"The Five Most Common Mistakes That Make Altitude Sickness Worse (and How to Avoid Them)"
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness occurs when the body needs to adjust to the lower oxygen levels found at high altitudes. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Even if you're in good shape, you may experience symptoms.
The risk increases when you climbtoo quicklyto a high altitude, without giving your body enough time to adjust.
Common symptoms may include:
✅ Headache
✅ Dizziness
✅Nausea
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Fatigue
✅ Weakness
✅ Sleep Disorders
✅ Feeling short of breath during physical exertion
Mistakes That Can Contribute to and Cause Altitude Sickness
Trying to do too much on the first day
Arriving in Cusco is exciting, and you’ll surely want to visit many places, such as the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, and San Blas. However, it’s best to take it easy during your first few hours there. Walking too much or doing too many activities right away can make you feel more tired, especially because of Cusco’s altitude.
Arrive in Cusco and start a challenging tour right away
This is one of the most common mistakes. Imagine you land in Cusco in the morning, drop off your bags at the hotel, and a few hours later you have a strenuous hike scheduled. Your body is still trying to adjust to the altitude. Starting an intense hike right away can make the discomfort more noticeable.
Drinking alcohol during the first few hours
A glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail might seem like the perfect way to start your vacation, but at high altitudes, alcohol can cause you to become more dehydrated and make it harder to rest—just like the dry climate and a lot of walking. Make sure to get plenty of rest, eat light meals, drink water, and avoid alcohol until you’ve acclimated.
Thinking that just because you're "in good shape," you won't have any problems
This is one of the biggest myths: you can be an athlete, run every day, or be used to hiking, and still experience altitude sickness. Acclimatization to high altitude depends mainly on how your body responds to the reduced oxygen supply, not simply on your physical condition.
Not staying properly hydrated
Altitude, dry weather, and physical activity can cause you to lose fluids more easily. A traveler may spend several hours walking around Cusco without realizing they need to drink water. Therefore, be sure to bring a water bottle on all your excursions, especially if you’re engaging in activities that require significant physical exertion.
Coca tea is a traditional Andean beverage, and many people drink it while visiting Cusco.
It can be part of the cultural experience, and some people feel it helps with certain ailments. But it's important to distinguish between tradition and medical evidence:
📍Coca tea should not be considered a proven treatment for acute mountain sickness. If you experience severe symptoms, do not rely solely on an herbal tea.
Some people may benefit from preventive medications, but the decision depends on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare professional before traveling. We do not recommend self-medicating or taking medications simply because another traveler used them.
If you have a medical history, take medication regularly, are pregnant, or have a condition that could be affected by altitude, consult a healthcare professional beforehand.
- During the first few hours, avoid walking too much, running, or engaging in intense physical activity.
- Drink water often, especially during the first few days.
- Avoid eating too much during the first few hours after you arrive. Eat lightly.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Sleep well and rest well
- Don't schedule too many activities for the first day
- Acclimate yourself before going on high-altitude tours
- Pay attention to your body and how it reacts.
There is no guarantee that someone won't experience altitude sickness, even if they are in good physical condition. Gradual acclimatization is one of the best ways to reduce the risk.
What Our Customers Say
Why
travel
with Andean Peru Exploor?
Because we don't just organize tours… We create experiences that connect with the traveler's soul.