Acute mountain sickness, also known as soroche or altitude sickness, is neither a myth nor an urban legend designed to scare off travellers exploring Peru’s high-altitude tourist destinations. These locations are situated thousands of metres above sea level.
Sometimes, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, among other symptoms, can give tourists a “warm welcome” as they traverse our mountainous country.
If you happen to be one of them, don’t be afraid. These discomforts shouldn’t ruin your holiday. Remember that most of the time, these symptoms will fade once your body acclimatises to the altitude.
But, as the saying goes, “forewarned is forearmed,” so we’ll provide you with a series of tips to help prevent or lessen the effects of soroche. This way, you can make the most of your time in Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, and other high-altitude cities.
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Peru, a high-altitude destination.
If your itinerary in our country includes Cusco, please note that the Plaza de Armas in the historic Inca capital is situated at 3,399 metres above sea level.
Altitude levels vary within the city and at nearby attractions, such as the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, which exceeds 5,000 m a.s.l. and Humantay Lake, at 4,200 m a.s.l.
A simple tip to counteract acute mountain sickness is to avoid very high altitudes in the first days of your trip. For example, before visiting Cusco, spend a few days in a mid-altitude city like Arequipa (2,335 m a.s.l.) to allow your body to adjust to the changes.
Apply the same principle if your itinerary includes the Andean mountains or other high-altitude locations, such as the city of Puno and the islands of Lake Titicaca.
What is altitude sickness?
The first thing you should know is that no one is immune to altitude sickness. Even experienced mountaineers can experience it. In fact, people born at high altitudes can also be “victims” of soroche when they return to their homeland after spending several days at lower elevations.
While no one is completely exempt, the truth is that most travellers are not affected by altitude sickness or experience only very mild symptoms. So, try not to worry too much. Remember that a great way to stay well is to think as little as possible about acute mountain sickness.
If you are in good health, have a decent level of fitness, and take certain precautionary measures (we’ll provide you with several tips later), your body is likely to adjust without significant issues.
But what exactly is soroche? The answer is simple: it’s a condition that arises when we visit high-altitude areas without prior acclimatisation. This causes our body to struggle with the reduced availability of oxygen in the air.
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
Before starting your holiday in Peru, it’s important to be aware of the most common symptoms of soroche. This way, you’ll be able to detect it quickly and take the necessary steps to recover as soon as possible.
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, it’s quite likely that you’ve been affected by altitude sickness, as we say in Peru:
- Mild to severe headache.
- Weakness, general fatigue, and tiredness.
- Dizziness and a feeling of vertigo. If you have these symptoms, avoid excursions and stay at your accommodation.
- Difficulty breathing and a sensation of shortness of breath while walking.
- Stomach discomfort, such as heaviness and nausea.
- Loss of appetite. This could lead to a deficiency of valuable nutrients for your body.
- Insomnia. Headaches and the feeling of breathlessness can make it difficult to sleep.
The first few hours at high altitude are crucial. We recommend resting upon arrival, eating light meals, and staying hydrated. If, despite these measures, soroche hits you hard, seek specialised medical attention.
What causes altitude sickness?
Everything has a reason and an explanation. In the case of acute mountain sickness, scientists explain that in high-altitude areas, atmospheric pressure decreases, which means there are fewer oxygen molecules in the air.
So, how will this reduction affect you? The answer is straightforward: when you breathe, fewer oxygen molecules enter your body, triggering a range of discomforts.
If the altitude change is too rapid—for example, a flight from Lima to Cusco—your body won’t have enough time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels, increasing the likelihood of experiencing soroche.
Another aspect to consider is that some people are more susceptible to altitude sickness due to individual differences or a history of respiratory or heart conditions.
If you have any special medical conditions, consult your doctor before going on holiday.
What are the risk factors?
There are several factors that increase the risk of experiencing the discomforts of soroche. The main ones are as follows:
- Living at sea level or in lowland areas (below 900 m a.s.l.). Your body is not accustomed to high-altitude air, which increases the risk of experiencing soroche symptoms.
- Engaging in intense physical activities (such as hiking or climbing). Your body will require more oxygen, and since it is not acclimatised, you are more likely to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Lack of proper hydration and nutrients. Dehydration and inadequate nutrition will weaken your body, making it more susceptible to the adverse effects of high altitude.
- Having a heart or respiratory condition. If you have such conditions, you are more exposed to experiencing severe symptoms of soroche.
- If you’re not acclimatised to the altitude, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and very late nights. Overindulgent toasts and lack of rest can exacerbate acute mountain sickness.
What should I do to prevent soroche?
- Take Sorojchi Pills or a similar supplement before heading to high altitude. These are designed to prevent symptoms by stimulating and improving oxygenation in the body.
- Consume coca leaf tea (mate de coca). This traditional drink will boost your energy, reduce fatigue, and help alleviate soroche symptoms.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is crucial for preventing or managing the symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
- Rest and sleep as much as possible until your body acclimatises. Long nights without proper rest can exacerbate altitude sickness.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both substances can contribute to dehydration.
- Avoid overeating. Digestion is slower at high altitudes, so it’s best to eat light meals and avoid fatty foods.
- Remember, acclimatisation is a gradual process. Be cautious in your activities until you feel completely well.
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