Altitude Sickness and Machu Picchu: What You Need to Know

The dramatic landscapes and engineering marvels of Machu Picchu are irresistible to many Peru travellers, but one concern we often hear is regarding the high elevation found in the region - will I get altitude sickness in Machu Picchu?

The famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 meters above sea level, while Cusco, the former capital of the Incan empire, sits at 3,400 meters. While most tourists to Peru experience nothing more than a slight discomfort, others may be worried about the effects of the high altitude, especially if they live closer to sea level and aren’t used to mountainous areas.

Although altitude sickness can be uncomfortable, the good news is that there are some precautions you can take to minimise your risk. And, if it does happen to you, there are remedies available.

Here’s everything you need to know about altitude sickness and visiting Machu Picchu and Cusco.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when a person ascends too rapidly from a lower elevation area to a higher one. As elevation increases, oxygen levels decrease and air pressure changes, which can make us feel uncomfortable sometimes.

Altitude sickness can happen to anyone, regardless of age or their levels of fitness. However, altitude sickness can be managed and certainly doesn’t need to ruin your trip!

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness in Machu Picchu?

Speaking of symptoms, how do you know if you have altitude sickness? According to Harvard Health, altitude sickness symptoms in high elevation areas like Machu Picchu may include:

• Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting
• Feeling tired or weak
• Ongoing headache
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling dizzy
• Problems sleeping

In rare cases, altitude sickness can also be more severe.

If you’re not feeling like yourself, it’s best to let your trekking guide or representative know right away. Chimu’s local guides in Peru are extremely familiar with this common ailment and are able to recognise it quickly to help you. 

How to manage altitude sickness in Machu Picchu and high-elevation areas in Peru

One of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid altitude sickness in Peru is to increase your elevation slowly. This gives your body time to acclimatise to the change. For example, if you live in a coastal city on or near sea level, travelling right away to higher elevation in Peru, right after arrival, may be harder to manage.

To avoid this, Chimu has crafted each of the Signature Peru itineraries to start at lower elevations whenever possible. On our Signature Peru itinerary, guests start in the Sacred Valley, then increase elevation slowly to Machu Picchu and then to Cusco. This is because Machu Picchu sits at a lower elevation, so spending a day or two here often helps travellers acclimatise before heading up to Cusco.

Or, if guests are trekking the Lares Inca Trail, they’ll spend at least two nights in Cusco before they begin their walk, giving them time to acclimatise before setting out.

Other ways to reduce your risk of altitude sickness include:

• It’s also important to stay hydrated as you travel and avoid alcohol, as this can cause dehydration
• Take it easy for a few days after arrival, giving your body time to adjust before beginning any treks or hikes
• Regularly take slow, deep breaths
• Talk to your doctor about prescription medication before you travel, as there are effective meds that can reduce your risk

Don't let fear of altitude sickness hold you back from visiting Peru! With the right precautions, it shouldn't stop you from having an amazing time in one of South America's most beloved countries. 

What happens if I get altitude sickness in Peru?

Hopefully, altitude sickness won’t bother you at all when you visit the beautiful region of Machu Picchu. But if it does, the sooner you can identify it, the sooner you can treat it, so let your guide or travel companions know as soon as you start to feel unwell.

In Peru, you may be offered mate de coca (coca leaf tea) as a way to prevent or remedy altitude sickness. The leaves from the coca plant have long been known to have beneficial properties and act as a stimulant that may assist with headaches or stomach aches.

If you’re worried about altitude sickness, or if you’ve had it in the past, consider building an additional 1-2 rest days into your itinerary before travelling to higher altitude. By taking it slower, you can adjust and reduce your risk, as most symptoms will subside after a few days. The Chimu team can easily do this for you at the time of booking.

However, if you’re still unwell, it’s important to seek medical care and/or move to a lower elevation. You’ll find many hotels in Peru can offer oxygen, if needed, or a local doctor or travel clinic can provide urgent treatment.

We know the thought of altitude sickness can be worrying, but for the majority of Chimu travellers, it’s a non-issue, or one that only causes a minor inconvenience.

If you have questions about planning your trip to Peru, our experienced Destination Specialists have travelled in Peru extensively and can help you plan the perfect trip, designed to minimise your risk of altitude sickness. The life-changing experience of visiting Peru isn’t one to be missed, so reach out and book your trip today.