Upon arriving in Cusco, some travelers may feel a sudden change in their bodies. This is because the city is located about 3,400 meters above sea level. As a result, a person may experience headaches, dizziness, or vomiting. This reaction is commonly known in Peru as "soroche."
In this article, you'll find practical recommendations for acclimating, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing what to do if you experience altitude sickness in Cusco.
When you quickly move from an area near sea level to a city located at more than 3,000 meters, your body needs to adapt to lower oxygen levels.
Altitude sickness in Cusco can occur even if you've previously visited high-altitude locations without any problems. Furthermore, susceptibility varies from person to person, and prior experience is a more useful indicator than physical fitness when it comes to predicting how you might react.
The good news is that acclimatization occurs gradually; most people need about 2 or 3 days to adjust, although the time may vary.
One important thing to note is that the symptoms don't always appear as soon as you land. They can set in several hours after reaching a higher altitude, so feeling fine during the ride to the hotel doesn't necessarily mean you're fully acclimated yet.
The most common signs are:
If your symptoms are mild, the wisest course of action is to slow down and avoid continuing to climb.
Generally, it's not recommended to visit all of Cusco's tourist sites on your first day. On the contrary, in fact, it's best to rest or stroll through the streets without rushing.
If you've just arrived, consider these recommendations:
It's also recommended to take it easy during the first few days, walk slowly, and stay properly hydrated by drinking between 2 and 3 liters of water a day, although individual needs may vary.
One of the best decisions you can make is not to schedule a strenuous hike for the day you arrive. Cusco has attractions at different altitudes, and some are well over 4,000 meters.
For example, within the Sacred Valley there are lower-altitude areas, such as Ollantaytambo, located at around 2,792 meters. In contrast, the Mountain of Seven Colors reaches approximately 5,200 meters above sea level, so it's not a good idea to make it your first activity as soon as you arrive in Cusco.
Therefore, a reasonable plan might be:
There's no set number of days that guarantees you won't experience symptoms, but giving your body time to adjust before ascending to higher altitudes reduces the risk.
During your first few days in the city, eating and drinking normally may be more difficult if you experience nausea or a lack of appetite. In this case, you don't need to completely change your diet, but you should listen to your body and avoid meals that are too heavy.
Something many locals recommend to tourists is drinking coca tea, a traditional Andean beverage that's part of the local culture for treating altitude sickness in Cusco.
However, it's important to make a key distinction: just because coca tea is a popular custom doesn't mean it will replace medical treatment or guarantee prevention of soroche.
To comfortably explore the entire city and the tourist attractions of the imperial capital, it's best to stay in a convenient location within the city.
A recommended option for your stay in Cusco is Wynwood House, as its accommodations are located in the historic center, making it easy to plan trips to various lakes. Additionally, they offer well-equipped spaces that allow you to rest properly after a day of hiking at high altitudes.
Book now and enjoy the best destinations in Cusco!
The city is located approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, a significantly higher elevation than that of cities near the coast. For this reason, travelers arriving quickly from lower-elevation areas may need some time to acclimate.
It depends on the individual, as mild symptoms usually improve as the body acclimates, but if they worsen, persist, or warning signs appear, it's important to seek medical attention.
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances are some of the common symptoms. However, not everyone experiences these symptoms, as they can vary.
Coca tea is part of traditional Andean customs, but it should not be considered a proven cure. If significant symptoms appear, it is necessary to follow medical recommendations.
If you have difficulty breathing while at rest, confusion, coordination problems, severe drowsiness, or a rapid worsening of symptoms, seek urgent medical attention. These may be signs of a serious altitude-related illness.