Cusco Elevation: How to Prepare for the High Altitude

Cusco is the main tourist center of Peru and one of the main destinations in South America. The attractions begin in the same city and extend along its valleys and snowy peaks, until reaching the very marvel of the world.

The moment you land in the city of Cusco, you can feel that you have reached a very special place. Located in the area of the Central Andes, the capital of the Inca Empire will welcome you among large meadows, brick-colored houses and smiling faces ready to show you everything that this magical place has to offer.

Among so many novelties, it is normal to perceive suddenly with a faster palpitation and a more intense breathing than usual. Yes, it can partly be due to the emotion of having landed in the area where a new civilization was created, but it can also be due to the height.

Cusco Elevation

Therefore, travelers should be cautious upon arrival in Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The imperial city of Cusco has a height of 3,399 m.s., which is significantly higher than Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival in Cusco, especially if you have flown directly from Lima (at sea level), in a rapid ascent (1 hour), you should take the recommendations to acclimatize.

Newcomers usually want to move from Cusco to the villages of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. These cities are slightly at lower altitudes, so they offer a milder form of acclimatization, before returning to Cusco. Once you have acclimatized in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, you should not have problems with the altitude of Machu Picchu. You may still feel out of breath as you travel the site, but the risk of altitude sickness will be reduced.

Cusco Altitude

The altitude of Cusco falls within the Quechua and Suni regions, ranging from 2300 meters to 3500 meters, as per the geographical divisions of Peru.

Elevation Cusco Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is situated at an elevation of 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level, with the prominent Huayna Picchu towering in front, reaching a peak of 2,720 meters above sea level. Regardless of your fitness level, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness at this high altitude. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) commonly occurs when surpassing 2,500 meters above sea level, especially for those arriving from lower altitudes. In terms of risk, the summits of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are the primary locations where visitors might be more susceptible to this condition. However, it’s important to note that, statistically, very few visitors to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu actually suffer from altitude sickness.

RELATED: ELEVATION CUSCO MACHU PICCHU

Acute mountain sickness

Many people who want to come to Peru and especially to Cusco, (Machu Picchu), have the fear of altitude sickness, but the truth is that not many give them this altitude sickness, Cusco is at 3,399 meters above sea level, and some can give an account if it is very high or not.

Acute mountain sickness is also known as mountain sickness, altitude sickness, soroche, yeyo or apunamiento and is about the body’s lack of adaptation to heights and all the symptoms that this presents in the body. In general, those who are accustomed to the plain or more or less low heights, begin to feel it at 2,500 meters above sea level and, higher, more likely to be noticed and suffer.

It is that the more you ascend the more the atmospheric pressure and oxygen pressure decreases and, thus, the inspired oxygen is lower and that is when hypoxia or lack of oxygen in the blood occurs.

Symptoms

• Intense headache
• Fatigue or physical exhaustion
• Sleep disorder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Digestive disorders
• Agitation
• Lack of appetite
• Physical exhaustion
• Sudden nighttime dyspnea, that is, wake up abruptly with a sensation of drowning
• In as much, the most serious cases can cause Pulmonary Edema of Altitude and Cerebral Edema of Altitude.

We advise you to consider the following recommendations

• Do not eat too heavy the day before traveling to Cusco.
• Make sure you drink between 6-8 glasses of water the days before the trip and during your stay in Cusco.
• Once you arrive at your hotel, lie down a few minutes before going out to explore the city.
• Take Coca Tea, most hotels offer it free at the reception of their facilities. Another option is to buy lemon candies.
• Once you are ready to go out and explore the city, try not to get up and down stairs or walking fast. The best thing is to enjoy every corner of Cusco with calm and consideration.

What to do to avoid altitude sickness in tour Machu Picchu?

For travelers eager to explore Machu Picchu seamlessly, there are strategic steps to take in Cusco to mitigate the effects of altitude sickness. One effective approach is to transition to nearby cities in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, or Urubamba. These locales boast slightly lower altitudes than Cusco and Machu Picchu, providing a gentler acclimatization process. Spending approximately 24 hours in these areas ensures a smoother adjustment before embarking on the Machu Picchu tour package or returning to Cusco.

Recognizing the significance of quality sleep in aiding bodily adaptation, it’s advisable to refrain from sleep aids and alcohol, as both can adversely affect breathing during sleep.

Be mindful of other altitude-related effects during your Machu Picchu journey. Some individuals, particularly women, may experience swelling in the hands, face, and ankles. To address this, it’s recommended to avoid wearing tight jewelry and contact lenses.

Coca leaves, integral to Andean culture for millennia, offer a natural solution. Contrary to misconceptions, coca leaves are not hallucinogenic; instead, they are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent and proven nutritious option with medicinal properties. Leveraging the analgesic effects of coca leaves can help alleviate symptoms of altitude, such as headaches and fatigue.

Altitude in Cusco and Inca Trail

At altitudes exceeding 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), such as those experienced in Cusco and along the Inca Trail Peru, atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels diminish, presenting challenges for the human body.

In Cusco, the heart of the historic Inca Empire, the altitude hovers above 3,400 meters. This reduction in atmospheric pressure leads to lower oxygen availability, requiring the body to adapt to the changing conditions. As you ascend, the air becomes progressively thinner, exacerbating the scarcity of oxygen. The Inca Trail, spanning four days, reaches its highest point at 4,200 meters. At this altitude, atmospheric pressure is slightly more than half that at sea level. The demanding Salkantay tour, reaching heights of 4,650 meters, intensifies the challenge.

At these elevations, the heart and lungs work doubly hard to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues. Understanding and respecting these altitude-related factors is crucial for a safe and enjoyable exploration of the breathtaking landscapes of Cusco, the Inca Trail, and beyond.

When is the best time to Cusco?

The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes. 

RELATED: CUSCO WEATHER

Hiking tours from Cusco

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.