Welcome to Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, nestled high up in the Andes Mountains. As you embark on your journey to explore the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of this Peruvian diamond, there's one thing you need to be prepared for - the altitude.
Taking the bus from Lima (a short 22 hours, I will do a separate blog on this journey because you need to know what you are letting yourself in for!), and arriving to Cusco I grabbed a taxi dropped my bags and did my usual, went out to explore the city. Walking up a street, my body felt heavy, my vision narrowed and I felt dizzy! Ohhh no I am unwell! Must be the lack of sleep from the terrifying bus journey ...... No, no it was not.
Cusco is at an elevation of over 11,000 feet (3399 meters) above sea level, it is a place where the air gets thinner, and the oxygen levels drop. You might find yourself gasping for breath even with minimal exertion, wondering like me, "Is it hard to breathe in Cusco?" The answer is a resounding yes, but fear not! With the right knowledge and a few simple tips, you can conquer the altitude and make the most of your Cusco adventure. If you head to rainbow mountain then these tips are for you also as its a tough hike, simply because of the altitude.
Altitude sickness, also known as "soroche" locally, is a common concern for visitors to Cusco. Symptoms can range from mild headaches and nausea to more severe issues like dizziness and shortness of breath. It's essential to listen to your body and acclimatise slowly to allow it to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels.
When you first arrive in Cusco, resist the urge to rush out and explore all the city has to offer. Allow yourself time to acclimatise by taking it easy, resting when needed, and gradually increasing your activity level as your body adjusts.
One of the best ways to combat altitude sickness is by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your body adjust and avoid dehydration, a common exacerbating factor for altitude-related symptoms.
Coca tea, a traditional remedy made from the leaves of the coca plant, is widely available in Cusco. It's believed to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness and provide a natural energy boost. After my initial mistake of immediately explore the city I slowly walked back to the hostel where Coca tea is free (Pariwana Hostel Cusco, I can highly recommend it!) After drinking a cup I immediately started to feel better! My top tip with this tea is to drink plenty of it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, do not be shy!
Another tip is to get an early night on your first evening. Sleep you way to thin air acclimatisation, I regard this almost like getting through a hangover, have a sleep and let your body do its thing wake up, hydrate and then grab some coca tea.
While adjusting to the altitude, you don't have to miss out on the incredible experiences Cusco has to offer. Opt for lower-impact activities like exploring the city's historic sites, we will do some proper Backpacker's Blueprint history and architecture blogs on this stunning area as the architecture is truly stunning. Alternatively, enjoy the local cuisine, or go shopping for unique souvenirs at the vibrant markets.
No trip to Cusco is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Now I made another mistake here so here is another tip ... When you book your tickets for Machu Picchu they will be likely fully booked weeks in advance. I arrived into Cusco thinking I could book 'next day tickets' I couldn't get a ticket until the following week so ended up staying in Cusco for around 2 weeks total (if you want to do the Inca trail, it gets booked up MONTHS in advance!). The bonus of not being able to get next day tickets is that it gave me lots of time to fully acclimatise before visiting the wonderful site that is Machu Picchu.
If you do not have the luxury of time then as you make your way to this iconic archaeological site, remember to take it slow. Soak in the breathtaking views, and saver the moment. The journey to Machu Picchu from Cusco is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself.
So, is it hard to breathe in Cusco? Yes, but with the right preparation and a positive attitude, you can overcome the challenges of altitude and fully enjoy everything this remarkable destination has in store. Embrace the beauty, immerse yourself in the culture, and let the magic of Cusco leave you breathless in the best way possible.
Until the next one take care explorers
Jack
For the curious explorer
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