Peru is a fascinating country filled with incredible natural landscapes, ancient ruins, and plenty of diversity. It’s also a country known for its extremely high altitudes. At its highest point, Peru reaches over 22,000 feet! Granted, this is at the peak of a mountain in the Ancash region of the country, but so that you can get an idea. Some more common altitudes that you may experience are in the cities of Huaraz, Cusco, or Puno which are more in the 10,000- 13,000 ft range.
If you’re not from a very elevated part of the world or used to experiencing high altitudes, these numbers can sound very intimidating. I was personally a little stressed out over the idea of getting altitude sickness during my trip and not getting to go on hikes or even experience certain areas properly. That stress, however, forced me to do some research ahead of time and properly prepare my body for the high altitudes I would experience on my trip. I also learned quite a few things along the way from locals and other travelers.
I can thankfully say during my month in Peru, although I did feel the effects of the high altitude, I did not once have altitude sickness. If you’re planning on visiting Peru keep reading on for all of my tips and suggestions for preparing yourself for the high altitudes you’ll experience.
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What Is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is the body’s natural reaction to a lack of oxygen in the air, due to being at a higher altitude and the changes in pressure that the body will experience. There are different effects that your body may experience depending on the altitude that you are in. But it is worth mentioning that hundreds of thousands of people travel to highly elevated areas every year, but only a minimal number will suffer from extreme altitude sickness. However, it is still important to understand the symptoms and how you can take care of yourself.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
These are the most common signs of altitude sickness and the first ones that you will generally experience:
- Vomiting and feeling sick
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Struggling to fall asleep
- Feeling very lethargic
- Lack of coordination
The most important thing to do when you start to feel signs of altitude sickness is to allow your body to rest. Chances are your body is telling you it needs time to adjust and during this time you shouldn’t be doing strenuous activities. Rest and hydration are your best friends in this case.
On your first day reaching a highly elevated place, keep these important tips in mind:
- As I just mentioned, STAY HYDRATED. This is so important
- Don’t eat very heavily. This can easily upset your stomach. It’s actually a good idea to stay away from meat all together your first day
- It’s not the best idea to drink alcohol. Alcohol hits even harder at a higher altitude and the hangovers can be much more brutal. It’s important to give your body that time to adjust before going crazy
- Take a couple of Advil upon arrival. This could potentially stop a bad headache from coming on.
- REST! Don’t be afraid to take a mid-day nap or get to bed early that first day there. It could really make a difference in the days coming if you initially allow your body that recovery time
How To Prepare Your Body Before Entering High Altitude
In the research I did prior to traveling to Peru, I found a handful of things that can be done within the weeks before visiting. I started this routine about two weeks before my trip and really stuck to it. I honestly feel that it made a difference for me and might be one of the reasons I never actually experienced altitude sickness. All of these products are in some way meant to help deliver oxygen to the cells of the body, which aids in acclimatization. Starting this ahead of time though is what’s key!
#1: Upon Waking Up
Right after waking up, I started my morning off with a cup of tea. But not just any cup of tea. I began adding a teaspoon of Cordyceps Militaris, which is an all-organic mushroom extract powder. It provides your body with energy, vitality, and immune support. And because it’s grown at a very high altitude, it’s been known to help combat the symptoms of altitude sickness.
#2: Morning Smoothie
Before or after breakfast I would have my morning smoothie which wasn’t necessarily a new part of my routine. But I started adding Maca powder. Maca is a super-root that’s been used by the Incas in Peru for centuries! There’s a reason why it’s still around today. It goes great in smoothies, oatmeal, warm drinks, and even baked goods.
#3: Take With Breakfast
With my breakfast, I started taking a Co Q-10 200 mg supplement. This is one of the leading supplements recommended to help promote cardiovascular health.
#4: Right Before Bed
This step you could do in the morning or in the evening but I preferred doing it right before bed. I would drink a glass of water with Liquid Chlorophyll. There are so many great benefits to drinking Liquid Chlorophyll but in this case, its main purpose is the promotion of red blood cell count in the body. Put 15 drops in a glass of water and drink!
What I Learned From Locals and Other Travelers
There are a few other things you can do to help combat the attitude once you actually arrive in Peru. For one, walk into any pharmacy and ask for “soroche pills.” These are pills that prevent and relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness. I would suggest taking one a few hours before arriving anywhere with an extremely high altitude and before going on any hike with a high altitude.
Another thing I would suggest is buying coca leaves and or coca candies, which you will be able to find at any market. There are usually people selling them along the route of any major hike as well. Coca leaves are technically the raw material for cocaine. However, the percentage of cocaine that is found in coca leaves is so minuscule and the effects of chewing the leaves are drastically different. Chewing the leaves helps to combat the effects of the altitude, including nausea, breathlessness, insomnia, loss of appetite, and headache. This plant has been used by indigenous South Americans for thousands of years and there’s a reason they’re still so prevalent today. I personally loved putting the leaves in my tea in the morning as well as chewing them along the trail.
This concludes my tips and suggestions for preparing yourself for the high altitudes you’ll experience in Peru. Peru is an absolutely magical country with so much to offer! If you’re getting ready to plan a trip there, I can already promise you’ll have the time of your life. Don’t let the high altitude intimidate you, but definitely take the time to properly prepare for it. And even more importantly, be good to your body while you’re there. I hope this comes in handy and sheds some important light! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below and happy travels!
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