Machu Picchu: things to know before you go and practical suggestions in description

Machu Picchu is magnificent, but it is not for everyone. There are two main things to consider.

First to consider is one’s physical health. Machu Picchu is located inside the Andes Mountains with an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, and there is a good chance of experiencing symptoms like light headaches, nausea, and fatigue depending on individuals’ response to the high altitude. It is hard to predict who may or may not have those symptoms. Generally speaking, a good physical health will help deal with the symptoms. Hiking around is not hard since it is well built and maintained. However, walking in high elevation can be different.

Second to consider is to adapt to the environment in Peru. Just a few things to be aware of: road conditions can be improved and do get bumpy at times; tap water is not drinkable; the hygiene of the food processing maybe different from where you come from; you may get traveler’s sickness including intolerance of food or even nausea or diarrhea on top of high altitude sickness. Don’t let these scare you away. With proper preparation and precaution, you can deal with those things. In addition, a good mind set would help: this is not a leisure enjoyment of a vacation, but an enjoyment of a world wonder to understand the Inca history and culture. It requires a little bit of adventurous spirits and some effort, but Machu Picchu is wonderful and it is totally worth the effort.


The following is NOT a medical advice and is just from our personal experience and understanding. *

Tips to deal with high altitude sickness:

1. Drink plenty of water because your body works harder at higher elevations as your respiration rate goes up and your body works harder for more oxygen. In addition, a hydrated body has adequate circulation to transport oxygen.

2. Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol at higher altitudes can make you drunk faster and increase risk of dehydration.

3. Avoid heavy meals especially before the bedtime since a full stomach requires more oxygen for digestion.

4. Ascend gradually. It’s hard to do this when people going to Machu Picchu since most people will take flights from Lima to Cusco. Cusco has an altitude of 3,399 meters / 11,152 feet above sea level which is higher than Machu Picchu. Many suggest to stay in Cusco for 2 or 3 days and take easy to adapt. However, we found that it was still hard to adjust Cusco’s high elevation after a week. We actually didn’t have symptoms in Machu Picchu since it has less elevation( 7972 feet). So, we feel that it may be better to stay in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes to avoid the altitude illness rather than stay in Cusco. After Machu Picchu, then going to Cusco for a few days might be a better plan.

5. You may drink coca tea or eat coca candies like locals do. Some said Asprin helps too since it thins the blood. There are medicines to help too. You can get those from pharmacy stores easily.

6. Knowing the difference of mild symptoms and severe symptoms, so you know when to seek help or treatments.