🏔️ Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Cusco and Machu Picchu
If you’re planning to travel to Cusco, Machu Picchu, or take treks like the Salkantay or Inca Trail, it’s essential to prepare for altitude sickness, known in Peru as soroche.
At Oki Doki Travel Peru, we’ve gathered the best tips to help you prevent it and enjoy your Andean adventure to the fullest.
📌 What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness happens when you quickly ascend to places over 2,500 meters above sea level, like Cusco (3,399 m) or the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m), and your body struggles to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
Common symptoms:
✔ Headache
✔ Dizziness or nausea
✔ Fatigue
✔ Loss of appetite
✔ Trouble sleeping
📌 How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
1️⃣ Rest on Your First Day in Cusco
Spend your first day relaxing and acclimatizing. Avoid strenuous activities or hikes upon arrival.
2️⃣ Drink Coca Leaf Tea
In Cusco and most hotels, you’ll find mate de coca, a traditional Andean tea that helps ease the symptoms.
3️⃣ Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and during your stay. Avoid excessive alcohol and coffee as they can dehydrate you.
4️⃣ Eat Light Meals
Opt for easy-to-digest foods, especially during your first hours at high altitude.
5️⃣ Avoid Rapid Ascents
If you’re trekking or visiting high spots like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lagoon, try to go after your second or third day in Cusco.
6️⃣ Preventive Medication
You can take Sorojchi Pills or consult your doctor about preventive medicine if you’ve had altitude issues before.
📌 What About in Machu Picchu?
The citadel sits at 2,430 m, so altitude sickness is usually not a problem. However, if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, take the same precautions.
📌 Travel Safely with Oki Doki Travel Peru
In all our tours, we offer personalized advice and constant assistance to help you acclimatize properly.
No responses yet