What are the best ways to prevent altitude sickness during a visit to Peru?

Question

I'll be visiting Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and Lake Titicaca over an 8 day period in early November. What are the best ways to prevent altitude sickness? Thanks --

Dave from Los Angeles

Answer 1

im pretty sure sorojche is slang for altitude sickness in Cuzco but whatever.

I usually go straight from Lima to Cuzco, get to cuzco in the morning around 10. Drink lots of coca tea, and sleep alot. Then you can go around your business like usual the next day, unoless u r really out of shape in which case it takes another day. If you r really worried, then schedule your trip differently. Go to Aguas Calientes first, as it is the lowest in altitude, then Cuzco, about 4 thousand feet higher, and then Puno(lake titicaca) which is the highest. THat way you can gradually go up

Answer 2

Stay in the plains.

Answer 3

There is this medicine called sorojchi... you can buy it in any pharmacy on Peru. It really works cause it prevents altitude sickness, so is not like you are going to get a little sick or anything and then get cure with that. but you just take it half an hour or so before getting to the place and you won't have much trouble.

I really hope you enjoy your time over there, Good luck!

Answer 4

If you can, go gradually don't fly directly from Lima to high altitude. it takes a couple of days for most people to get acclimated. You can go to Arequipa first or Ayacucho both places are great to visit. there are many tips also, drink plenty of water, take aspirin (thins the blood) drink mate de coca etc. 8 days is very short for what you want to do, if you can chose one area you'll have more fun. Have a great trip!

Answer 5

3 suggestions:

1. Spend some time in the Sierras of California just before your trip to acclimatize to higher altitude.

2. Get a prescription for Diamox from your doctor.

3. Drink a lot of coca tea while in Peru.