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Beyond Overcoming Altitude Sickness on the Ausangate Trek

This is one of the most talked-about topics among travelers and on social media. It’s likely a concern for you even if you’re in Cusco and planning to hike within the Ausangate trek.

Why should I worry?

Altitude sickness on the Ausangate trek Peru often affects travelers coming from low-lying areas below 2,000 or 1,500 m / 6,561 or 4,921 ft ASL. It’s important to note that the city of Cusco stands at over 3,000 m / 9,842 ft ASL, and the Peru Ausangate trek reaches heights of more than 4,000 m / 12,123 ft ASL. Because of the considerable altitude, acclimatization is essential in order to prevent complications related to altitude sickness.

How do I know if I have altitude sickness on the Ausangate trek?

The likelihood of feeling the effects of altitude upon arriving in Cusco is high. In fact, it’s very common for visitors to experience altitude sickness, also known as “soroche,” especially if they are not used to high elevations. However, there’s no need to worry as symptoms are usually mild and go away within a few days as your body adjusts.

To recognize altitude sickness, look out for these common symptoms:

Personas con los síntomas del mal de altura. | altitude sickness on ausangate trek

If these symptoms worsen or persist during your trip, seek medical help.

It’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If they persist or worsen, immediate medical attention is necessary to ensure your well-being while you enjoy your journey. Hotels and travel agencies often have connections with medical professionals due to the common occurrence of altitude sickness among travelers, making it easier to seek help if required.

If you get luck and don’t experience altitude sickness upon arrival, it means your body adjusts easily to high altitudes. If that’s the case, be mindful to avoid activities that could trigger it. Below, I’ll list some things to avoid.

What should I do to prevent altitude sickness?

If you haven’t experienced altitude sickness or have already recovered from it, it’s important to follow a few recommendations to prevent the symptoms from getting worse or, ideally, from appearing at all. The first essential step is to spend at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude and significantly reduces the chances of developing altitude sickness during the Ausangate trek.

Here are other things you should avoid as much as possible:

Acciones que se debe hacer para evitar el mal de altura.

Following these recommendations will help decrease your symptoms or prevent them altogether.

Have you heard about coca tea?

Coca tea is one of the most effective remedies against the symptoms of altitude sickness. It’s so popular that almost every traveler arriving in Cusco makes it their first move, drinking at least one cup of this tea. I highly recommend trying it; I’m sure it will help you a lot and become your secret weapon.

Coca leaves contain caffeine, so it’s important to consume them in moderation, especially at night, to avoid staying awake due to increased energy levels. In cases of severe altitude sickness symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention since coca tea, while helpful for mild discomfort, is not effective for severe cases. Be mindful of this!

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