How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Cusco

Most people visiting Machu Picchu will fly from Lima (the capital of Peru, located on the Pacific coast) to Cusco, which is at an elevation of 10,913 feet (3,326 m). While there isn’t much you can do about the elevation, you can work to shorten or even prevent the symptoms of soroche (altitude sickness in Spanish) from becoming an impediment to participating in the trip you’ve planned.

Altitude sickness can include a variety of symptoms: headache, loss of appetite, dizzy or light-headedness, general malaise and fatigue; some people have likened the symptoms to that of a hangover.

The best course of action to prevent soroche is to stay well-hydrated, get plenty of rest before and especially during your time in the Andes, and take it easy your first day at altitude; in other words, expect to spend your first day in Cusco resting at your hotel or enjoying a light meal at one of the many fine restaurants in Cusco. You should also avoid drinking alcohol before and during the first 24 hours of your time in the Andes since it has a dehydrating effect on the body.

A local remedy for the treatment of soroche symptoms is mate de coca (coca-leaf tea). Coca is grown throughout the Andes and it is not uncommon to see locals chew the leaves, which provide a boost of energy and concentration similar to that of a strong cup of coffee. If you suspect you may experience more severe altitude-related problems, ask your doctor for a prescription or recommendation to treat the symptoms.

Another strategy to deal with altitude sickness is travel to other destinations at slightly lower elevations, like Arequipa for example. This allows your body to acclimatize better to the changes in altitude and air pressure, thereby preventing altitude sickness.

So, as you consider your South American adventure, be sure to take into account the effects of high altitude and plan accordingly!

This guide to avoiding altitude sickness in Cusco was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less, here to help you design your customized Machu Picchu tour.