How to Prepare Your Body for the Altitude of Machu Picchu: Tips for International Travelers

Visiting Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive experiences you can have. However, one of the main challenges international travelers face when they arrive at this destination is the altitude of Machu Picchu. At 2,430 meters above sea level, the Incan city sits high in the Andes, which can pose a challenge for those who are not accustomed to high altitudes. In this article, we provide some tips on how to prepare your body for the altitude of Machu Picchu and enjoy your trip without any discomfort. And of course, we invite you to stay at the Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Hotel Boutique, where luxury and comfort meet the majesty of nature.

1. Why Is It Important to Prepare for the Altitude of Machu Picchu?

Before we dive into practical tips, it’s essential to understand why preparing your body for the altitude of Machu Picchu is crucial. The altitude at Machu Picchu can affect some people, even those who are in good physical condition. This is because the air is thinner, and it contains less oxygen, which can lead to symptoms of altitude sickness (also known as soroche), ranging from headaches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, to nausea and dizziness.

While Machu Picchu is not situated at the highest altitudes in the Andes, most travelers first arrive in Cusco, which is even higher (3,400 meters above sea level), making the effects of altitude sickness more noticeable.

2. Acclimatization: A Key Step to Prepare Your Body for the Altitude of Machu Picchu

Acclimatization is the process of allowing your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels in the air. This is not only important to avoid altitude sickness but also to fully enjoy your trip to Machu Picchu. Here are some tips to make this process easier:

Arrive early in Cusco: If you have time before your visit to Machu Picchu, it's ideal to spend at least 24 to 48 hours in Cusco to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. During this time, avoid strenuous physical activity and give your body time to acclimate gradually.
Avoid going straight to Machu Picchu: Although some travelers may be tempted to go directly from Lima to Machu Picchu, it’s crucial to allow your body to acclimate in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before heading to Machu Picchu. This small step can make all the difference between a pleasant visit and discomfort.
Stay hydrated: At high altitudes, staying well-hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but also avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.

3. Start with Light Exercise to Prepare Your Body for the Altitude

If you're not used to physical activity at higher altitudes, it’s recommended to do some light exercise before your arrival. This will help improve your cardiovascular fitness and your body’s ability to adjust to the altitude. Some recommended activities are:

Gentle walks: Start with walks of 30 to 45 minutes at a slow pace to help your body adjust to the exercise at altitude.
Breathing exercises: Practicing deep and controlled breathing can help you adjust better to the lower oxygen levels. This will be particularly useful when you are exploring Machu Picchu.

Remember, the goal is to start slow and avoid overexerting yourself, as acclimatization is a gradual process.

4. Medications and Natural Alternatives

There are certain medications that can help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. However, you should always consult with your doctor before taking any medication for soroche. Some of the most common options include:

Dexamethasone or acetazolamide (Diamox): These medications help your body acclimate more quickly.

On the other hand, some people prefer natural alternatives to combat altitude sickness, such as coca tea, which is traditional in Peru. This herbal infusion has properties that help your body adjust better to high altitudes.

5. Eating Right

Food also plays an important role when it comes to preparing your body for the altitude of Machu Picchu. It’s recommended to consume light and nutritious meals, avoiding heavy or overly greasy foods, as digestion can be slower at high altitudes.

Fresh fruits and vegetables: These are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that support your body’s adjustment to the altitude.
Carbohydrate-rich meals: Carbohydrates are a quick and efficient energy source for your body. You’ll need energy to explore Machu Picchu.

Also, during your stay at Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Hotel Boutique, you'll have access to menus designed to offer you the best quality and nutrition while you adjust to the altitude.

6. Enjoying Your Experience at Machu Picchu Without Worries

Once you reach Machu Picchu, it’s essential to take your time and not rush. Take frequent breaks, breathe deeply, and enjoy the magnificence of the site. Be sure to follow the tips above so that your experience is as pleasant as possible. Remember that altitude may affect you, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy this world wonder without issues.

Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Hotel Boutique is the perfect place to relax and acclimate in a peaceful, comfortable environment. Our hotel is designed to offer you the luxury and comfort you deserve while enjoying the natural beauty of Machu Picchu. We invite you to relax in our world-class facilities and enjoy a unique experience while preparing for the exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Conclusion: Prepare for the Adventure

Visiting Machu Picchu is an experience that will change your life. Although altitude can be a challenge, with the proper preparation, you’ll be ready to enjoy this historical wonder without any worries. Remember that acclimatization, exercise, good nutrition, and hydration are key to preparing your body for the altitude of Machu Picchu. At Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Hotel Boutique, we ensure that your experience is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to plan your stay and make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu. We look forward to offering you the most exclusive and memorable experience at this unique destination!

Wonderful stay

The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and decorated very tastefully. The atmosphere very nice. Very comfortable, spacious room with terrace, jacuzzi, and river view !!Spectacular! The shower a delight. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations on having such dedicated and cordial staff. The dinners were delicious, very thoughtful, and original dishes. Our stay at the hotel was memorable.

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1/5

Excellent

We stayed one night there and really the service has been exceptional. I have nothing but good words for the establishment. We stayed in a suite which was excellent! It had a jacuzzi. Breakfast very good. The staff is always attentive. And the restaurant is a luxury. We took the 4-step menu and it has been spectacular. I would definitely go back and recommend it.

Lola L

2/5

Beautiful hotel and wonderful breakfast!

We enjoyed our stay here while visiting Machu Picchu. The hotel was very clean, the staff very friendly and polite, and the breakfast was amazing! Seriously, the breakfast was really a beautiful spread of so many options. It is in a nice location and easy to explore from there.

Overall a really nice and would recommend it!

Martin

3/5

Unforgettable

I went to Machupicchu with family and stayed at the Casa Del Sol hotel again. The hotel is just beautiful. There have been renovations since I was last there, the dining room is beautiful and crisp! An absolute delight to dine in. But the best part of the hotel is the people. The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure we have every need attended to! The staff welcomed us back like old friends, and even helped us celebrate my mother's birthday with a bottle of wine! We stayed for 2 nights, but we could have stayed longer just to enjoy the rooms and the spa.

Chrissy

4/5

Beautiful Hotel in Aguascalientes

I loved staying at the hotel so much! As soon as we got off our bus we were greeted by very friendly staff and walked less than 100 meters to the hotel. Their food is amazing and staying in this hotel is so relaxing, especially after a day spent in Machu Picchu. Every single one of the staff is so friendly and makes sure you are as comfortable and happy as you can be. I especially loved how the hotel was just next to the river and the beautiful rooms they provided. I hope I can go back someday!

Mikenzie T

5/5