for altitude sickness in Cusco:

1. Food: Peru like Cusco has many delicious dishes to try, but if you are still acclimatising it will be better to eat light things like fruit and soups until your digestion is no longer slow to avoid indigestion.
2. Water: Throughout Cusco you should not drink water directly from the taps as this water is not drinkable, so we advise you to drink boiled water or bottled water which you can find in any shop or restaurant in Cusco.
3. Gradual Ascent: Avoid ascending to high altitudes quickly. Climb gradually to allow your body to adapt to the change in altitude.
4. Medication: Consider carrying recommended medications for altitude sickness, such as acetazolamide and sorojchi pills, under the supervision of a health professional.
5. Listen to your body: Pay attention to the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness. If you experience dizziness, headache or other symptoms, take steps to descend to lower altitudes and seek medical help if necessary.
6. Ideal Hotel: As you will be spending some time at rest it is good to choose your hotel carefully as you will be spending a lot of time in it, remember that Cusco is a cold city so it is good that your room is heated and that your hotel has emergency oxygen such as Cusco Lodge Hotel Boutique.

Frequently asked questions about altitude sickness in Cusco

Where should I stay for a quick and better adaptation to the altitude?

For a quick adaptation to altitude, Cusco is an excellent option due to its high altitude and the various free tourist activities it offers. Other options for acclimatisation are the Sacred Valley or Ollantaytambo.

As a hotel in Cusco we welcome all our guests with mate de coca and we are looking after you so that you can acclimatise as quickly as possible and enjoy this beautiful city. If you wish to book with us, please contact us. We also recommend that on your first day you have a flexible schedule with a planned tour.

Amaru Inca Yupanqui room

How many days are required for acclimatization?

Remember that every body is different and reacts differently to altitude. So a minimum of 1 to 2 days is required before you do your planned activities in Cusco such as tours, so it is advisable to take precautions to take care of your health.

Is coca tea effective for altitude sickness?

Yes, it will help you a lot with altitude sickness as this popular remedy relieves the dizziness and stomach problem. In addition, coca tea prevents cardiovascular diseases, caregivers, prevents obesity, fights depression, prevents respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

Can I take pills for altitude sickness in Cusco?

Yes, there are some medication options that can help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness or prevent it, such as Diamox, ibuprofen and sorojchi pills.

However, it is important to note that no pill or medication guarantees complete adaptation to altitude, and it is always best to combine its use with other preventive and self-care measures. Remember that before taking any medication it should be under medical prescription.

Can I suffer from altitude sickness in Machu Picchu?

Yes, it is very possible, especially if you have not acclimatised properly in Cusco. If you have not acclimatised and you start to get sick, try to descend to lower altitudes and seek medical attention. However, for most people, the symptoms of altitude sickness in Machu Picchu tend to be mild and can be managed with rest and simple self-care measures.

What are Cusco’s tourist attractions at high altitude?

Cusco has many tourist attractions, but almost all are at very high elevations such as the following:

• > Nevado Ausangate with an altitude of 6.384 m.a.s.l.
• > Nevado Salkantay with an altitude of 6.261 m.a.s.l.
• > 7-colour mountain or Vinincunca with an altitude of 5200 m.a.s.l.
• > Palcoyo at an altitude of 4900 m.a.s.l.
• > Inca Trail, Warmihuañuska pass at an altitude of 4200 m.a.s.l.
• > Laguna Humantay at an altitude of 4200 m.a.s.l.
• > Choquequirao with a height of 3500 m.a.s.l.

How do I know if I have severe altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is classified into three degrees: mild, moderate and severe. So we will help you identify which one you are in and avoid getting worse:

• > Mild altitude sickness: It is manageable with adequate rest and good hydration.
• > Moderate altitude sickness: More uncomfortable and includes symptoms such as vomiting, severe headaches and shortness of breath, even after rest.
• > Severe altitude sickness: occurs when the moderate symptoms are ignored and serious problems such as loss of coordination, confusion, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties can occur even at rest. It is essential to identify the symptoms and take action to prevent them from worsening.