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Peru Altitude Sickness Guide: Prevention & Treatment 2025
Complete guide to altitude sickness in Peru. Learn how to prevent and treat altitude sickness, symptoms, medication, and tips for high-altitude destinations like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca.
Many of Peru's most popular destinations are at high altitude, including Cusco (3,400 meters), Machu Picchu (2,430 meters), Lake Titicaca (3,812 meters), and Huaraz (3,052 meters). Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even very fit people. This guide tells you how to prevent and treat altitude sickness so you can enjoy your Peru trip safely.
Important: Understanding Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can happen to anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or previous experience at high altitude. It is important to know the symptoms and how to prevent it.
- Altitude sickness usually starts at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet)
- Peru has many destinations above this altitude
- Prevention is better than treatment
- Severe symptoms need immediate medical attention
What Is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness (also called acute mountain sickness or AMS) happens when your body has trouble adjusting to high altitudes where there is less oxygen in the air. As you go higher, the air pressure gets lower, which means your body gets less oxygen with each breath.
Your body needs time to adjust to these changes. Most people can adjust, but some people have more trouble than others. Altitude sickness is not related to how fit you are. Even very fit people can get altitude sickness.
Peru's High Altitude Destinations:
- Cusco: 3,400 meters (11,152 feet)
- Lake Titicaca: 3,812 meters (12,507 feet)
- Huaraz: 3,052 meters (10,013 feet)
- Colca Canyon: Up to 4,900 meters (16,076 feet)
- Machu Picchu: 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) - lower, but still high
What Are the Symptoms of Altitude Sickness?
Mild Symptoms
- Headache (most common symptom)
- Feeling sick or throwing up
- Tired or weak
- Hard to breathe, especially when moving
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling dizzy
Mild symptoms usually go away in 1 to 2 days as your body gets used to the altitude.
Severe Symptoms (Need Medical Help)
- Very bad headache that does not go away
- Throwing up a lot
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Hard to breathe even when resting
- Chest tightness or pain
- Coughing up fluid
If you have severe symptoms, go down to lower altitude immediately and get medical help.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Peru?
Prevention Tips
- Go up slowly: If possible, go to high altitude gradually. For example, spend time in Lima (sea level) before going to Cusco (3,400 meters).
- Give yourself time: Plan 2 to 3 days in a high-altitude place before doing hard activities. Rest the first day.
- Drink lots of water: Stay hydrated. Drink more water than usual at high altitude.
- Avoid alcohol: Do not drink alcohol for the first 24 to 48 hours at high altitude. Alcohol makes altitude sickness worse.
- Eat light meals: Avoid heavy, fatty meals. Eat smaller, lighter meals more often.
- Take it easy: Do not do hard activities the first day. Walk slowly and rest often.
- Get enough sleep: Make sure you get enough rest. Altitude can make it hard to sleep.
- Think about medicine: Talk to a doctor about taking acetazolamide (Diamox) before your trip.
What Medication Helps with Altitude Sickness?
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Acetazolamide (brand name Diamox) is a medicine that can help prevent and treat altitude sickness. It works by helping your body adjust to high altitude faster.
- Start taking it 1 to 2 days before going to high altitude
- Continue for 2 to 3 days after arriving
- Common side effects: tingling in hands and feet, frequent urination, changes in taste
- Talk to a doctor before taking it
- Not suitable for everyone (people with certain medical conditions)
Important: Always talk to a doctor or travel health clinic before taking any medicine for altitude sickness. They can tell you if it is right for you and how to take it safely.
Other Medications
- Ibuprofen: Can help with headaches caused by altitude sickness
- Dexamethasone: Used for severe altitude sickness, requires prescription
- Oxygen: Available at some hotels and clinics in high-altitude areas
How to Treat Altitude Sickness?
Mild Symptoms
- Rest and do not do hard activities
- Drink lots of water
- Take ibuprofen for headaches
- Eat light meals
- Do not go higher until symptoms go away
- Give yourself more time to adjust
Most mild symptoms go away in 1 to 2 days as your body adjusts.
Severe Symptoms
- Go down to lower altitude immediately (even 300 to 500 meters helps)
- Get medical help right away
- Do not try to "tough it out"
- Severe altitude sickness can be life-threatening
- Oxygen can help while going down
Severe symptoms need immediate medical attention. Do not wait.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Altitude?
Most people start to get used to altitude within 24 to 48 hours. Full adjustment can take 3 to 5 days. The time it takes depends on:
- How high you are going
- How fast you went up
- Your individual body
- Your age and health
- Whether you have been at high altitude before
Recommended Schedule:
- Day 1: Arrive, rest, light activities only
- Day 2: Easy activities, short walks
- Day 3: Normal activities, can start harder activities if feeling good
- Day 4+: Ready for hard activities like trekking
Altitude Sickness by Destination in Peru
Cusco (3,400 meters / 11,152 feet)
Cusco is at high altitude and many visitors feel symptoms when they arrive. Plan to rest the first day or two.
- Arrive early to give yourself time to adjust
- Rest the first day
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid alcohol the first 24 to 48 hours
- Do not do hard activities until you feel better
Lake Titicaca (3,812 meters / 12,507 feet)
Lake Titicaca is very high. Many people feel symptoms here, especially if coming from lower places.
- One of the highest places tourists visit in Peru
- Give yourself time to adjust
- Take it easy, especially the first day
- Watch for symptoms
Huaraz (3,052 meters / 10,013 feet)
Huaraz is the base for high-altitude trekking. Make sure you are adjusted before starting treks.
- Spend 2 to 3 days in Huaraz before trekking
- Do easy day hikes first
- Many treks go much higher (4,000 to 5,000+ meters)
- Do not rush into hard treks
Machu Picchu (2,430 meters / 7,972 feet)
Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, so many people feel better here. But it is still at altitude.
- Lower than Cusco, so easier for many people
- Still at altitude, so take it easy
- The hike up Huayna Picchu is steep and can be hard
Prepare for Your High-Altitude Adventure
Get travel insurance and prepare for your Peru trip. Stay safe and healthy at high altitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness (also called acute mountain sickness or AMS) happens when your body has trouble adjusting to high altitudes where there is less oxygen. Symptoms can include headache, feeling sick, tired, hard to breathe, and trouble sleeping. It usually happens at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
Common symptoms include headache (most common), feeling sick or throwing up, tired, hard to breathe, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and feeling dizzy. Mild symptoms usually go away in 1 to 2 days as your body gets used to the altitude. Severe symptoms need immediate medical attention.
How can I prevent altitude sickness in Peru?
To prevent altitude sickness, go up slowly, give yourself time to get used to it (2 to 3 days), drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, take it easy the first day, and think about taking altitude medicine (acetazolamide) after talking to a doctor.
What medication helps with altitude sickness?
Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a common medicine that can help prevent and treat altitude sickness. It should be taken before going to high altitude and continued for a few days. Talk to a doctor before taking any medicine. Ibuprofen can help with headaches.
How long does it take to get used to altitude?
Most people start to get used to altitude within 24 to 48 hours. Full adjustment can take 3 to 5 days. It is important to give yourself time to adjust before doing hard activities like hiking or trekking.
Health resources:
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