If you’ve got plans to travel to Peru then you’ll be treated to a rich and diverse range of landscapes and habitats from where to undertake all manner of adventurous and cultural activities.
One of the ultimate experiences to be had in Peru is the incredible Inca trail to the ruined temple of Machu Picchu that lies some 8,000 feet above sea level and around 50 miles to the northwest of the city of Cusco.
Heading out on the trail can be an eagerly awaited experience for even the most worldly of travellers however, getting acclimatised to the altitude is just as important as not forgetting your camera as this is one sickness bug that can’t be cured just by popping a few tablets.
Below is a guide to help you avoid getting altitude sickness whilst travelling in Peru and even if you don’t end up at the legendary Inca site, taking your time to relax and soak up your surroundings is always going to stand you in good stead no matter what else you get up to in South America.
“Going to Peru is, well, if you ever have an opportunity in your life to go there, you should do it because it is absolutely mind boggling.” Dean Stockwell
Give yourself time
There really should be no rush involved when visiting Peru as those Inca ruins have been around for hundreds of years and aren’t going to vanish if you visit them in a couple of days as opposed to immediately when you arrive. The same can definitely be said for the Andes and if you’ve got any plans to trek at high altitude then make sure you plan your ascent over a period of days rather than just heading off into the wide blue yonder after dumping your bags at a hostel.
Learn to relax
There are plenty of things to do in and around the city of Cusco and if you can allow yourself as much time as possible to relax and take things easy then you’ll be in much better shape for when you start to take things to a higher level. Coffee shops, reading material and getting to know the area are all ideal ways to relax in Peru and as there are some splendid examples of Inca architecture to be found before you set off on the trail it’s well worth taking a look, especially around sunrise.
Keep things light
A cheery disposition is always good although, in this instance, keeping things light equates to how much you’re carrying around and how much you’re putting inside your body. Salads, sandwiches and plenty of water need to be taken on-board in order to prepare your body for any altitude issues that you may face on the road ahead and if you can aim to avoid too much weight in your backpack or day sack then this is definitely a good thing too.
Avoid any alcohol
Although all that sitting around can often lead to the more sociable side of life in Peru, it’s well worth avoiding booze until after you’ve got your body acclimatised to the altitude. Feeling nauseas, dizzy and suffering severe headaches can really take their toll even without a few drinks and when altitude is combined with alcohol the effects can be seriously nasty.
Keep up the coca intake
A great substitute for alcoholic drinks and a good opportunity to remain sociable is to get involved with the local tea, commonly known as coca or mate de coca. This wonderful herbal infused brew is made from the raw leaves of the coca plant which are then added to boiling hot water in bag form or as they’re picked. Often prescribed to anyone wishing to prevent altitude sickness as well as being a mild form of stimulant, coca tea is definitely the way forward when visiting Peru and the perfect way to start your South American adventures as you mean to go on.
