Altitude sickness is called soroche in Peru and other Andean countries. This term derives from the Quechua surúchi meaning antimony, due to the native belief that the illness is caused by the presence of metals in the mountains. Altitude sickness begins to affect people at heights of around 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level. Many of Peru’s most well-known attractions are located in the Andes mountain range, so it’s important to do some research about altitude sickness while planning your trip. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about how to treat altitude sickness in Peru.
Altitude sickness, also known as “acute mountain sickness,” is caused by rapid exposure to the lower levels of oxygen found at high altitudes. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Not a pleasant way to spend a vacation, that’s for sure! Get to know this list of major Peruvian cities and tourist attractions by altitude, and find out whether any of your planned destinations are located above the 8,000 foot mark where altitude sickness can begin to take effect:
| City | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Puno | 12,556 ft (3,827 m) |
| Cusco | 11,152 ft (3,399 m) |
| Huaraz | 10,013 ft (3,052 m) |
| Ayacucho | 9,058 ft (2,761 m) |
| Arequipa | 7,500 ft (2,300 m) |
| Cajamarca | 8,924 ft (2,720 m) |
| Machu Picchu | 7,972 ft (2,430 m) |
| Abancay | 7,802 ft (2,378 m) |
| Chachapoyas | 7,661 ft (2,335 m) |
| Ica | 1,332 ft (406 m) |
| Tarapoto | 1,168 ft (356 m) |
| Puerto Maldonado | 610 ft (186 m) |
| Lima | 505 ft (154 m) |
Obviously, suffering for days at a time with altitude sickness can really put a damper on your trip if you’re not prepared. Before you go, make sure you read these tried and tested tips to help you treat altitude sickness in Peru:
Acclimatize
One of the best ways to avoid getting altitude sickness is to make sure you properly acclimatize. This means slowly working your way up to higher altitudes, allowing your body the proper time to adjust to the changes. This can be done by traveling from sea-level Lima to medium-altitude cities like Arequipa or Ayacucho before making your way to high-altitude Cusco or Puno (see our list of cities in Peru by altitude above). If you do fly directly from Lima to Cusco, another tip is to go directly from the airport to visit Machu Picchu, which has a significantly lower altitude.
Don’t Overexert Yourself
Since the air at higher altitudes contains less oxygen, that means your heart has to work twice as hard to pump the right amount of oxygen to your brain and the rest of your body. Since your heart and your body in general is already working so hard to keep up with the changes, it’s a good idea to just relax and take it easy for the first couple days at altitudes. Don’t attempt any difficult hikes or other strenuous activities until you’re confident that you’ve fully acclimatized.
Stay Hydrated
High altitude places tend to have very dry air, which can cause dehydration. While this may not be directly caused by altitude sickness, it can certainly exacerbate the symptoms. Make sure to drink plenty of water when you’re in Cusco and other high altitude cities in Peru!
Eat Light Meals
Try to eat meals with “light” carbohydrates such as pasta, while avoiding “heavier” foods like red meat which take longer to digest. When you eat food that takes a long time to digest, it can leave you feeling lethargic, which can contribute to the fatigue caused by altitude sickness. For this same reason, it’s also important to control your portion size and make sure you don’t overeat.
Avoid Alcohol
Even though you’re on vacation and you want to enjoy yourself, it’s best to take it easy on the booze when you’re at high altitude. Studies have shown that high altitudes tend to intensify the effects of alcohol on the body. If you’re already feeling a little under the weather due to the altitude change, the last thing you need is to wake up with the mother of all hangovers.
Use Coca Leaves
While it’s true that coca is what is used to synthesize cocaine, in leaf form it is merely a mild stimulant that can be chewed or taken as tea. This sacred herb has been used by native peoples of the area for thousands of years to treat the symptoms of altitude sickness. Make sure to give this natural remedy a try while you’re in Cusco and other high altitude cities.
Carry Pills
Since altitude sickness is such a common problem in this part of the world, medication to treat it is easy to obtain and usually available over the counter. See a pharmacist in Lima or elsewhere on the coast before you head to higher altitudes, and ask for something to treat soroche. Even if you don’t end up developing symptoms, it’s a good idea to carry some pills to treat it just in case!
Lastly, don’t let all of these warnings put you off to the idea of traveling in Peru! If you’ve got a heart condition, it’s probably a good idea to consult with a doctor before you go, but if you’re in reasonably good health, don’t let fear of altitude sickness keep you from visiting this incredible country. Now that you’ve done a little research and know some of the tips for treating altitude sickness in Peru, you’ll be fully prepared for your trip. Now all that’s left is to enjoy your time in the Land of the Incas!
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / ngaire hart
1st Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / Daniel Tobias
