How to Prepare for High Altitude in Cusco

A Health & Fitness Guide

Stepping onto ancient Inca soil is a life-changing moment. Breathing the crisp Andean air and feeling the powerful energy surrounding Machu Picchu is an experience everyone should have at least once. However, to ensure this journey is pure magic and entirely stress-free, we must talk about the elevation.

Cusco sits at an impressive 11,152 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level. At this altitude, the air is thinner, and your body will feel the difference. But don’t worry! As your premier and safe travel agency in Peru, we are sharing our best-kept local secrets so you can prepare your body and enjoy every single second of your adventure.

  1. Peace of Mind Starts at the Doctor’s Office
    Before browsing for private tours to Machu Picchu, an expert traveler’s first step is a visit to their primary care physician. This is absolutely vital if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart conditions, or asthma.

Ask your doctor to evaluate your physical readiness for high-altitude walking. This is also the perfect time to ask about altitude sickness (soroche) preventative medications, such as Diamox. Getting a medical green light will give you invaluable peace of mind, ensuring you have a safe and seamless journey.

  1. Physical Conditioning: Train for the Mountain
    You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to conquer the Andes, but lightly conditioning your body a month before your trip will make a massive difference. At high altitudes, every ancient stone step requires double the effort.

Take the Stairs: Skip the elevator. Climbing stairs daily is the ultimate real-world training for the steep terraces of Machu Picchu.

Light Cardio: Go for a brisk walk, jog, or hop on a bicycle three times a week. This will wonderfully expand your lung capacity.

Deep Hydration: Train your body to drink plenty of water weeks before you fly. At high elevations, staying deeply hydrated is the best natural defense against altitude sickness.

  1. The Inti Adventure Secret: Smart Acclimatization
    Many travelers make the rookie mistake of flying into Cusco and spending their first night in the city, forcing their bodies through a harsh transition. At Inti Adventure Travel, we do things differently.

Our secret to perfect acclimatization is taking you straight from the airport down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Sitting nearly 2,000 feet (600 meters) lower than Cusco, this valley allows your body to adjust gently and naturally. You will spend your first few days sipping warm coca tea, connecting with nature, and enjoying Sacred Valley authentic experiences while your body gathers strength for the grand finale at Machu Picchu.

Are you ready to experience transformational travel in Cusco without the worry? Leave the logistics to us, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. At Inti Adventure Travel, we treat you like family, which is why we always recommend consulting a healthcare professional before traveling to high-altitude destinations.