{"id":4047,"date":"2026-03-07T04:50:03","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T04:50:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/?p=4047"},"modified":"2026-03-07T04:51:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T04:51:00","slug":"cusco-how-to-avoid-altitude-sickness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/en\/cusco-how-to-avoid-altitude-sickness\/","title":{"rendered":"Cusco: How to avoid altitude sickness?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0299.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0299.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0299-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0299-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0299-550x365.webp 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cAltitude is no myth,\u201d<\/strong> warn coaches and footballers from the lowlands whenever a match at 3,400 metres above sea level in<a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/en\/why-to-visit-cusco\/\"> Cusco<\/a> is approaching. Whether the statement is entirely true or not, it often sounds like a <strong>pre-emptive excuse<\/strong>. It is well known <strong>that visiting teams rarely do well <\/strong>on the pitches of the \u201cImperial City\u201d \u2014 so much so that even a draw is often celebrated as a heroic result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.revistabencomo.com\/edicion-especial-2018\/el-cusco-el-ombligo-del-mundo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">navel of the world<\/a>\u201d, <strong>defeats are blamed on the altitude<\/strong>, while victories are said to come in spite of it. Well, at least that is what today\u2019s players argue, sometimes with a hint of frustration. What they may not know \u2014 or perhaps have forgotten \u2014 is that years ago their colleagues <strong>would embrace oxygen cylinders with the enthusiasm of a goal celebration<\/strong>, using them to catch their breath and carry on playing at the fearsome <a href=\"https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Estadio_Daniel_Alcides_Carri%C3%B3n\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Daniel Alcides Carri\u00f3n Stadium<\/a> in the Pasco region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At 4,380 metres above sea level, it became <strong>the highest professional football ground on the planet<\/strong>, a title it would lose in 2001 when <a href=\"https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Club_Deportivo_Uni%C3%B3n_Minas_Centromin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Uni\u00f3n Minas<\/a>, the local club that had spent 16 years in the top division, was relegated. During those years, when <strong>cold, snow and altitude combined like a perfectly played one-two<\/strong>, even the home players and supporters sometimes wished the match would end quickly so they could <strong>retreat to the changing rooms<\/strong> or head back home.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC7652.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4021\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC7652.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC7652-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC7652-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When that happened in Pasco, <strong>everyone agreed that altitude is no myth<\/strong>. It certainly isn\u2019t in football. Nor is it in tourism \u2014 an activity in which, unlike what often happens during football matches in Andean cities, <strong>visitors usually do very well<\/strong>. In fact, they do so well that it\u2019s no exaggeration to say that during your holiday <strong>you\u2019ll beat <em>soroche<\/em><\/strong>, or acute mountain sickness, by a comfortable scoreline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That said, there are occasions when<strong> altitude sickness scores the opening goal<\/strong>, putting the final result at risk. If that happens to you, don\u2019t worry. In this text \u2014 inspired by and full of football references, perhaps because of the World Cup atmosphere \u2014 I\u2019ll share several tips <strong>to leave soroche caught offside<\/strong> and, in more serious cases, show it the red card. <strong>Yes, the best option is to send it off your trip entirely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the acute mountain sickness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC4958.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC4958.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC4958-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC4958-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You arrive at your destination full of excitement, eager to make the most of every minute. But <strong>something happens as soon as you step off the plane<\/strong>, or when the bus takes the final bends on the road. <strong>You feel nauseous<\/strong>, dizzy, your temples begin to throb, and <strong>you may even find it hard to breathe<\/strong>. It\u2019s frightening. <strong>You don\u2019t know what\u2019s happening<\/strong>. What you don\u2019t realise is that these discomforts are some of the symptoms of <strong>a temporary and short-lived condition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re not the first \u2014 and certainly won\u2019t be the last \u2014 \u201cvictim\u201d of <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.pucp.edu.pe\/blog\/blogderedaccion\/2009\/04\/22\/la-palabra-del-d-a-soroche\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">soroche<\/a>, as we Peruvians call acute mountain sickness (AMS). It \u201c<strong>affects climbers (mountaineers), hikers, skiers or travellers<\/strong> at high altitudes, generally above 8,000 feet (2,400 metres)\u201d. It is \u201c<strong>caused by a reduction in atmospheric pressure<\/strong> and the lower levels of oxygen found at high elevations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The website <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/spanish\/ency\/article\/000133.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">MedlinePlus<\/a> also explains that the <strong>faster the ascent<\/strong> to high-altitude areas, the greater the chances of <strong>\u201cdeveloping acute mountain sickness<\/strong>\u201d. For that reason, if you are in <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourslima.org\/en\/lima-exploring-seafood-gastronomy\/\">Lima<\/a> and planning to travel to Cusco, <strong>a good strategy is to visit Arequipa first<\/strong>. The 2,400 metres above sea level of the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/en\/arequipa-route-of-the-sillar\/\">White City<\/a>\u201d make it an ideal place to begin the acclimatisation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0309.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0309.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0309-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0309-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0309-550x365.webp 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your itinerary includes <strong>hikes along the mountain trails of Cusco<\/strong>, don\u2019t make the mistake \u2014 or the reckless decision \u2014 of setting off the moment you step off the plane or bus. The best approach is to <strong>wait a couple of days<\/strong> before taking your first steps on the trail. Studies show that symptoms usually appear within the first 24 to 48 hours. A useful tip: <strong>avoid overexerting<\/strong> yourself during that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, take the time to <strong>explore the city and its surroundings at a relaxed pace<\/strong>. Returning to our football analogy, <strong>don\u2019t rush straight into \u201cattack\u201d<\/strong>. Remember that teams that dare to do so are often defeated by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.infobae.com\/america\/peru\/2022\/06\/09\/cuando-cienciano-logro-la-descomunal-hazana-de-salir-campeon-de-la-copa-sudamericana-2003-y-la-recopa-2004\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Cienciano<\/a>, Cusco FC, and Deportivo Garcilaso \u2014 the \u201cInca\u201d clubs that compete in Liga 1. The moral of the story: <strong>caution is an excellent companion<\/strong>, both in football and when travelling at high altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Remedies for soroche<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC5545-2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC5545-2.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC5545-2-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC5545-2-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caution, yes; fear, never<\/strong>. Altitude sickness does exist, and it would be foolish to deny that it affects travellers \u2014 not everyone, but some people, and in different ways. Will you be one of them? Perhaps yes, perhaps not. It\u2019s difficult to know. Either way, <strong>don\u2019t be afraid or stressed<\/strong> about the possibility. <strong>Soroche isn\u2019t an invisible monster<\/strong> trying to steal your oxygen, your appetite and your sleep just to ruin your holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nor is it <strong>a curse or a punishment<\/strong> imposed by the Andean gods. As I mentioned earlier, <strong>it\u2019s a temporary condition<\/strong>. That doesn\u2019t mean you should ignore it or neglect yourself if its symptoms appear (headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, difficulty breathing and trouble sleeping). If the altitude does begin to affect you, <strong>rest until you feel better<\/strong>. And if the discomfort persists or worsens, <strong>seek specialised medical attention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In its Guide to Travelling at High Altitude,<a href=\"https:\/\/ialtura.cayetano.edu.pe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> the High Altitude Research Institute<\/a> at Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia emphasises that \u201cthe most important thing is to<strong> consult your trusted doctor<\/strong> before your planned trip\u201d. This recommendation is even more important <strong>if you have a pre-existing health condition<\/strong> or if you have never been thousands of metres above sea level before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC4903.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC4903.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC4903-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC4903-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The document explains that \u201cas altitude increases, <strong>the proportion of oxygen in the surrounding air decreases<\/strong>, and this can cause changes in the body \u2014 particularly if the ascent is rapid or if you plan to travel to very high elevations\u2026\u201d. In another section of the <a href=\"https:\/\/ialtura.cayetano.edu.pe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/04\/viajar-a-la-altura.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">guide<\/a> it notes that the condition is \u201ccommon above 2,500 metres\u201d and that the illness usually develops \u201c<strong>within one to two days after the ascent<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>And, like most ailments, it does have remedies<\/strong>. The specialists at the High Altitude Research Institute (IIA) recommend the following measures: <strong>stop ascending<\/strong> and rest; take paracetamol and antiemetics (medications that help prevent nausea and vomiting). <strong>In mild cases, they suggest that you \u201cconsider Acetazolamide<\/strong>, 250 mg every 12 hours\u201d, and \u201cfor severe illness: Dexamethasone, 4 mg every 6 hours for 24 hours\u201d. If symptoms persist or worsen, the advice is clear: descend to a lower altitude or <strong>use supplemental oxygen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tips for travellers on the road<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC6633.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC6633.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC6633-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC6633-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>From science to travellers\u2019 wisdom<\/strong>. The roads teach us. <strong>On the road, you learn<\/strong>. After many journeys to and from the highlands, you gradually \u201ccollect\u201d practical <strong>tips to prevent or cope with soroche<\/strong>. I\u2019ll share them with you because I truly hope you enjoy every minute of your journey in Cusco \u2014 Peru\u2019s leading tourist destination thanks to its extraordinary archaeological, cultural and natural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before we begin, it\u2019s worth clarifying that <strong>the following tips are not foolproof,<\/strong> although experience suggests they are quite effective for many travellers. So, take note: before travelling, <strong>eat well and in moderation<\/strong>, avoid excessive alcohol, and <strong>try not to stay up late the night before<\/strong>. A well-rested body adjusts to altitude much more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the journey, stay calm and try not to think about the thousands of metres above sea level. <strong>Ignoring the \u201copponent\u201d can be an excellent way to beat it<\/strong>. If you are travelling by bus and it stops at a roadside restaurant, <strong>order a light meal<\/strong> or a cup of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.infobae.com\/peru\/2024\/07\/12\/mate-de-coca-la-infusion-energizante-hecha-en-base-a-la-planta-sagrada-de-los-incas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">mate de coca<\/a> (coca tea). This ancestral drink can help you cope better with the climb. <strong>Lemon sweets are also reliable allies against the acute mountain sickness<\/strong>. Many travellers swear by them \u2014 and I\u2019m one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0286-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0286-1.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0286-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0286-1-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_0286-1-550x365.webp 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you arrive at your destination, try not to rush about. <strong>Put on a jacket when you step outside<\/strong> \u2014 in the Andes the sun can be rather deceptive and often fools newcomers. <strong>Walk at an easy pace and take deep breaths<\/strong>. Once you reach your hotel, rest for a while. Rest is very important. One \u201ctrick\u201d that more and more travellers use is to head straight from Cusco to the <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/en\/cusco-strategic-plan-for-visiting-pisac\/\">Sacred Valley of the Incas<\/a>, where <strong>the altitude is lower and the climate a little kinder<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you stay in the city or in the valley, <strong>don\u2019t overload your itinerary during the first few days<\/strong>. For instance, it\u2019s not the best idea to visit <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/en\/vinicunca-the-colors-of-a-mountain-viral\/\">Vinicunca, the \u201cMountain of Seven Colours\u201d<\/a>, the day after you arrive. <strong>Your body will not yet be acclimatised and you\u2019ll be more vulnerable to altitude<\/strong>. One final tip: be moderate at breakfast, lunch and dinner, as digestion tends to take longer at high altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Did you know that? \u2026 Well, never mind. What truly matters is that,<strong> with or without a touch of <em>soroche<\/em>, you have a wonderful time in Cusco<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC5187.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4041\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC5187.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC5187-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC5187-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cAltitude is no myth,\u201d warn coaches and footballers from the lowlands whenever a match at 3,400 metres above sea level in Cusco is approaching. Whether the statement is entirely true or not, it often sounds like a pre-emptive excuse. It is well known that visiting teams rarely do well on the pitches of the \u201cImperial [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4020,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-turismo"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cusco: How to avoid altitude sickness? - Get over the Soroche<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cusco: How to avoid altitude sickness. Headache, fatigue, and dizziness are the symptoms of the dreaded soroche. 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