Understanding the mountains:
What is Soroche?
Altitude sickness, known in Peru as soroche, is the body’s natural reaction to the reduced amount of oxygen in the air at high altitudes (above 2,500 m a.s.l.). It is the most common concern of tourists planning a trip to Cusco, Puno or the trekking trails of the Cordilleras.
Contrary to popular belief, excellent physical fitness or youth does not guarantee resistance to altitude. The mechanism behind soroche is complex and depends on individual genetic predisposition and the rate of ascent. Understanding this process is the first step towards safe and comfortable exploration of the Andes.
The Sacred Valley: Your base
The biggest mistake tourists make is starting their adventure with a night in Cusco. Although the city is stunning, it lies at almost 3,400 m a.s.l., which is a huge shock for an unaccustomed body. The golden rule of safe travel in Peru is: land in Cusco and immediately head lower.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas (Valle Sagrado) lies on average 600 metres lower than Cusco. This difference, although it seems small, is crucial for your lungs and heart. Spending the first 48 hours in Pisac, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo allows the body to calmly produce additional red blood cells without drastic symptoms.
Altitude Map:
*Remember: sleep low, explore high. It is the most effective way to combat soroche.
Diet and hydration – what to eat?
Mate de Coca
The local coca leaf infusion is not just a tradition but real help. It dilates the blood vessels and oxygenates the body. Remember, however, to drink it mainly in the morning – it is a stimulant, much like coffee. In the evening choose soothing muña (Andean mint).
Light cuisine
At high altitudes digestion is much slower. Avoid heavy, fried food and alcohol during the first 48 hours. Go for complex carbohydrates, soups (the famous Sopa de Quinoa) and fruit, which provide energy without burdening the stomach.
Water: Drink at least 3 litres a day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Sugar: A small snack or a coca sweet helps with sudden drops in energy.
Stimulants: Cut down on smoking – it hinders the already limited transport of oxygen.
Dinner: Your first meal in the Andes should be the lightest of the whole day.
The wisdom of the Incas
vs. modern medicine
Natural methods
The Incas, living in the heart of the Andes, knew the power of plants very well. **Coca leaves** are the foundation of Andean medicine. Chewing them or drinking them as an infusion (mate de coca) dilates the blood vessels, improves oxygen transport and provides energy, without being an intoxicant.
Another Andean treasure is **muña**, known as Andean mint. Its soothing effect on the digestive system is invaluable with soroche, when the stomach works much more slowly. A muña infusion in the evening makes it easier to fall asleep at altitude.
Pharmacological support
Modern medicine offers effective drugs that help with adaptation. The most popular is **acetazolamide (Diamox)**, which speeds up the natural acclimatisation process but should be taken under medical supervision. An alternative popular in Peru is **Sorojchi Pills**.
On our luxury expeditions we ensure complete comfort. Most reputable hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer access to canned oxygen or oxygen cylinders. It is the most effective way to get immediate relief in case of strong symptoms.
REMEMBER: Always consult your doctor about taking any medication before flying to Peru.
“In the Andes, haste is your greatest enemy. Let the mountains set their own rhythm for you.”
The Golden Mean
Physical activity:
Less is more
At altitudes above 3,000 metres your body uses far more energy on basic life processes. Any sudden movement, climbing stairs quickly or a strenuous walk in the first hours after arrival can trigger a sudden attack of soroche.
The key to success is planning “empty slots” in the schedule. On our expeditions the first day after arrival is a time for a leisurely coffee with a view of the Andes, short walks on flat ground and a longer nap during the day.
- Avoid carrying heavy luggage right after arrival.
- Take stairs twice as slowly as usual.
- Listen to your pulse – breathlessness is a signal to stop.
Discover the magic of the Andes
without worrying about your health
Altitude sickness does not have to be part of your trip to Peru. The key to success is a combination of smart logistics, respect for the power of the mountains and the support of experts who know the Andes inside out.
At our agency we design every route so that the acclimatisation process is smooth and almost unnoticeable. From boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley to discreet medical care – we make sure you can focus solely on soaking up the beauty of places such as the turquoise Humantay Lake or majestic Machu Picchu.
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