Machu Picchu, One of the 7 New Wonders of the Modern World , draws thousands of visitors from all aver the glove a year. So if you are planning to visit this magic tourist attraction, we reccomend to go on reading this article on how to avoid altitude sickness.
The so called Lost City of the Incas is located at an altitude of 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level and Huayna Picchu, the peak that looms over the archeological site (we usually see it in every Machu Picchu pic), rises to a height of 8,920 feet (2,720 meters) above sea level.
At these heights, travelers (no matter how physically fit they are) sometimes may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) typically occurs at heights of 8,000 feet (2,500m) and above, placing Machu Picchu right on the cusp in terms of risk.
Our reccommendation to travellers, especially when they are coming directly from Lima which is at sea level, is to set aside at least 24 hours to acclimatize. This acclimatization period could be done in Cusco itself; by the way, Cusco is significantly higher than Machu Picchu, it is located at an elevation of 11,152 feet (3,399m) above sea level.
Travellers wanting to vist Machu Picchu also have the option of moving from Cusco to nearby towns located all along theSacred Valley of the Incas. These towns which may include: Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Urubamba are located at slightly lower altitudes than Cusco and Machu Picchu itself providing a more gentle form of acclimatization before moving back to Cusco or going ahead to their grand tours of One of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Once you have acclimatized in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, you should have no problems with the altitude at Machu Picchu. You may still feel breathless while walking around the site, but the risk of altitude sickness will be minimal and you will definitely enjoy your grand tour.
Contact our travel experts to help you arrange the right itinerary for you to enjoy the most of Machu picchu with family and/or friends; you know we provide guaranteed daily departures for singles and groups.
