Have you heard the tale of the traveller who gave up on their Inca Trail journey due to altitude sickness? Fear not! Here, we unveil tips to avoid altitude sickness on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, ensuring you won’t suffer the same fate and can enjoy the breathtaking route to Machu Picchu without any hitches. Keep reading and find out how!
Table of Contents
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness occurs when someone travels swiftly from low-elevation areas to heights exceeding 2,400 metres (about 7,874 feet).
This is due to reduced air pressure and a lower oxygen concentration in the body at these altitudes. As we ascend, the air becomes thinner, requiring the heart and lungs to work harder to deliver oxygen to tissues. While the heart drives blood circulation, the lungs supply vital oxygen to our red blood cells, which then nourish muscles, the brain, and other essential organs.
Muscles need oxygen according to their activity, but notably, the brain consumes a lot of oxygen, roughly 15% of the total. If someone ascends too quickly and exerts themselves, their brain can experience an oxygen deficit, leading to altitude sickness.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting spells
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Shortness of breath during physical activities
- Increased heart rate
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Digestive issues
But don’t panic; by following these tips, you can minimise or even avoid these symptoms altogether.
Note: It’s vital to be aware of these early symptoms. If they linger, seeking prompt medical advice is crucial to prevent more severe issues.
Tips to prevent altitude sickness
- Aclimatación: Es esencial aclimatarse antes de emprender la ruta. Si tu viaje comienza en Cusco, pasa un par de días en la ciudad para adaptarte a la altitud.
- Hidratación: Un error común es no beber suficiente agua. Mantente hidratado, ya que ayuda a que el cuerpo se adapte mejor a la altura.
- Evita el alcohol y el tabaco: El alcohol y el tabaco pueden exacerbar los síntomas del mal de altura. Te recomendamos evitarlos días previos y durante tu caminata.
- Aliméntate bien: Come alimentos ricos en potasio como bananas y alimentos ricos en hierro como las espinacas para ayudar al cuerpo a adaptarse.
- Cuida tu ritmo: No te presiones en hacer la caminata a un ritmo acelerado. Escucha a tu cuerpo y ve a tu propio paso.
- Evita comer comidas pesadas: Antes de tu aventura, elige una dieta ligera y evita alimentos difíciles de digerir, ya que tu cuerpo estará adaptándose a la menor cantidad de oxígeno por la altitud.
- Toma té de coca: Tiene beneficios contra el mal de altura. Es seguro consumir este té, pero al ser un leve estimulante, limita su consumo a 2 o 3 tazas en los primeros días.
- Consigue un Oxishot: Es un envase que contiene 8 litros de oxígeno para usar cuando llegues a Cusco. Ayuda a aliviar los síntomas como dolores de cabeza y fatiga. Se encuentra fácilmente en Cusco y Machu Picchu por un costo cercano a S/.45 (alrededor de US$ 16).
- Considera llevar medicamentos: Existen medicamentos que ayudan a prevenir el mal de altura, las más utilizadas son el Sorojchi pills y Diamox. Consulta a tu médico antes de tu viaje para asegurarte de que no presentes alergias o efectos adversos con estas píldoras, es esencial verificarlo previamente.
What if you already have symptoms?
If, after following these tips, you still show symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s best to rest and refrain from ascending further. If symptoms persist, consider seeking medical attention. Remember to drink plenty of water, limit alcohol intake, and opt for high-carbohydrate foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what altitude do you start to feel altitude sickness on the Inca Trail?
Generally, altitude sickness can start to show from 2,500 metres above sea level.
Do all tourists experience symptoms of altitude sickness?
No. Susceptibility varies among individuals; while some might not show any symptoms, others might feel them even at moderate altitudes.
Does coca tea genuinely help against altitude sickness?
Yes, coca tea is popular in the Andes for its beneficial effects against altitude sickness symptoms.
Is it safe to continue the Inca Trail if I start showing symptoms of altitude sickness?
If the symptoms are mild, it’s often advised to rest and acclimatise. If they intensify, it’s better to descend to a lower altitude.
How does altitude sickness affect people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or heart issues?
It can elevate the risk of complications. It’s crucial to consult a doctor before the journey if you have pre-existing conditions.
If I've had altitude sickness on another mountain, am I likely to get it again on the Inca Trail?
If you’ve experienced altitude sickness before, you might be more prone to feeling it again, though it’s not guaranteed.
Is there a specific place on the Inca Trail where tourists often feel the effects of altitude sickness more?
While it varies from person to person, places like Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca Pass) at 4,200 metres, the highest point of the Inca Trail, can be challenging. Follow our tips to alleviate symptoms. On the other hand, the lowest site is Aguas Calientes, situated at 2,040 metres above sea level.
What's the altitude of Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Cusco is located at 11,152 feet (3,399 metres) above sea level, while Machu Picchu is at a slightly lower elevation, precisely at 7,972 feet (2,430 metres).
Can altitude sickness be dangerous?
While the symptoms of altitude sickness typically improve as one acclimatises, neglecting them can lead to complications. The severity levels of altitude sickness include:
- Mild altitude sickness: This can be alleviated with rest and lots of water.
- Moderate altitude sickness: Symptoms include vomiting, intense headaches, and shortness of breath even after resting.
- Severe altitude sickness: This arises if moderate symptoms are ignored and if one consumes alcohol or fatty foods. It includes loss of coordination, confusion, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood.
How to contact us?
If you require further information or wish to book a tour, get in touch with us simply, either by a call or a WhatsApp message on +51 901557125. Our team eagerly awaits to provide the best service and ensure this experience is truly unforgettable for you. We look forward to welcoming you soon to explore the wonders of the Inca Trail together!
This is a British English translation appropriate for a UK audience, focusing on the style, tone, and terminology that would resonate with them.
