Altitude Sickness

The Impact of Altitude

While most visitors to Peru never have any real issues with altitude – it is good to consider the following things:

Some newcomers to Peru can experience altitude sickness. Symptoms can range from a mild headache to shortness of breath, fatigue, insomnia, heart palpitations or mild flu-like symptoms.

There will be plenty of ways of mitigating it once you are there – however, one of the best ways to prepare for and prevent altitude sickness is by doing the following things before you leave for the journey:

1. Eat a clean, natural diet starting 2 weeks before you arrive.  Avoid processed foods.

2. Avoid smoking and alcohol, as well as stimulants like coffee or energy drinks.

3. Taking some supplements that can help strengthen your body and immune system at least 2 weeks before coming to Peru, and during your stay in Peru. These include:

• Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or Selenium
• Herbs like Echinacea, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginkgo or Ashwagandha
• Other supplements like Chlorella, L-Glutamine or Reishi

4. Drinking ample pure water to hydrate your system a few days before your arrival in Peru and continuing to do so during your stay.  Soda and alcohol are not recommended in large quantities (and we suggest avoiding alcohol the first few days). Remember that water has more oxygen than air, so it is critical that you stay well hydrated!

5.  Take blood oxygen enhancing supplements.  The following are known to us (and they are what we take) but PLEASE do your own research and see what feels right to you for your own body.  We will take the oxygen pills before we leave and once we get there –  and the oxygen liquid supplement when we get there.

6.  Once you arrive in Cusco – take it easy for the first 24 hours.  Carbohydrates are highly recommended.  (btw… the bread in Peru is sensational!)

*Interesting article on altitude:

https://skiboards.com/oxygen-supplementation-for-altitude-wellness/