How to Prevent and Overcome Altitude Sickness: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Upon arriving in the city of Cusco, located at 3,399 meters above sea level, you may feel the effects of soroche, or altitude sickness. However, altitude sickness is usually manageable. For this reason, the first thing you should do is rest during your first day, give yourself a few days to acclimatize, stay constantly hydrated, eat carbohydrates, and avoid foods high in fat, as well as alcohol and tobacco.

What is altitude sickness and why does it happen?

Acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as soroche, is caused by lower atmospheric pressure at high altitudes. This directly results in less oxygen being available to the body, causing symptoms and warning signs.

Common symptoms: identify the warning signs

One of the organs most affected by the reduced oxygen supply is the brain. Common symptoms of soroche usually include:

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Confusion, difficulty coordinating movements, or a feeling of disorientation.

More serious symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing even at rest.
• Blue or purple discoloration of the skin.
• Chest tightness.

What to do if you start feeling unwell: immediate steps

• Do not continue ascending. Stay still, rest, and avoid any physical effort. 
• Stay well hydrated, without overdoing it; drink water regularly. Practice slow, deep breathing to increase oxygen intake. 

Prevention tips before and during your ascent 

1. Acclimatization: this process can take at least a couple of days and will depend on each person’s body. We recommend resting during the first few days and avoiding major physical effort. You can take city tours normally, such as the City Tour, but it is important to walk slowly and avoid activities that require intense physical effort. 
2. Hydration: dehydration is one of the main factors that worsens altitude sickness, so you should stay hydrated at all times.
3. Food: this aspect is very important. You should eat well to adapt better to Cusco’s climate. Carbohydrates are helpful in these cases. Ideally, eat foods rich in natural sugars, such as fruits and cereals, especially Andean grains like quinoa and kiwicha. Quinoa bars are a good option because they provide energy and are easy to carry during the trip. 
4. Coca leaf: traditionally, coca leaf is consumed to help the body adapt to altitude and to perform activities that require a lot of strength. It contains many nutrients and is directly associated with human psychosomatic well-being. It is usually consumed as an infusion or in candies.
5. Pills (Sorojchi Pills): these can be found in pharmacies in Cusco, some of which are located in the city center, so they will not be difficult to find. We recommend buying them from authorized pharmacies to help prevent any additional harm to your body.
6. Portable oxygen (Oxishot): most hotels in Cusco have portable oxygen available. It helps passengers breathe better and is used as a support measure in some cases. Travelers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before traveling.