Cusco is located in the heart of the Andes Mountains in Peru. In this Andean geography it is common for visitors to suffer the symptoms of mountain sickness. This condition is natural in all visitors not accustomed to low oxygen pressure (in geographies higher than 2,400 meters above sea level). The city of Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, so it is common for tourists to suffer from mountain sickness. What are the symptoms? How to reduce them? Learn more!

• What is mountain sickness?
• Cusco and mountain sickness
• How to avoid mountain sickness?
• What are the symptoms of mountain sickness?
• Recommendations to control mountain sickness in Cusco
• Questions and answers about mountain sickness in Cusco

Altitude Sickness (Soroche). To do?

Vinicunca, the highest tourist attraction in Cusco
Vinicunca is the highest tourist attraction in Cusco. It is located 5,200 meters above sea level (17060.37 feet). Due to this high altitude, it is recommended that the visit be made on the last or penultimate day of visiting Cusco. Thus the tourist will be better adapted to the Andean geography and the symptoms of mountain sickness will be fewer. The visit to Vinicunca includes a final 2-hour walk. This hike is a challenge for many. Optionally, you can hire a horse from a local resident.

What is mountain sickness?

• At high altitudes, some people may experience altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness or simply soroche.
• This condition is associated with the low oxygen pressure that occurs at high altitudes. It can present with headaches and nausea, to more severe symptoms, which in some cases require hospitalization.
• Correct acclimatization will prevent the symptoms from being very strong. And thus the tourist will be able to enjoy the tourist attractions of Cusco without problems.
• Mountain sickness can attack anyone, especially visitors who come from a nearby region or at sea level.

Cusco and mountain sickness

• Mountain sickness usually shows its main symptoms in latitudes above 2,400 meters above sea level. The city of Cusco, capital of the department of the same name, is located at 3,399 meters above sea level. That is to say, in the Cusco territory it is common to suffer from the symptoms of mountain sickness, at least on the first or second day of visiting.
• Once in Cusco, at least 2 days of acclimatization are necessary before starting any activity. However, from the first day, the visitor who feels well can begin the excursions.
• The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located at 2,800 meters above sea level. It is the best place to acclimatize before visiting Machu Picchu, or any other experience in Cusco. In the town of Urubamba (2,871 meters above sea level) there are excellent 5, 3, 2 star hotels and more.
• Ollantaytambo (2,792 meters above sea level) is another Andean town suitable for acclimatizing before doing the different experiences in Cusco.
• After one or two days of acclimatization, either in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, the visitor can enjoy Cusco with few symptoms of mountain sickness.

How to avoid mountain sickness?

• To reduce the symptoms of mountain sickness, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and avoid heavy meals and physical exertion as much as possible, especially while you are in Cusco.
• Coca tea has been used since the time of the Incas and is a natural and effective remedy to prevent and relieve altitude sickness. But if you are one of the people who prefer medications, sorojchi pills are very effective in combating it.
• It is known that those over 50 years of age are less likely to get sick from altitude sickness; However, from experience, we know that altitude sickness can attack anyone, regardless of their physical condition, age or health.
• Keep in mind how to combat altitude sickness, especially if you come from cities near sea level. The symptoms of mountain sickness may be more uncomfortable for visitors to the coasts.
• Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 meters above sea level, so you won’t have to worry much about the altitude; However, Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, take precautions.

What are the symptoms of mountain sickness?

• Not having proper acclimatization in Cusco increases the risk of getting mountain sickness. The most common symptoms are: headache, nausea, dyspnea and lethargy.
• Another, somewhat unusual, symptom is nighttime insomnia. These symptoms usually appear more intensely on the first or second day of visiting Cusco.
• Although it is not an uncomfortable symptom, it is normal for people who do physical activity in Cusco to feel heavy breathing. This can even be felt when walking down the steep streets of the city.
• In many cases, hotels in Cusco receive their guests with coca tea, but it is advisable to drink it even before arriving in the city of Cusco. This way you will reduce the chances of getting sick. Everything will be very easy for you if you have a flexible schedule on the first day of your arrival.

Recommendations to control mountain sickness in Cusco

About food

• The town of Aguas Calientes offers many options to enjoy delicious Peruvian food. However, you should be careful when choosing where to eat. Check that it maintains adequate hygienic conditions. In case you didn’t know, digestion is slower at higher altitudes, which is why we recommend avoiding heavy meals. This is not only to avoid indigestion, but also because it is a way to prevent mountain sickness.

Over the water

• Do not drink directly the water that comes out of the taps, whether in the city of Cusco or the town of Aguas Calientes. It is advisable to drink boiled water or bottled water. Both are safe options and you can find them in every restaurant or winery in Cusco. Avoid washing and bathing in the waters of nearby rivers and lagoons, these could be contaminated, causing serious eye and ear infections. The hot springs are safe to take a bath. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes or Cocalmayo.

Take care of your skin

• In Peru and its surroundings, solar radiation has very high rates due to its proximity to the equator. It is recommended to avoid direct sun exposure and use protection even on cloudy days. It is best to use sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and whatever you consider necessary. During your visit to Machu Picchu, do not forget a powerful insect repellent, since you will find yourself in the middle of the jungle, where insects are abundant.

Questions and answers

• 1) Can I suffer from mountain sickness in Cusco?

  Yes, Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level. At that altitude it is common to suffer the symptoms of mountain sickness.

• 2) How high is Cusco?

  The city of Cusco is at 3,399 meters above sea level. Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level. Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is 2,871 meters above sea level.

• 3) Can I get mountain sickness in Machu Picchu?

  Mountain sickness is common at latitudes above 2,400 meters above sea level. Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level. Therefore, moderate symptoms of mountain sickness can occur.

• 4) What is the most common symptom of mountain sickness?

  Fatigue is the most common symptom of mountain sickness when visiting Cusco. This is common, especially, on the first day of arrival in Cusco. It is recommended to sleep well, avoid greasy food or alcoholic beverages. This can reduce the symptoms.

• 5) What pill to take to combat mountain sickness?

  The most recommended pill against mountain sickness is sorojchi pills. You can get it at any pharmacy in Cusco.

• 6) How to combat mountain sickness naturally?

  Mountain sickness occurs due to low oxygen pressure at high altitude latitudes. Strong symptoms usually disappear automatically after one or two days of acclimatization. Then it is recommended to drink hot infusions, be rehydrated and sleep well.

• 7) Can I suffer from mountain sickness while visiting Vinicunca?

  Yes, Vinicunca is located 5,200 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest tourist attractions in Peru. Therefore, it is common for visitors to feel some symptoms of altitude sickness. To reduce them, it is recommended to visit on the last or penultimate day of your trip.

• 8) Where to stay to better adapt to mountain sickness in Cusco?

  For a good adaptation in Cusco, a good option is to stay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There is an excellent range of hotels in the towns of Urubamba (2,871 meters above sea level) and Ollantaytambo (2,792 meters above sea level).

• 9) Do I need vaccines for mountain sickness in Cusco?

  No special vaccinations are required to visit Machu Picchu, Lima, Cusco, Lake Titicaca in Puno or the Cordillera Blanca in Arequipa, Peru. But we recommend consulting your doctor about your individual needs on a trip like this.

• 10) Is it safe to drink coca tea to combat mountain sickness?

  Yes, since Inca times, coca tea has allowed good adaptation and reduction of the symptoms of mountain sickness. You can drink it in any cafe or restaurant in Cusco.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 29, 2024