If you are heading to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley or other places with high altitude in Peru, you can follow my helpful tips how to avoid the altitude sickness.
I know you are probably really scared of altitude sickness. I was too. Trust me. I went to Peru in May 2019 on a solo trip and I was freaking out. In a state of panic I searched the Internet months in advance for tips how to avoid getting sick from the high altitude, but the Rainbow Mountain, which is in 5200 metres altitude was my dream for a long time and I wasn’t ready to give up on it! And you shouldn’t either guys!
In this blogpost I will share with you all my tips how to avoid the altitude sickness. I am only gonna tell you the things that actually worked on me and made a difference, because there is a lot of false, unhelpful or incorrect information on this subject online.
If you are planning to visit Peru, I hope my post will help you to avoid the altitude sickness.
Yours Truly,
Adele @wanderlusterprincess
What is Altitude Sickness?
The Altitude Sickness or sometimes called Mountain Sickness is caused by thinner air at elevation above 2500 meters (8000 feet), which means every breath you take contains less oxygen than you are used to. Some of the most common symptoms include strong headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, heart racing.
I am not a doctor so the following tips are not medical advice.
Let’s get started!
Here is the list of my tips “How to Acclimate to High Altitude in Peru”!
1) Acclimate at a lower altitude and ascend slowly
My recommendation is to stay at least 4-5 days in Cusco, Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu area before hiking the Rainbow mountain (5200 meters- 17000 feet). I flew to Cusco (altitude 3500 meters – 11 500 feet) and stayed there for two days, then I went to Machu Picchu (2500 meters – 8000 feet) for two days. On my fifth day, I hiked to Tres Rainbow Mountains, which is an easier alternative to the famous Rainbow Mountain. The altitude is the same – above 5000 meters (16 400 feet), but the hike is easier so you can try how your body reacts to this altitude. On the sixth day, I hiked to the Rainbow Mountain and I had almost no problems. For sure it is very hard to breathe and you have to walk very very slow and take a deep breath, but it is really worth it! On the way back from the summit, I experienced just a strong headache and I felt a bit dizzy and nauseous, but nothing major.
2) Take it easy at first
You should take it easy on your first two days in Cusco so your body can get accustomed to the lower amount of oxygen it’s getting. Don’t go on hikes or long walks. On the hikes climb at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Don’t try to go too fast, otherwise, you won’t be able to breathe and you will feel sick immediately.
3) Drink plenty of water
That is one of the easiest, but often ignored piece of advice. Staying hydrated is very important in preventing altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water also on the hikes.
4) Drink Coca tea
You can get coca tea everywhere in the Cusco region. When most people hear coca leaves, they think of the negative side of the leaf. Before my trip to Peru, I did a lot of research online so I knew that coca tea has nothing to do with drugs. Coca Leaf Tea is a no-drug and it helps you to acclimatize. You just pour hot water on dry coca leaves and drink it. It is something like a strong green tea. Most of the hotels provide the coca leaf tea free of charge.
5) Buy Coca Candy
Chewing coca candy while hiking the Rainbow Mountain was a lifesaver for me. It was really super helpful and I had enough energy to go on! Coca Candy are sweet bonbons or also chewing gums you can buy at the market or in souvenir stores in Cusco. They help with altitude sickness and keep you energized.
6) Get enough sleep
Try to get to bed early so you get enough sleep and you are well rested for the next day.
7) Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
This one is kinda obvious. Alcohol or smoking can make the altitude sickness symptoms even worse. Furthermore, the effects of alcohol are enhanced at high altitude which means you get drunk more easily.
8) Take deep breaths
Like I said, your body gets less oxygen than usual. So take deep breaths to get more air in.
9) Don’t save money on Rainbow Mountain hike
Book the Rainbow Mountain hike with a good company. Your guide will carry the first aid kit and oxygen in case you feel really sick from the high altitude. Trekking in the Andes and in high altitude can be dangerous and that is why the staff should always carry a proper first aid kit along with emergency oxygen to use if you are feeling ill.
My Tip: There are many tour companies offering this hike for a very cheap price, but I definitely do not recommend you to book with them. They do not carry any oxygen and medical kit so if you feel sick, you are on your own.
Bottom line
The bottom line is that it’s hard to predict exactly how your body will react to high altitudes because everyone is different. However, these simple tips can help you to prevent sickness. You just have to see which ones are working for you.
If you have any existing medical conditions, like heart problems, trouble breathing, or diabetes, you should talk to your doctor before travelling to high altitude.
Another important advice is that if you get severe altitude sickness symptoms like feeling out of breath even when you are resting, trouble walking, confusion, seeing double, tightness in the chest, you should seek immediate medical attention. Unfortunately severe altitude sickness can cause fluid in the lungs and brain, which can be deadly if left untreated.
I hope you find my tips on how to avoid altitude sickness helpful!
Have something to add or you need travel advice? Mention it in the comments below or contact me! 🙂
Happy Traveling!
XOXO,
Adele
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