Our 5 Best Tips To Avoid Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Firstly it’s important that we properly understand what altitude sickness is, and the necessary conditions for it to become an issue for humans.

Altitude sickness is our bodies response to being up at higher altitudes, where there is less oxygen readily available in the air. Issues usually begin at over 2000m above sea-level, with minor symptoms varying from headaches to dizziness, whilst others like vomiting and confusion are more likely at higher altitudes.

It’s important to know that altitudes affect everyone differently, and there is no way of knowing how you will react until you come. Usually most people get some symptoms between 3000-4000m, however some may feel nothing until they reach 4500m – whilst others may get headaches at 2000m. For this reason it’s important to properly prepare before heading up to higher altitudes.

Can You Get Altitude Sickness In Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is located up at a total altitude of 2430m. This means that the chances of getting altitude sickness here is very low, however it’s still possible.

There are several ways you can prevent being one of the unlucky ones, with the biggest being that you drink Coca Leaf Tea. This is especially important if you will head on a tour immediately upon arriving in Cusco, where your body won’t have had the necessary time to adjust.

If you’ve otherwise been in Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley for a few days, and have already headed on different hikes – then the chance of getting Machu Picchu altitude sickness is extremely low.

Our 5 Top Tips To Avoid Getting Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness 

Below we’ll now explore some of our very best tips for avoiding altitude sickness at Machu Picchu, which all travelers can implement with ease regardless of your trip style.

Spend 2 Days In Cusco Before Heading To Machu Picchu

It has been confirmed that to properly acclimate to a new altitude, our bodies need around 48 hours to acclimate to the changes in the oxygen present. This means that in an ideal world we would spend two days in Cusco prior which is located at a higher altitude of 3399m – which will make the Machu Picchu hike easy. Even if we don’t have the time to adjust, it’s still unlikely we’ll have any major symptoms here.

Drink Coca Leaf Tea

Used by native people from the region for thousands of years, Coca Leaf Tea is an ancient remedy that has been used as far back as before the time of the Incas. It contains properties that firstly prevent us getting unwanted symptoms, and secondly gives us extra energy for our hikes. Most hotels and accommodations in Cusco will provide you with Coca Leaf tea once you arrive.

Head On Other Andean Hikes Before Visiting Machu Picchu 

If you’re really worried about having a tough time walking to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, then heading on other hikes prior will virtually guarantee you to have no issues. We recommend those of the Cristo Blanco Viewpoint in Cusco, and also around Ollantaytambo which are both at higher altitudes than the Seventh Wonder of the World. After hiking these, heading to Machu Picchu in any season will be a breeze.

Bring Lots of Water And Certain Foods

Being well-hydrated is critical when hiking to Machu Picchu, so you’ll want to make sure you drink lots of water beforehand and also keep a large bottle with you ready. Other foods such as chocolate and fruits can also help provide you with some much needed nutrients which will prevent you from getting any headaches or other altitude sickness related issues.

Take Soroche Pills

Finally we have the most powerful solution, which are Soroche Pills that have stronger effects than Coca Leaf Teas. Whilst usually used for higher altitude treks (think 4000m and above), if you’ve had altitude sickness issues at lower elevations before then you can consider getting them. You can easily pick-up Soroche Pills at any Inkafarma or pharmacy in Cusco.

Overview Of Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness

And that’s all for our guide on how to avoid getting Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness.

One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient citadel is a really impressive site to visit from Cusco. However given its location within the Andes, many do worry about whether you can get sick here. However as long as you follow our tips in this guide, you’ll have no issues and can enjoy the site without complaints.

Learn more about our popular Machu Picchu Tours, which are all-inclusive and include all transport, your entrance ticket, the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes and more!