Staying Safe in High-Altitude Travel Destinations
Planning a trip to the Andes or the Rockies is exciting, but the thin air can quickly turn a dream vacation into a medical emergency. When visiting popular spots like Cusco, knowing how to recognize and manage altitude sickness is essential for keeping your trip safe and enjoyable.
What Happens to Your Body at High Altitude
When you travel to destinations located high above sea level, the air pressure drops. This means there are fewer oxygen molecules in every breath you take. Your body has to work much harder to deliver oxygen to your brain and muscles.
Most travelers do not notice any changes until they cross the 8,000-foot mark. At 11,152 feet, which is the exact elevation of Cusco in Peru, every breath you take contains roughly 30 percent less effective oxygen than it does at sea level. This sudden lack of oxygen triggers Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in roughly 25 to 40 percent of visitors.
It is important to understand that your physical fitness level does not protect you. Marathon runners are just as likely to develop altitude sickness as someone who rarely exercises. The reaction is entirely based on your individual genetics and how fast you ascend.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Catching the signs of AMS early is the best way to prevent the condition from ruining your trip. Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 24 hours of arriving at a high elevation.
Mild to Moderate Symptoms
If you are developing standard altitude sickness, you will likely feel like you have a bad hangover. Watch out for these common warning signs:
- A persistent throbbing headache
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath during basic activities like walking up stairs
- Trouble sleeping or waking up gasping for air
Dangerous Severe Symptoms
If you ignore mild symptoms and continue to climb, AMS can develop into life-threatening conditions. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a buildup of fluid in the lungs. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is a swelling of the brain.
Seek immediate emergency medical help if you or your travel partner experience any of the following:
- Severe shortness of breath even while resting
- A cough that produces pink or frothy spit
- Confusion or an inability to walk in a straight line
- A gray or blue tint to the lips and fingernails
- Loss of consciousness
High-Risk Travel Destinations
Cusco is one of the most famous high-altitude destinations because it serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu. However, many other popular tourist spots sit well above the 8,000-foot danger zone.
If you are planning a trip to South America, be prepared for extreme elevations in La Paz, Bolivia (11,942 feet), Bogota, Colombia (8,660 feet), and Quito, Ecuador (9,350 feet).
In the United States, ski towns are the most common places for altitude sickness. Breckenridge, Colorado sits at 9,600 feet. Telluride is located at 8,750 feet. Even just visiting Rocky Mountain National Park takes you up to 12,190 feet on the Trail Ridge Road.
Proven Strategies to Prevent Altitude Sickness
You do not have to leave your health to chance. There are specific steps you can take before and during your trip to help your body acclimatize.
Pace Your Ascent
The absolute best way to avoid AMS is to climb slowly. If you are flying directly into a high-altitude city like Cusco, do not stay there on your first night. Many experienced travelers hire a taxi directly from the Cusco airport and drive down into the Sacred Valley. Towns like Ollantaytambo and Urubamba sit lower at around 9,100 feet. Spending two nights there before heading back up to Cusco gives your body time to adjust naturally.
Hydrate Heavily
High altitudes have very dry air. You lose moisture every time you exhale, which leads to rapid dehydration. Aim to drink 3 to 4 liters of water every single day. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeine for the first 48 hours of your trip. Both act as diuretics and will dehydrate you faster.
Consider Prescription Medication
Talk to your primary care doctor about a prescription for Acetazolamide (sold under the brand name Diamox). This medication speeds up how fast your body acclimatizes. The standard preventative dose is usually 125mg taken twice a day. You need to start taking it 24 hours before you arrive at your high-altitude destination. Be aware that Diamox causes harmless side effects like tingling in your fingers and toes.
Try Local Remedies
If you are traveling in Peru or Bolivia, you will see coca leaves everywhere. Locals chew the leaves or steep them in hot water to make mate de coca (coca tea). The leaves act as a mild stimulant. While they do not cure altitude sickness, they are very helpful for soothing a troubled stomach and providing a gentle energy boost.
How to Treat Altitude Sickness on the Road
If you start feeling sick, you must stop ascending. Cancel your hiking plans and rest in your hotel room. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen to manage your headache.
Many high-end hotels in the Andes offer supplemental oxygen to their guests. Properties like the Palacio del Inka in Cusco pump oxygen directly into their guest rooms to help visitors sleep. You can also request a few minutes with an oxygen tank at the front desk of most mid-range hotels.
If your symptoms do not improve after 24 hours of rest, the only guaranteed cure is to move to a lower elevation. Taking a train or driving just 1,500 feet further down the mountain can rapidly reverse your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to adjust to high altitude? It typically takes the human body one to three days to adjust to a new altitude. During this time, you should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy meals, and alcohol.
Is it safe to go to Machu Picchu if I get altitude sickness in Cusco? Machu Picchu is actually located at a much lower elevation than Cusco. The ruins sit at roughly 7,970 feet. Many people who feel sick in Cusco feel perfectly fine once they arrive at Machu Picchu.
Does drinking water cure altitude sickness? Drinking water prevents dehydration, which can mimic or worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness. However, water alone cannot cure AMS once it has started. Your body simply needs time to create more red blood cells to carry oxygen.