How to avoid altitude sickness

Throughout the months we have received many enquiries from guests before they get to our boutique accommodation in San Blas – Cusco regarding altitude sickness. Guests want to know the causes, symptoms and more about this illness that sometimes affects travellers when visiting Cusco. This is why we decided to stop travelling the surrounding areas of Cusco for a bit and to provide our guests with important information regarding altitude sickness so that you can enjoy your visit fully.

Lets begin with some basic information, what is soroche or altitude sickness? Altitude sickness can be described as different symptoms that people can experience when arriving to cities that are located at a very high altitude from sea level because they are not used to it. Cusco is such a city because it is located more than 10800 feet above sea level. Why do people feel sick? The main reason is that because Cusco is located to high up the amount of oxygen available in the air is substantially lower than at sea level, as the baby is unused to this it struggles in carrying on its normal tasks. The difference in altitude is felt more drastically when traveling by plane because the body has no time to adjust (compared to traveling by bus for example). If we take into consideration that in order to properly explore Cusco visitors usually carry out up-hill walks, treks and different physical activities it is very important to avoid soroche while in Cusco.

The following infographic has information that will help you prevent altitude sickness, we invite you to see it and share it with other travellers to make your trip tu Cusco unforgettable.

The symptoms of altitude sickness vary from person to person but usually include some of the following: headache, stomach ache, sleepiness and tiredness, nauseas and general discomfort.

There is no one cure to avoid altitude sickness, locals will give you plenty of tips to prevent or avoid soroche. For us the most important thing, and usually the most commonly over looked is to rest and be relaxed when you first arrive in Cusco, once to get to our lobby make sure to drink a coca leave tea (available for free) and then rest in our comfortable rooms. During your first hours here take it easy, we know that you are anxious about seeing everything that Cusco has to offer you but it is better to take it slow for a bit, don’t walk too much specially up hill, take a taxi back to the hotel (they cost between $1.5-$2). Have a light lunch and dinner, it is recommended to eat soups or pastas as they help your body digest easily, avoid eating too late or drinking alcohol. If you are going to do a trek around Cusco, Inca treks or climb one of the mountains in Machu Pichu it is importante to drink lots of water and also cary with you some candies (coca leaves or lemon onces are good options and easy to find).

We hope that all this informations helps you visit Cusco without any issues and that your visit to our city and Atoq San Blas becomes part of an unforgettable experience. Share this information to other travellers and remember that all our staff are always ready to assist you both before and during your journey.