Altitude Sickness Peru Machu Picchu

Altitude Sickness Peru Machu Picchu

Certainly Machu Picchu’s magic leaves everyone spellbound. After seeing its visuals floating on the internet cause so much fascination, you can already imagine what it would be like to see it at first sight.

Every year, half a million people visit Machu Picchu. And, of course, the panoramic views of the citadel and the beautiful landscapes all the way  through the Sacred Valley of the Incas are worth every single effort.   

How High Can It Get?

We aren’t scaring you. Just ensure that you have a fair idea of the numbers. Cusco’s higher altitude is about 3399 m while Machu Picchu is at 2430 meters above sea level.      

What Does Altitude Sickness Feel Like?

Are you feeling dizzy, nauseous, fatigued, breathless, and have lost appetite or any of these and, that isn’t normal for you? Well yes, it is highly likely that you have contracted the symptoms of Altitude Sickness. However, there is nothing to worry about a mild illness, the symptoms of the same will disappear in a couple of days.

Most hotels in Peru are pre-equipped with oxygen to help the guests with their shortness of breath.

When Does Altitude Sickness Occur? 

Please do not risk living in your bubble of the fallacy that since you are physically fit you won’t contract high altitude sickness, it can affect you even after 24 hours of being without any symptoms.

Above altitudes of 2500m, acute levels of altitude sickness can be observed in everyone and are absolutely normal. 

Avoiding Altitude Sickness

Arriving at Cusco and Machu Picchu may cause altitude sickness. It is always good to be safe. Let us look at a few tried and tested ways of bidding goodbye or at least lessening altitude sickness. 

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

You are on a vacation, and you would like to drink and enjoy yourself. But, this isn’t a good idea for you since, this can only increase the risk of contracting altitude sickness and, in some cases even make it worse. 

Drink Coca Tea

Eh, never heard of that? Well, now that you have that in mind. All hotels will offer you the same natural remedies because of its potential for reducing the intensity of altitude sickness in Cusco.

However, remember to not be over-experimental and consume lots of it. Drinking a couple of cups or chewing some coca leaves during the day would be just fine. 

Stay Hydrated!

Hydration is key my friend. Have plenty of H2O.

Consult your Doctor Before You Leave

Let us not self-medicate. See your family doctor and get yourself a prescription for altitude sickness during your days in Cusco.

Slow Down and Relax

When life goes hard, we all swear by this mantra. Don’t we? When in the Urubamba river valley, do the same. Give your body enough time to acclimatize to the Altitude Sickness Peru Machu Picchu.

Stay at Machu Picchu until you feel you are doing well before heading up to Cusco, this because of its higher elevation.