CUSCO: 10 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR ACCLIMATIZING TO THE ALTITUDE
Exploring Cusco is the dream of adventurers from all over the world, although its altitude of over 3,300 meters can test even the most enthusiastic. If you adapt well, you will be able to savor every moment without any setbacks.
Feeling the Inca magic from the moment you set foot in the imperial city is a unique experience, but the altitude can play tricks on us if we overdo it. To make your stay in Cusco unforgettable, here are 10 essential tips that will turn your visit into a memorable adventure.
Feeling the Inca magic from the moment you set foot in the imperial city is a unique experience, but the altitude can play tricks on us if we overdo it. To make your stay in Cusco unforgettable, here are 10 essential tips that will turn your visit into a memorable adventure.
1. Don’t go on a strenuous trek on your first day.
Resist the temptation to rush into adventure as soon as you arrive. Spend your first 24 hours resting, strolling around at a leisurely pace, and allowing your body to adjust. If your time is limited, the City Tour is the perfect option: low physical effort and an opportunity to acclimatize while discovering Cusco’s history.
Resist the temptation to rush into adventure as soon as you arrive. Spend your first 24 hours resting, strolling around at a leisurely pace, and allowing your body to adjust. If your time is limited, the City Tour is the perfect option: low physical effort and an opportunity to acclimatize while discovering Cusco’s history.
2. Stay hydrated at all times.
Staying hydrated is your best ally in Cusco, because the dry air and altitude can dehydrate you without you noticing. So drink pure water in small amounts throughout the day and keep altitude sickness at bay.
Staying hydrated is your best ally in Cusco, because the dry air and altitude can dehydrate you without you noticing. So drink pure water in small amounts throughout the day and keep altitude sickness at bay.
3. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals
Cusco’s cuisine seduces everyone, but in your first few days, choose light dishes and avoid fats or intense seasonings. Digestion is slower at altitude; we also recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can aggravate the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Cusco’s cuisine seduces everyone, but in your first few days, choose light dishes and avoid fats or intense seasonings. Digestion is slower at altitude; we also recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can aggravate the symptoms of altitude sickness.
4. Coca or muña tea
Coca or muña tea is your ally against altitude sickness, especially before demanding tours such as the Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain, or Humantay Lake. You can easily prepare it with fresh leaves or tea bags; it’s common, so you can find it in hotels, restaurants, and markets.
Coca or muña tea is your ally against altitude sickness, especially before demanding tours such as the Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain, or Humantay Lake. You can easily prepare it with fresh leaves or tea bags; it’s common, so you can find it in hotels, restaurants, and markets.
5. Sleep well
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to enjoying Cusco to the fullest. A good night’s rest helps your body acclimatize. Try to go to bed early and avoid staying up late during your first few nights.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to enjoying Cusco to the fullest. A good night’s rest helps your body acclimatize. Try to go to bed early and avoid staying up late during your first few nights.
6. Take it slowly
The excitement of exploring Cusco may make you want to do everything at once, but it’s better to take it slowly. Start with leisurely tours such as the Classic Sacred Valley, the Super Sacred Valley, or the City Tour. Once you’ve acclimatized, you can embark on more demanding adventures. The excitement of exploring Cusco may make you want to do everything at once, but it’s better to take it slowly.
The excitement of exploring Cusco may make you want to do everything at once, but it’s better to take it slowly. Start with leisurely tours such as the Classic Sacred Valley, the Super Sacred Valley, or the City Tour. Once you’ve acclimatized, you can embark on more demanding adventures. The excitement of exploring Cusco may make you want to do everything at once, but it’s better to take it slowly.
7. Consider preventive medication
To avoid any inconveniences during your trip to Cusco, we suggest you consult your doctor to determine whether you need preventive medication for altitude sickness. Some travelers choose to take altitude sickness pills to prevent symptoms, but it is best to allow your body to adapt naturally.
To avoid any inconveniences during your trip to Cusco, we suggest you consult your doctor to determine whether you need preventive medication for altitude sickness. Some travelers choose to take altitude sickness pills to prevent symptoms, but it is best to allow your body to adapt naturally.
8. Avoid unnecessary exertion
The excitement of discovering Cusco may make you want to rush around, but it is best to take it slow. Enjoy each visit without rushing and avoid walking fast or running so you don’t get out of breath.
The excitement of discovering Cusco may make you want to rush around, but it is best to take it slow. Enjoy each visit without rushing and avoid walking fast or running so you don’t get out of breath.
9. Bring appropriate clothing
The weather in Cusco is unpredictable: you may wake up to sunshine and end the day in the rain. Dress in layers —long sleeves, a thermal jacket, and a windbreaker —so you can easily adapt to changing weather.
During the rainy season, always keep a poncho handy, as downpours can catch you off guard at any time.
10. Listen to your body
Listening to your body is essential to caring for your health. If you feel dizzy, have a severe headache, or feel nauseous, stop and rest. If the symptoms do not go away, seek medical help.
Extra tip: Arrive in Cusco at least two days before embarking on demanding adventures such as the Inca Trail, Choquequirao, or Salkantay. Your body will thank you for it.
