Altitude sickness is a condition that affects some people when they visit places at high elevation; however, it is possible to be prepared to avoid this discomfort. It is important to prevent altitude sickness even before noticing the first symptoms or arriving in the city of Cusco.
In Peru, it is popularly known as "soroche," and it is very common among travelers arriving in Cusco. Here, we will explain how to avoid altitude sickness in Cusco.
Altitude sickness is not related to physical condition, but rather to a sudden change in altitude.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS), or soroche, is caused by the lower atmospheric pressure at high elevations, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood; as a result, the body's organs receive less oxygen. The human body distributes oxygen throughout the body through the blood. This function is affected when you are at altitudes above 2,400 m.a.s.l.
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
One of the organs most affected by an insufficient supply of oxygen is the brain. The symptoms of soroche usually include:
Headache
Severe dizziness
Difficulty breathing
A feeling of disorientation comparable to being drunk
More serious symptoms may include:
Difficulty breathing even at rest
Bluish or purplish skin discoloration
Chest tightness
In extremely serious cases, which are very rare, a person may suffer cerebral or pulmonary edema and even death.
It is crucial to recognize the symptoms as soon as you arrive in Cusco in order to prevent altitude sickness.
Before doing any physical activity that requires effort, make sure you are properly acclimatized.
How can you avoid altitude sickness?
The human body experiences changes in how it functions when traveling to places above 2,400 m.a.s.l. Soroche does not have an established cure. However, human beings have lived in high-altitude places for thousands of years, so the remedies are well known and widely practiced.
Here are some recommendations to help you avoid altitude sickness in Cusco:
The first recommendation is to slow your body down; that is, walk more slowly and climb stairs one step at a time. Avoid overexerting your body at all times, since it is in a state of stress due to the lack of oxygen.
The human body usually gets used to the altitude after 2 or 3 days. However, this varies depending on many factors, such as age, physical condition, and tolerance to low oxygen levels. This gradual process is known as acclimatization. Once the body has adjusted, you can do physical activities normally.
Diet is important if it is your first time traveling to high altitudes or if you are particularly sensitive. A diet based on fruits, vegetables, and Andean grains helps the body stay stable. Avoid heavily seasoned foods or foods high in fat, since digestion at high altitude is different.
Staying hydrated by drinking water (2 to 3 liters per day per person) helps you get through the acclimatization stage successfully.
The coca leaf was considered sacred in the Inca Empire, and this was not only part of their beliefs, but was also based on its extraordinary natural qualities. Studies carried out on coca leaves show that they contain more than 15 different alkaloids, many of which are natural regulators of the body. This makes coca leaves a great alternative for calming the body when it is suffering from altitude sickness.
There are pills called "Sorojchi Pills" that can be purchased at any pharmacy in Cusco without a prescription. They help reduce the most uncomfortable symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
There are also oxygen canisters called Oxishot that can be purchased at hotels or some pharmacies. These oxygen canisters allow you to breathe as if you were at an elevation of 100 m.a.s.l.
Places at the highest elevations in the department of Cusco:
Ausangate snow-capped mountain: located south of Cusco, at an altitude of 6,384 m.a.s.l.
Salkantay snow-capped mountain: located northeast of Cusco, at an altitude of 6,261 m.a.s.l.
Rainbow Mountain: located south of Cusco, at an altitude of 5,200 m.a.s.l.
Inca Trail, Warmihuañuska Pass: with a maximum elevation of 4,200 m.a.s.l.
Abra Malaga: located southeast of Cusco, with a maximum elevation of 4,297 m.a.s.l.
Abra Pirhuayani: located southeast of Cusco, with a maximum elevation of 4,725 m.a.s.l.
The city of Cusco: has an elevation of 3,400 m.a.s.l.
