Traveling to Peru is an experience you can’t miss. However, if you’re thinking about visiting high-altitude places like Cusco, for example, it’s important to know how to prevent altitude sickness in Peru.
Also known as soroche by locals, this “sickness” can end up ruining your trip if you don’t take the necessary precautions.
If you don’t want to miss out on the best travel experience in the Inca country and already know what to do in Peru, you’ll want to read this blog where we explain everything about altitude sickness and give you tips to prevent it.
What is altitude sickness and why does it happen?
Hypoxia or altitude sickness (soroche) is an illness caused by low oxygen levels in the body. When you travel to places located at high elevations above sea level, you face lower atmospheric pressure. At that point, you start to feel like you’re running out of air.
Now, you may be wondering: why does altitude sickness happen? As we mentioned before, it’s because the higher the altitude, the lower the atmospheric pressure. Even though the percentage of oxygen in the air stays the same under normal conditions, there are fewer oxygen molecules in every breath you take.
Where Can You Experience Altitude Sickness in Peru?
Peru has many tourist destinations located at significant altitudes above sea level — for example, the Salkantay Mountain, which sits at 6,217 meters (20,396 feet) above sea level.
The same applies to other popular destinations frequently visited by tourists, such as Machu Picchu, and generally, if you're exploring the Andes Mountain range.
In this context, if you ascend too quickly without proper acclimatization, it’s natural for the well-known soroche to show up.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness – Learn How to Recognize It!
Besides knowing how to prevent altitude sickness in Peru, it’s also key to understand the symptoms. In this section, we’ll go over the most common ones:
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Headache: With less oxygen available, capillary pressure increases, causing pain.
Note: This is one of the most common symptoms when you ascend to altitudes above 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) without proper preparation. -
Nausea and dizziness: Feeling mild to moderate nausea is another frequent sign when altitude sickness kicks in.
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Fatigue: Low oxygen levels can lead to sudden physical exhaustion. At this point, it's best to move slowly—both when going up and coming down.
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Swelling in the hands and feet: While this is one of the most common symptoms, it's also one of the quickest to go away.
A simple way to describe the symptoms of hypoxia is to compare them to how you feel the day after drinking too much alcohol. These are the symptoms most people experience, but there are also some less common ones:
A Traveler in Cusco and Altitude Sickness…
“I arrived in Cusco, excited but a bit skeptical about soroche. At first, everything was fine, but as the day went on, the symptoms started to show up. I began with an annoying headache and noticed I was breathing faster and finding it a bit harder to do so.
The night was worse because I felt extreme fatigue—even just climbing stairs left me exhausted. I had trouble sleeping, no appetite, and felt nauseous. My face swelled up and my lips darkened a bit.
Luckily, with rest, plenty of water, and coca tea, I gradually started feeling better. I learned firsthand the importance of acclimatization and listening to my body at high altitudes. The symptoms, though they varied in intensity, were a clear lesson in the respect you need to have for the mountains.”
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness Before Your Trip
It’s not just about figuring out how to prevent altitude sickness once you’re in Peru—you also need to know the best prevention strategies ahead of time. Many people say that being in good physical shape helps avoid it.
However, there are other crucial factors you shouldn’t overlook, such as your age, whether or not you went through a proper acclimatization process, or if you ascended too quickly. You might also feel worse if you overeat before going up or if you don’t stay properly hydrated.
The best way to prevent altitude sickness in Peru before your trip is to prepare physically—through both exercise and nutrition. Eat well, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and drink plenty of water. Also, don’t forget to stay active and get some exercise in.
Key Tips to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Peru
If you’ve already arrived at your destination and need options on how to prevent altitude sickness in Peru, here are some helpful tips to make the experience more manageable and safe. Let’s take a look!
1- Don’t run! Take it slow
The first tip when it comes to preventing altitude sickness in Peru is to avoid running during your trip. Keep in mind that at high altitudes, your heart rate increases, which means your pulse is higher. If you run, you’ll feel fatigued very quickly.
2- Stay well hydrated
Hydration is essential for preventing altitude sickness. One of the benefits of drinking enough water is that it helps maintain higher carbohydrate levels, which gives you more energy during the journey.
Note: The higher you go, the more water you lose through breathing.
3- Rest if you need to
Everyone adjusts to high altitudes at a different pace. If you’re feeling tired, take a break and recover. Remember, some routes take several days, and you’ll need to replenish your energy to keep going.
4- Breathe deeply
A key factor in preventing altitude sickness in Peru is deep breathing. Don’t breathe shallowly or without awareness. Instead, focus on your breath and recognize its importance in the process. Controlled breathing can also help you stay calm and centered.
5- Eat well
Whether you’re traveling to Cusco or another high-altitude destination in Peru, think carefully about what you eat. Before ascending, avoid heavy meals to prevent slow digestion. It’s best to stick to light, easy-to-digest foods so your body doesn’t have to work too hard.
You might also be interested in learning more about our Rainbow Mountain Tour in Cusco.
Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco weaken your body. Therefore, it is recommended that you refrain from drinking and smoking at least two days before starting the tour. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid caffeine and sodas, as both contribute to dehydration.
Wear Layered Clothing
Layered clothing is another key prevention tip to avoid altitude sickness. The weather in the Peruvian Andes can change constantly throughout the day, so it’s best to dress in layers that can be adjusted to each situation.
Effective Solutions If You Already Have Soroche
Believe it or not, many people don’t know how to prevent altitude sickness in Peru. So if it’s happened to you and you’re not sure what to do—don’t worry! There are solutions and remedies that can help. Just remember: in these cases, you should not continue ascending!
Here are some remedies to treat the symptoms of altitude sickness if you’re already experiencing them:
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Coca tea: This is a great solution if you already have soroche. This tea, made from coca leaves, helps relieve the symptoms.
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Altitude sickness pills: You can take the commonly used pills for altitude sickness.
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Paracetamol: If you have a headache, it’s a good idea to take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.
Is Altitude Sickness Dangerous? When to See a Doctor
While it’s true that hypoxia (altitude sickness) usually goes away on its own, there are situations where symptoms can become more serious. In some cases, it can lead to cerebral or pulmonary edema.
If your symptoms don’t improve and you experience persistent coughing, mental confusion, or severe shortness of breath, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know how to prevent altitude sickness in Peru, you probably still have a few more questions. Check out this FAQ section we’ve prepared for you:
How do you acclimate to high altitudes?
If you feel like you’re running out of oxygen in a high-altitude location like Cusco, the best thing to do is slow down and avoid running. Make sure you’re well acclimated before doing any physically demanding activities.
Is it true that traveling by bus helps prevent altitude sickness?
Taking a bus route can be a good option if you want to avoid soroche, since there are specific stops that let you see the area and acclimate gradually. Plus, you don’t have to walk much.
Does coca leaf help prevent altitude sickness?
Yes! Chewing coca leaves can help prevent altitude sickness. Just keep in mind—you shouldn’t swallow the leaf. These days, many hotels even welcome tourists with coca tea to help ward off soroche.
Are altitude sickness pills effective?
The effectiveness of these pills varies from person to person. The good news is that there are several options available, and you can buy them over the counter at any pharmacy in Cusco. However, it’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any medication.
Conclusion: Enjoy Peru Without Worry
If you’re planning to travel to Cusco, it’s important to keep our tips on how to prevent altitude sickness in Peru in mind. These recommendations will help you fully enjoy your trip while also staying safe and healthy.
And if you’re not sure which tours to take—trust Gurú Explorers! We offer the best tours in Cusco and many other amazing destinations.
We want to be part of your best vacation ever!