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Traveling to Cusco and Machu Picchu is a unique adventure, but the altitude of these regions can pose a challenge for the body. Understanding how altitude impacts your body will allow you to fully enjoy the experience without inconvenience.
What is the altitude of Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is located at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level, while Machu Picchu, the famous citadel, is at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level. This difference in altitude can cause you to feel different effects in each place, so it is important to prepare properly.
Why can altitude affect you?
As you ascend, atmospheric pressure decreases and there is less oxygen in the air. This forces your body to work harder to supply oxygen to your organs and muscles, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and headache. This set of effects is known as altitude sickness or “soroche”.
How does lower oxygen pressure influence your body?
The reduction of oxygen at high altitudes causes the heart and lungs to work harder than usual to distribute oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to:
- Faster breathing to try and get more oxygen.
- Accelerated heart rate to pump more oxygenated blood.
- Fatigue and feeling tired due to lower efficiency in cellular oxygenation.
What changes does lower air density cause in your breathing?
The air at altitude is less dense, meaning each inhalation contains less oxygen than your body is accustomed to receiving. As a result:
- You may feel short of breath when doing physical exertion.
- Breathing becomes faster, especially in the first few days.
- A feeling of constant tiredness can occur until the body adapts.
Altitude sickness: Causes, symptoms, and body responses
Altitude sickness is a reaction of your body to the lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Knowing how to identify its causes and symptoms will help you prevent complications and better enjoy your trip.
What are the main causes of altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness occurs when your body does not have enough time to adapt to the decrease in oxygen in the air. Risk factors include:
- Ascending too quickly without allowing the body to adjust.
- Not resting enough in the first few days of your stay.
- Performing intense physical exertion before acclimatization.
- Not being well hydrated, which affects circulation and oxygen transport in the blood.
How does your body respond to altitude and what adaptations does it make?
To cope with the lack of oxygen, your body takes certain measures:
- Increases respiratory rate to get more oxygen.
- Heart rate increases to send oxygenated blood faster to the organs.
- The body begins to produce more red blood cells to improve oxygen transport.
What symptoms can indicate you are suffering from altitude sickness?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your body may be having difficulty adapting to the altitude:
- Headache: one of the most common signs.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: feeling disoriented or vertigo.
- Fatigue and weakness: feeling exhausted even with little effort.
- Nausea and vomiting: stomach discomfort that may be accompanied by loss of appetite.
- Difficulty breathing: feeling short of breath when doing physical activities.
- Accelerated heart rate: unusual palpitations even at rest.
It is important to rest and drink enough water if you experience these symptoms and, in more severe cases, descend to a lower altitude.
Key tips for acclimatizing and enjoying to the fullest
To reduce the effects of altitude sickness and fully enjoy your trip, follow these recommendations:
Why is progressive acclimatization important?
Allowing your body to adapt to the altitude little by little can make a difference in how you feel. It is recommended to:
- Stay at intermediate altitudes (like the Sacred Valley) before going up to Cusco.
- Avoid intense exercise during the first 48 hours.
- Rest well and avoid staying up late to give your body time to adapt.
This strategy significantly reduces discomfort and improves your travel experience.
What role does hydration play in altitude adaptation?
Staying well hydrated is key to avoiding symptoms like headache and fatigue. Some recommendations are:
- Drink enough water to help oxygenate the blood.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they contribute to dehydration.
- Consume light foods rich in liquids, such as fruits and soups.
How does coca tea help reduce the effects of altitude sickness?
Coca tea is a traditional drink in the Andes used to alleviate “soroche”. Its benefits include:
- Stimulating breathing, improving oxygenation.
- Reducing fatigue and headache thanks to its natural alkaloids.
- Providing a feeling of well-being without significant side effects.
Many people find relief with this infusion, although its effectiveness varies depending on the individual.
What is Oxishot and how can it help you at altitude?
Oxishot is a product that contains compressed oxygen and can be useful at high altitudes for:
- Relieving mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as dizziness or fatigue.
- Providing extra oxygen during intense physical activities.
- Being a temporary resource while other acclimatization measures are taken.
It’s important to remember that it does not replace medical treatment in severe cases.
When is it advisable to consult a doctor before traveling to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or have experienced problems at high altitudes before, it is best to consult with a doctor before traveling. Consider a prior check-up if:
- You suffer from respiratory or cardiac illnesses, such as asthma or hypertension.
- You have had episodes of severe altitude sickness on previous trips.
- You are pregnant and planning to visit high altitudes.
- You are taking medications that may affect your adaptation to altitude.
A specialist can provide you with personalized recommendations or prescribe preventive medications if necessary.
