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Attitude Sickness |
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 Altitude Sickness is caused by the response of the body when exposed to lower levels of oxygen in higher altitudes.
The first symptoms felt by a healthy non-smoker occur between 2500 – 3000 metres above sea level.
The incidence of this sickness varies according to each person. There are people that can tolerate high altitudes better than others. Another influencing factor is the speed of ascent on the mountain (the faster the speed of ascent, the higher the probability of altitude sickness). Some ethnic groups are more prone to altitude sickness than others.
Bear in mind that attitude sickness can happen while ascending quickly to a higher altitude or when remaining at high altitudes without the progressive process of acclimatization. |
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The most common symptoms: |
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Headache |
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Fatigue |
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Stomach problems |
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Sleeping problems |
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Nauseas or vomiting |
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Shortness of breath |
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Tips: |
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In order to avoid or reducing the effects of attitude sickness, it is necessary that the tourist acclimatize, not run, or do too much physical activity, at least for the first few days. In addition to this, it is also recommended the tourist sleep well the night before their arrival at high altitudes, eat light foods and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
On arrival, it is essential to rest the first day. In some hotels, especially in Cusco (3400 m.a.s.l.), tourists are given hot coca-leaf beverages. These leaves aid digestion and help reduce, the symptoms of altitude sickness due to coca-leaf’s anti-inflammatory characteristics.
In general, the most important tips to follow are: stay hydrated, adopt a hyperglucidic diet and get plenty of physical rest. Do not drink alcohol. |
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Treatment |
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Rest |
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In some cases, the recommended prescription drug is acetazolamide. |
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Oxygen 2-3 litres/minute with a mask for about 30 minutes. |
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If the symptoms worsen, contact a doctor. |
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Pre-Existing Medical Conditions |
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Heart and lung diseases. |
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Anaemia. |
| Some alterations in the red blood cells (some African ethnic groups) |
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Alterations in the process of blood clotting and with a thrombosis record. |
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Pregnancy |
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High blood pressure |
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Anyone with a medical disorder should have a medical assessment before visiting the Peruvian highlands. |
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Recommendations for every tourist to keep in mind when travelling to the Peruvian highlands: |
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Keep well hydrated; drink plenty of rehydration fluids such as oral rehydration solutions. |
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Avoid coca-leaf tea if you suffer from high blood pressure. |
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Rest, at least on the first day of arrival to the highlands. |
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Eat food rich in carbohydrates such as pasta. |
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Take acetazolamide before traveling. Avoid this medication in case of sulphur allergies. |
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Consult with a doctor in event of feeling fatigue after some physical effort such as going upstairs, or suffering from headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or insomnia. |
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Gastrointestinal Diseases |
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Keep hydrated |
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If necessary, take antibiotics. |
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Take medication to restore balance in the intestinal ecosystem. |
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 Keep in mind that if correct hydration is not maintained, there could be increased risk of kidney failure. |
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Dengue fever |
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 Is a viral illness that is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. The mosquito that spreads dengue bites during the day and is more common in urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, severe joint, bone and muscular pain - hence its other name 'breakbone fever'. There is no vaccine and prevention is through avoidance of mosquito bites. |
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Vaccinations |
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Yellow Fever: This vaccination is highly recommended when traveling to the Amazon and the southern watershed of The Amazon River. It should be applied at least 10 days before the arrival and within 10 years if you are intending to stay.
Malaria: There is a risk, all year round, of getting sick in many rural areas with low temperature and in some urban areas of this region. Mosquito bites are to be avoided and anti-malaria medication should be taken before visiting these areas, especially rural ones areas. |
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Weather |
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Keep in mind there are great variations of climates in Peru. On the coast, it is usually hot and damp from September to April.
In the highlands it is wet from October to March-April. Take this information into consideration as tours or flights may be cancelled in those months. |
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