How to Acclimate to Cusco’s Altitude — Quickly & Safely

Visiting Cusco? Welcome to 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level — a breathtaking city in more ways than one. While Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and world-class trekking, it also brings the challenge of high altitude. Many travelers feel the effects within hours of arrival.

But don’t worry — with the right preparation, tools, and habits, you can acclimate quickly and safely, ensuring your trip is memorable for the right reasons.

🌬️ What is Altitude Sickness?

At high elevations, there’s less oxygen in the air. Your body has to work harder to get the oxygen it needs, which can lead to:

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Nausea or loss of appetite

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

Symptoms often appear within 6–24 hours of arriving and can affect even the fittest travelers.

✅ How to Acclimate to Cusco: Practical Tips

1. Take It Slow on Arrival

Spend your first 24–48 hours taking it easy. Rest, hydrate, and avoid strenuous activity. Walk at a slower pace, and give your body time to adjust before diving into hikes or long tours.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

High altitude dehydrates you faster. Drink plenty of water — ideally 2–3 liters a day. Coca tea, a traditional remedy, is also a gentle stimulant and can help ease symptoms, just don't drink it in the evening!

3. Eat Light and Often

Stick to smaller, easily digestible meals in your first days. Heavy meals require more oxygen to digest. Many travelers feel better eating light vegetarian or soup-based meals initially.

4. Avoid Alcohol for 1–2 Days

Alcohol and high altitude don’t mix well. Give your body a chance to adjust before enjoying Cusco’s excellent pisco sours.

5. Use an Altitude Support Service

Here at ReEnergize Cusco, we offer targeted wellness treatments to speed up altitude acclimatization, including:

• 🫁 Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber – Delivers high-pressure oxygen to your bloodstream, reducing symptoms in as little as one session.

• 💆 Professional Massage – Especially helpful if you’re experiencing tension headaches, body fatigue, or jet lag.

• 🛁 Float Tank Therapy – Deep sensory relaxation helps your nervous system adjust, improves sleep, and accelerates recovery.

🧳 Bonus Tips

• Consider medication – Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be prescribed for prevention or relief, but consult your doctor before travel.

• Try oxygen supplements – Available in local pharmacies or from clinics like ours if you need extra support.

🧘‍♀️ Acclimate Comfortably, Not Desperately

The good news? Most travelers feel dramatically better after 1–2 days. But with some smart choices and local wellness support, you can skip the struggle and enjoy Cusco right away.

📍 Visit ReEnergize Cusco

We're just minutes from San Blas in Lucrepata, offering natural and clinical solutions for altitude relief and body recovery. Whether you’re about to start a trek or just landed, we’re here to help you feel your best.

🔗 Book an altitude relief session