Altitude sickness in Cusco (soroche): how to prevent it and what to do
Cusco, at 3,399 meters: a few days of acclimatization make all the difference.
In this article
Altitude sickness, or soroche, is the biggest worry for those traveling to Cusco for the first time. The good news: with a few simple precautions, the vast majority of travelers handle it without problems. We explain what it is, how to prevent it and what to do if it appears.
What is soroche and why does it appear in Cusco?
Cusco sits at 3,399 meters above sea level. At that altitude there is less oxygen in the air, and the body needs a few days to adapt. That adaptation, while it happens, is what can cause soroche. It doesn't depend on your age or fitness: it can affect anyone, even very athletic people.
Symptoms of altitude sickness
They usually appear in the first hours and, in most cases, are mild:
- Headache.
- Tiredness and shortness of breath when walking.
- Dizziness or nausea.
- Trouble sleeping the first night.
Most of these symptoms ease within one or two days. If, on the other hand, strong signs appear (an intense headache that won't go away, vomiting, confusion or serious difficulty breathing), don't ignore them: the right thing to do is to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention.
How to prevent soroche
- Rest the first day: arrive calmly and avoid big efforts at the start.
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol the first days.
- Eat light: light meals are easier to digest at altitude.
- Coca tea: the traditional Andean infusion helps many travelers feel better.
- Ascend gradually: if you can, sleep first at a lower altitude (see the trick below).
What to do if you already have it
If you feel the mild symptoms, don't panic: rest, hydrate, drink a coca tea and give your body time. Many hotels and agencies offer oxygen for quick relief. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes, which make it worse. If the symptoms get worse or become severe, the safest thing is to descend and see a doctor.
The experts' trick: sleep lower first
A secret we apply when building trips: instead of sleeping the first night in Cusco, go down to the Sacred Valley (around 2,800 m) to acclimatize more gently. In fact, Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, at 2,430 meters, so going up to the citadel usually feels more comfortable than the city itself.
The key to soroche is not to avoid the altitude, but to give your body the right time and order to adapt.
At Inka Planet Adventure we design itineraries with acclimatization in mind: we start in the Sacred Valley and leave the highest points for when you're already adapted. That way you make the most of the trip without the altitude taking its toll.