(updated February 2026)
Perhaps you have heard warnings about altitude sickness in Cusco. Are the dangers of altitude overblown, or truly dangerous? In short, YES you need to pay attention to altitude sickness in Peru! At 11, 152 feet, the altitude of Cusco is significant. Most of the time, altitude sickness is mild. However left unchecked, it can be fatal. Keep reading to find out more about altitude sickness and the best ways to prevent it when you visit Cusco.
Prevent altitude sickness in Cusco, known as soroche, by ascending slowly to altitudes over 8000 feet. Stay hydrated, eat small meals, and drink coca tea to ease symptoms. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Before traveling, consult your doctor to see about prophylactic medications for altitude sickness.
As a registered nurse, I wanted to understand more about altitude sickness in Cusco and how to prevent it. I researched the topic and utilized these tips for my family during our time in Cusco. This travel guide will share helpful insights, so you don’t become one of the unlucky ones needing medical care abroad.
Importantly, this Peru travel information is not medical advice. Consult with your doctor before traveling to high altitudes or if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness.
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
What Is Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a multitude of symptoms individuals experience when they move from low to high elevations. This is common when a person travels “too high, too fast“. In Peru, altitude sickness is known as “soroche“.
When you travel to higher altitudes, barometric pressure drops causing less oxygen in the air. When your brain senses low levels of oxygen, you begin breathing deeper and faster to compensate.
Due to the fact that tourists are not acclimatized, it is common for them to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness affects 25%-85% of people traveling to high altitudes. The higher you go, the more likely you are to have acute mountain sickness and the more severe it can be. In fact, above 14,760 feet (4500 meters), altitude sickness affects 50-85% of non-acclimated travelers.
Keep reading to learn more about Altitude sickness in Cusco and how to prevent it!
“”An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Top 15 Ways to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Cusco
Now that you know what altitude sickness is, it’s time to learn how to prevent it. If possible, try to prepare for the altitude in Peru before you travel. Take a moment to review the top ways to prevent altitude sickness listed below.
1. Consider Past Experiences With High Altitude
First, reflect on your past history at high altitudes. Have you ever experienced any unusual symptoms when you reached high elevations? Previous issues can be an indicator of future issues with altitude. However, just because you haven’t had issues in the past doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind. There is no way to know who will have complications from altitude for sure.
2. Consult With Your Doctor About Preventive Prescriptions Before You Travel
If you have health conditions, consult with your physician to determine whether you need prescription medications to aid with high altitudes. People with lung conditions, obesity, heart conditions, and kidney disease are particularly vulnerable.
Both my mother and husband struggle with asthma. Their physicians advised they take Acetazolamide (brand name Diamox) to help acclimate. Check with your doctor to see if this medication might benefit you.
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3. Visit Lower Altitudes Before You Go to Cusco
Ideally, start your vacation at altitudes lower than 8,200 feet (2500 meters). This will help you begin adjusting to the altitude. Start in lower elevations and ascend higher after a few days of acclimatization. For example, stay in Aguas Calientes or the Sacred Valley before you visit Cusco.
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4. Prepare Your Peru Itinerary Wisely
If you plan to go directly to Cusco, plan your activities carefully. You do not want to exert yourself for the first few days. Spend the day wandering through Cusco’s museums, cathedrals, Plaza de Armas, or shopping. Take your time and rest between attractions.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Before you travel, check with your doctor to see if a fitness program is safe for you. Remember being fit does not mean you will avoid altitude sickness.
Learn About the Best Things to Do in Cusco– Read This Blog for a Detailed Itinerary.
5. Acclimate Slowly to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Cusco
Once you have reached a destination at high elevation, it is important to give your body a few days to adjust before proceeding higher. Ascending rapidly from low elevations to high elevations increases your risk for altitude sickness. Try to stay below 2500 meters (about 8,200 feet) for the first night. Once you reach 3000 meters (9800 feet) do not ascend more than 500 meters (1640 feet) per day.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Avoid day tours to Rainbow Mountain and the Huchuy Qosqo trek until you adapt to the altitude.
6. Stay Hydrated to Prevent Altitude Sickness
It is important to stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness in Cusco. As mentioned above, as you breathe faster and deeper to compensate for lower oxygen levels. As a result, more fluids are lost through your mouth and nose.
In addition to the “thinner air” at high elevations there are other factors that cause dehydration. Weather at high altitudes tends to have fluctuations in climate. In Cusco, it is not uncommon to experience very cold mornings and warm afternoons. The temperature fluctuated from the 30’s Fahrenheit to upper 60’s during our visit.
It is also common to experience wind and low humidity at high elevations. This can cause rapid dehydration Therefore, it is important to drink 1- 2 liters of water for every hour of outdoor exercise to stay properly hydrated at high altitudes. Proper hydration helps protect you against altitude sickness.
7. Dress in Layers & Wear Sunscreen to Prevent Dehydration
Choosing proper clothing and wearing sunscreen go hand in hand with avoiding dehydration. If your clothing is too warm, you will sweat in the afternoon sun and lose body fluids. UV rays are stronger at high elevations, so wear sunscreen to prevent burns. Additionally, severe sunburns can cause dehydration.
8. Drink Peruvian Tea to Combat Altitude Sickness in Cusco
Without question, drinking local teas in Cusco helped us manage our mild altitude sickness. There are several varieties of tea in Cusco to help combat the unpleasant symptoms you feel at high altitudes. They are readily available in hotels, restaurants and stores.
Importantly, if you have health problems such as high blood pressure, check with your doctor before you drink local teas. Also consult with your doctor to check for possible interactions with tea and your medications.
Coca Tea (Mate de coca)
The first type, coca tea, is the most popular tea to combat altitude sickness. Coca tea is derived from the same plant used to make cocaine. However, it is made with decocainized tea leaves. Coca tea helps with stomach upset and has a stimulating effect. We found coca tea to help relieve headaches we felt when we first arrived in Cusco.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Use caution when drinking coca tea. Despite having a similar effect as a standard cup of tea or coffee, it is possible in rare instances to test positive for cocaine. This effect can last for 20 hours after ingestion. I didn’t know this information during our travels and we all drank several cups of coca tea. None of our family reported any significant stimulating effect.
Muña tea
In Peru, muna (mint) tea is used to help with altitude. Muna plants are known to help with digestion. Locals say it relieves symptoms of AMS such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This is an excellent tea to drink in the evenings because it has less stimulating effects than coca tea.
Manzanilla tea
Known as chamomile tea in the United States, Peru’s manzanilla tea is derived from the same plant. Manzanilla tea calms an upset stomach and relaxes the nervous system. This calming herbal tea has a mild flavor and an apple aroma. It’s useful to promote sleep and ease symptoms of altitude sickness.
9. Consider Chewing Coca Products
In combination with tea, you can find coca products to help you combat altitude sickness in Peru. The airport, hotels and local convenience stores sell candy and cookies with coca leaves. If you can tolerate the bitter taste, you can even chew coca leaves like locals do.
Seeking Stamps Tip: It is illegal to bring coca leaves and coca products back to the United States when you return home.
10. Choose a Hotel Room With Oxygen Enriched Rooms
Did you know you can book hotel rooms in Cusco with added oxygen? Yep, that’s right! Some hotels have oxygen enriched rooms. Their systems increase the levels of oxygen from 21% (normal room air) to 24% oxygen. Enriched rooms are supposed to help reduce the effects of altitude.
Here are some Cusco hotels with oxygen enriched rooms:
- JW Marriott Cusco El Convento
- Belmond Monasterio Cusco
- Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
- Palacio del Inka
- Arwana Cusco
11. Limit Strenuous Exercise at High Altitudes
As your body adjusts to higher elevations, you need to limit strenuous exercise regardless of your fitness level. Exerting yourself before you have time to acclimatize can cause acute mountain sickness. It also increases the incidence and severity of AMS. Give yourself at least 24 hours before you increase activity levels in Cusco.
Explore the Ruins of Sacsayhuaman for an Easy Day Trip While You Acclimate to Cusco’s Altitude.
12. Avoid Alcohol, Drugs & Sleeping Medications at High Altitudes
At altitude, your body is working harder than usual to get the oxygen it needs. Therefore, you do not want to take illegal drugs, over the counter medications, prescriptions, or drink alcohol without checking with your doctor. Anything that is a “central nervous system depressant” such as a sedative can reduce the amount a person breathes at high elevations.
13. Don’t Smoke When Acclimatizing in Cusco
When you smoke, you inhale carbon monoxide (and numerous other dangerous chemicals). Carbon monoxide binds to red blood cells and displaces oxygen. This prevents some oxygen from reaching body tissues. Additionally, a history of smoking reduces exercise capacity, which can affect altitude sickness. At high altitudes, avoid anything that depletes oxygen from the body.
Seeking Stamps Tip: If you plan to smoke at high altitudes, consult with your doctor to see if prophylactic medications or nicotine patches are recommended.
14. Foods to Help With Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
If you are having symptoms of mild altitude sickness, you may have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Eat small, frequent meals to help prevent stomach upset. Choose carbohydrate rich foods such as quinoa, instead of greasy, fatty foods that are harder to digest. Limit salty food to help with hydration.
15. Buy Oxi-shots
Lastly, you can buy oxi-shots in Cusco. These small oxygen cylinders can be found in local stores. They are supposed to help ward off headaches. Although deemed safe for healthy individuals, it is unknown whether these have a significant effect on altitude sickness.
These should not be used instead of medical treatment for increased symptoms of AMS. Check with your doctor to see if these are safe if you have any health conditions.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Another product sold in Cusco are sorojchi pills for altitude sickness. They are made of aspirin, salophen and caffeine. Sorojchi pills not been proven effective, so you should skip them.
Why Is Altitude Sickness in Cusco & Machu Picchu a Concern?
If you are traveling to Peru, chances are you plan to visit Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. It is important to consider the altitude of these locations as you plan your itinerary and activities. You don’t want to overexert yourself and risk more complications of altitude sickness.
Ideally, begin your vacation in Peru in lower altitudes. Then, slowly travel to areas of higher altitude. Plan less strenuous activities the first few days at new locations until your body has a chance to acclimate. For example, you don’t want to visit Rainbow Mountain or hike along the Inca Trail right away.
Here are the altitudes of some destinations in Peru:
- Rainbow Mountain elevation 17,060 feet
- Lake Titicaca elevation 12,500 feet
- Cusco Elevation 11,152 feet
- Sacred Valley Elevation 9,186 feet
- Huayna Picchu elevation 8,835 feet
- Machu Picchu Elevation 7,972 feet
- Aguas Calientes Elevation 6,693 feet
Want to Skip the Grueling Inca Trail hike? Read This Blog Post About Taking the Luxury Train to Machu Picchu!
Who Is Prone to Altitude Sickness?
Your risk of altitude sickness depends on many factors. These include age, gender, ascent rate, typical elevation where you live, and underlying health conditions. Children are not at higher risk for developing altitude sickness.
Everyone is susceptible to altitude sickness. Contrary to what you might suspect, athletes may be at more risk for acute high altitude sickness. They tend to ascend faster and exert themselves more than non-athletes.
Contrary to what you might think, chronic diseases such as asthma and COPD do not put you at higher risk for getting altitude sickness. However, these conditions with lower oxygen levels can make altitude sickness more dangerous if it occurs.
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“Don’t go up until symptoms go down.”
-unknown
Three Types of Altitude Sickness & Symptoms
1. Acute Mountain Sickness
Have you ever gone from sea level to the mountains for hiking or skiing? Then you have probably noticed feeling winded when you first arrive at higher altitudes. Acute Mountain Sickness is the catch-all term for mild symptoms you feel at high altitudes.
Common mild altitude sickness symptoms
- headaches
- nausea or vomiting
- mild fatigue
- dizziness
- decreased appetite
- restless sleep
Acute Mountain Sickness is NOT a medical emergency and usually resolves in time.
2. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
HAPE, or High Altitude Pulmonary edema, is worsening of altitude sickness. In short, blood vessels in the lungs tighten and fluid leaks into the lungs.
Seeking Stamps Tip: If you have experienced HAPE in the past, talk with your doctor about prescribing medicines to help with blood flow in your lungs.
Symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema (MEDICAL EMERGENCY)
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Increasing shortness of breath, even at rest
- Blue lips or nail beds
- Coughing up pink, or blood-tinged frothy material
High altitude pulmonary edema, IS a MEDICAL EMERGENCY in which immediate treatment at a hospital is required.
3. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
HACE is High altitude cerebral edema. Symptoms are caused by swelling in the brain caused from the high altitude.
Symptoms of high altitude cerebral edema (MEDICAL EMERGENCY)
- Increasing headache and vomiting
- Inability to walk straight
- Acting unusual
- Confusion
- Seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
- Overly sleepy
- Unresponsive
High altitude cerebral edema, IS a MEDICAL EMERGENCY in which immediate treatment at a hospital is required.
“Immediate evacuation to a lower altitude is the definitive treatment of severe AMS and HACE.”
–National Institutes of Health
Consider buying Travelex Insurance to cover unexpected medical issues abroad!
When Does Altitude Sickness Occur?
Altitude Sickness occurs at altitudes over 2500 meters or 8000 feet. Most symptoms of altitude sickness occur the first night spent at altitude.
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What to Do if You Have Altitude Sickness
If possible, descend to a lower altitude if you are having altitude sickness symptoms. For mild symptoms, pain relievers can help with headaches. As mentioned above, small carbohydrate rich meals can help with nausea. For worsening altitude sickness immediate medical attention is required.
Where to Seek Medical Attention in Cusco
- Mac Salud 1410 Avenida La Cultura, Cusco Emergency Cell +989 485 979
- Clinica Pardo 710 Avenida La Cultura, Cusco +51 84 231718
- Clinica San Jose 1414 Avenida Los Incas, Cusco +51 84 243367
How Long Does Altitude Sickness Last?
Mild altitude sickness generally resolves on its own in 48 hours or less. Moderate altitude sickness requires descending 1,000-2,000 feet. Symptoms should improve within 24 hours.
Our Experience Flying Directly Into Cusco
Our extended family flew directly into Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. We felt breathless walking around town, and had mild symptoms for one day. Our group included teenagers, adults in their 40’s-50’s and my mom in her mid 70’s. Most of us felt a bit tired and mildly dizzy, especially with sudden movements. My mom struggled with mild shortness of breath, so we made sure to take breaks for her more often.
Altitude Sickness in Cusco; FAQ’s
1. What is Soroche?
Soroche or Sorojchi, are South American names for altitude sickness. With mild soroche travelers experience headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
2. What Affects Your Risk of Altitude Sickness?
There are numerous factors that influence your risk for altitude sickness in Cusco. If you have had previous issues with elevation, you are likely to have them again. You can reduce your risk of altitude sickness by hydrating, going to high elevations slowly, limiting alcohol and smoking. A 2002 survey found that half of the visitors to Cusco become ill during their stay, and acute mountain sickness (AMS) is among the most common conditions.
3. Is the Elevation in Cusco Higher than Denver, Colorado?
The elevation in Cusco, Peru is significantly higher than Denver, Colorado. Known as “Mile High City” and the highest major city in the United States, Denver’s elevation is 5,280 feet. Remarkably, Cusco’s elevation is 11,152 feet which is over double the elevation of Denver.
4. Which Is Higher Cusco or Machu Picchu?
Cusco has an elevation that is higher than Machu Picchu. The elevation in Cusco is 11,152 feet compared to the elevation of Machu Picchu is 7,972 feet.
5. Does Physical Fitness Protect You From Altitude Sickness?
Although it is a common misunderstanding, physical fitness does not protect you from altitude sickness. In fact, many young, healthy, travelers make the mistake of underestimating their risk of altitude sickness. Pushing too high, too fast puts fit travelers at risk of acute mountain sickness.
6. What Is the Best Way to Prevent Dehydration at High Altitudes?
Prevent dehydration at high altitudes by drinking extra fluids before ascending. Consume 1-2 liters of water per hour of activity. High elevations have thin air, weather changes and decreased humidity that cause dehydration. Wear layers and sunscreen to prevent fluid loss from sweating and sunburns.
Altitude Sickness in Cusco: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, altitude sickness is a common concern for travelers visiting Cusco and high-altitude destinations in Peru. It can range from mild symptoms such as headaches and nausea to more severe conditions that require immediate medical attention. However, with proper preparation, acclimatization, and awareness of the symptoms, travelers can minimize their risk. By taking it slow, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and strenuous activities upon arrival, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Cusco.
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