How to Avoid Becoming Sick While Visiting Machu Picchu

Aerial view of the ruins at Machu Picchu

Those wanting to experience the "Lost City of the Incas" and all its majesty will want to avoid missing out on seeing Machu Picchu, Peru's most visited attraction, because of altitude sickness. Many travelers experience acute mountain sickness (AMS) while visiting Machu Picchu, which is approximately 8,000 feet above sea level.

Things You'll Need

• Acetazolamide
• Water
• Walking stick
• Layered clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes

Instructions

Picking a Seat in the Tour Bus

1. 

   Tour buses take visitors up the windy road to the top of the mountain.

   Choose a seat in the front of the tour bus so as not to feel dizzy while ascending up the mountain. The road uphill is unpaved and winding, but you will experience less movement sitting toward the front of the bus. If you haven't done so already, take an altitude sickness pill (acetazolamide) before the bus begins to move.

2. 

   Excited passengers sit and wait patiently to reach the top.

   Remain seated in the seat as the bus gradually ascends the mountain.

3. 

   Keeping eyes closed while in motion will keep you from feeling sick.

   Close your eyes if you begin to experience dizziness while the bus is in motion, and give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude. Passengers whose eyes are darting from one object to another while in motion experience heightened levels of dizziness or nausea.

Touring the Ruins

1. 

   Hiking with a buddy is a safe way to explore unfamiliar surroundings.

   Start your hike slowly. If your tour is moving faster, inform the tour guide that you will be a little farther behind. Ask him to make frequent stops. Use the buddy system if you start to fall behind the rest of the group. Solo hikers might want to seek out other solo hikers for support.

2. 

   Drink lots of water as you explore.

   Hydrate as you hike. Pack plenty of water or other hydrating liquids for your hike.

3. 

   Sitting frequently on your hike will help you avoid sickness.

   Stop hiking if you begin to feel sick. Sit down on the lowest part of the ground, and take deep breaths as you wait for your equilibrium to balance.

4. 

   A hiker stops to take in the view and take a few deep breaths.

   Inhale and exhale consistently to ensure your body is receiving enough oxygen and omitting the right amount of carbon dioxide.

5. 

   A hiker uses a walking stick to help battle steep terrain.

   Lean on a walking stick to help alleviate some of the stain of hiking up hills or slopes.

6. Remove layers of clothing if you still continue to feel sick to reduce your body heat. Maintain a normal body temperature if possible as you add or remove layers of clothing along the hike. Wearing comfortable walking or hiking shoes will help with the rugged landscape.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember not to panic if you start to feel dizzy while you're hiking. This will increase your adrenaline, which will not help your altitude sickness. If hiking alone, stay close to other hikers for any extra help you might need. If hiking in a group, let the tour guide know about your concerns with acute mountain sickness.

• Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include nausea or vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, staggering and hallucinations (in extreme cases). If you start to experience any of these symptoms, stop your hike and return to a lower elevation as soon as possible.

References

• The Travel Doctor: Altitude or Mountain Sickness
• Trek to Machu Picchu: How to Beat Altitude Sickness
• Mountain Zone: High Altitude Illness and Mountain Sickness--Prevention and Care

Resources

• Peru Travel Diary: Acclimatization at Peru