Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction.
- 2 Definition and Measurement of Altitude.
- 3 The altitude of Machu Picchu at a glance.
- 4 Why does altitude sickness occur?
- 5 Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness In Machu Picchu.
- 6 What kind of shoes should I wear?
- 7 How high is Cusco compared to Machu Picchu?
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions:
- 9 Conclusion
Introduction.
Are you thinking of visiting Peru’s most famous Inca ruins? Do you wonder about the altitude of Machu Picchu? If so, then you’re in the right place! You will learn about the different altitude levels you will face along the way and how to prevent altitude sickness during your visit to Machu Picchu.
You probably know that Machu Picchu is situated within the Peruvian Andes in a very mountainous area. The first impression, however, might be a bit misleading. Machu Picchu is located at an elevation of 2,430 meters or 7970 feet, which means it falls below the altitude sickness risk zone of 2,500 meters. There are, of course, other concerns as well, such as uneven terrain and the hiking passages.
Definition and Measurement of Altitude.
Altitude is the height of a place above sea level. It is measured in meters or feet. The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure and oxygen level. This means your body must work harder to get enough oxygen to function properly.
The altitude of Machu Picchu at a glance.
Let’s take it one step at a time as we move forward. To begin with, you should not think of Machu Picchu as a single geographical point on a map with a specific elevation. As a result, most tourists arrive in Cusco, take a train to Aguas Calientes (the Vistadome offers the best view), travel by bus to Machu Picchu, and perhaps hike up Huayna Picchu.
The Inca Trail (or Salkantay Trek) takes tourists along the Urubamba River into the Lost City of the Incas, which Hiram Bingham made famous in 1911. You will thus experience varying levels of altitude throughout your journey! Here’s an overview:
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Based on these figures, Machu Picchu does not rank as high as the rest. Unfortunately, the terrain surrounding the ruins and the surrounding region is exceptionally steep. You will be faced with nearly vertical drops on all sides. As a result, people with vertigo may have difficulty touring the ruins. In addition, any altitude listed for Machu Picchu is misleading because the mountain ridge isn’t perfectly level.
The Guardian’s hut is considerably higher than the temple of the condors (the iconic viewpoint). Ancient stairs and dirt paths connect the different regions, but even if you stick to the classic round trip through Machu Picchu, that’s still a difference in the height of approximately 70 meters!
Machu Picchu is backed by a mountain. It is called Huayna Picchu and is 2,693 meters high.
Huayna Picchu is, therefore, 260 meters higher than Machu Picchu. Machu Mountain is also higher but equally challenging (altitude 3,083 meters). There are, however, no traces of the Inca empire to be found at its peak.
There is no need to fear altitude sickness (sometimes incorrectly called mountain sickness) in Machu Picchu, regardless of many tourists’ fear. Altitude sickness begins above 2,500 meters, which is what many tourists fear. However, suppose you are coming from a place with a shallow elevation (like from the coast). In that case, you may experience some slight nausea, shortness of breath, and very mild altitude sickness in the first 24 hours.
Actual acute altitude sickness symptoms, meaning severe headaches, stomach illness, dizziness, sleep disturbance, and sometimes even nose bleeding, are doubtful to occur. The symptoms usually appear above 3,500 meters. Once you reach 5,000 meters in altitude, you can develop Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
However, the risk of altitude sickness is higher on the Inca Trail than on other trails. The Inca trail reaches a height of 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). Therefore, starting the altitude acclimatization process as early as possible is the best idea. Spend some time in a lower region of Peru or relax in Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley for a few days. In addition, many medications are available to prevent altitude sickness, but taking them gradually is the best (and cheapest) approach. After you arrive, your body will require some acclimatization time.
Note: The more fit you are (and the older you are), the harder it will be for your body to adapt to higher altitudes. Machu Picchu was the site of the death of a British tourist aged 68 a couple of years ago. It is believed that the high altitude contributed to his death. However, I am aware of only one death from altitude sickness in Machu Picchu. So, don’t be scared – with the proper preparation, everyone can visit the Inca citadel!
Why does altitude sickness occur?
The lack of oxygen in your blood causes altitude sickness. At sea level, the barometric pressure is 1013.25 hPa (Hectopascal), resulting in a 21 percent oxygen saturation. The lower the barometric pressure, the more difficult it will be to breathe in enough oxygen to supply your vital organs. The barometric pressure at Cusco is reduced to about 646.5 hPa due to its altitude of 3,400 meters.
Despite what you may believe, this won’t have much of an effect on the total oxygen saturation in the air. About 21 percent of the total oxygen will still be in the air. As a result of the lower pressure at such an altitude, the same amount of air will need more space. This is similar to a gas container. There is also high pressure inside the gas container. If you crack the gas bottle (meaning you lower the pressure suddenly, which is a terrible idea!! ), the amount of gas will remain the same; it would just fill a much larger volume (meaning the air around you).
As you climb higher in altitude, the same thing occurs. As a result, 1000 molecules of oxygen (21 percent of the air) fill twice as much space. In any case, the amount of air you can breathe in with each breath remains the same. In Cusco, every breath you take delivers 35 percent less oxygen to your body than in Lima (located on the coast). The air is literally thinner.
(Note: The effect is less severe because it is colder at higher altitudes since cold gas requires less volume.)
Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness In Machu Picchu.
Acclimatization is the process of adapting your body to the low oxygen level at a high altitude. Depending on your response and the altitude you are visiting, it can take several days or weeks. Here are some tips for acclimatizing to high altitudes:
Gradual Ascent and Descent
One of the most important factors for acclimatization is to ascend and descend gradually. This gives your body time to adjust to the changing environment. The general rule is to not increase your sleeping altitude by more than 300 meters (1,000 feet) per day and to have a rest day every three days. You should also avoid flying directly to high-altitude destinations, such as Cusco (3,400 meters or 11,200 feet), the gateway to Machu Picchu. Instead, you should spend a few days in a lower-altitude city, such as Lima (150 meters or 500 feet), before taking a train or bus to Cusco.
Hydration and Nutrition
Another key factor for acclimatization is to stay hydrated and well-nourished. You should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you and worsen your symptoms. You should also eat light and frequent meals that are rich in carbohydrates and low in fat and protein, which can help your body use oxygen more efficiently.
Medication and Supplements
Some people may benefit from taking medication or supplements that can help prevent or treat altitude sickness. The most common medication is acetazolamide (Diamox), which is a diuretic that reduces fluid retention and increases your breathing rate. You should consult your doctor before taking this medication, as it may have some side effects and interactions with other drugs. Some natural supplements that may help with acclimatization are coca leaves or tea, ginger, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and iron.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Machu Picchu is surrounded by rough terrain, with many crude stairs. However, a few meters of the archaeological excavation are paved, with many terraces (see above picture). Very comfortable walking shoes will do if you’re not planning to hike Huayna Picchu or the Inca trail. Adidas Terrex Swifts are comfortable, and I use them myself.
Standard hiking shoes are recommended for people taking the Inca Trail or hiking up to Huayna Picchu / Machu Mountain. In addition, you should have something that stabilizes your ankles. In addition to the higher elevation, the paths are also much rougher. They are also prone to being slippery during the rainy season.
Note: Walking sticks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu, except for the elderly. People with disabilities should contact the authorities in advance of their visit.
How high is Cusco compared to Machu Picchu?
Compared to Machu Picchu, Cusco is considerably higher. Approximately 11,500 feet or 3,500 meters above sea level lies the central part of the city. So. The Altitude of Machu Picchu is almost a thousand meters lower than that of Cusco. This is why you should start your Peru tour in Machu Picchu and explore the rest of the Sacred Valley later to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
What is altitude sickness like in Cusco? It won’t take long for you to notice the difference, so you’d better take your time. It’s not a problem for most bodies to manage 11,500 ft, but the first few days may prove challenging. Also, you may develop mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built in the 15th century and abandoned a century later during the Spanish conquest.
Machu Picchu is famous for its stunning architecture, engineering, and landscape. It is considered one of the World’s New Seven Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most common way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. You can also hike the Inca Trail, take a bus or taxi to Aguas Calientes, and then walk or take a bus to Machu Picchu.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season from May to October. The weather is mild and sunny, and there are fewer crowds than during the peak tourist season from June to August.
Machu Picchu’s elevation is approximately 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level.
Yes, you need a permit to visit Machu Picchu. You can buy your ticket online or in person at the entrance gate.
The average time to visit Machu Picchu is about 3-4 hours. You can stay longer if you want to explore more or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
You should wear comfortable and breathable clothes that are suitable for hiking and walking. You should also wear sturdy shoes or boots that have good traction and support.
It is safe to visit Machu Picchu if you follow the park authorities’ and tour operators’ rules and guidelines. You should also take precautions against altitude sickness, sunburn, dehydration, and theft.
Some tips for visiting Machu Picchu are:
Book your tickets in advance
Arrive early in the morning
Bring plenty of water and snacks
Wear sunscreen and a hat
Take breaks and rest when needed
Respect the environment and culture
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting Machu Picchu can be an amazing experience but poses some challenges due to its high altitude. To avoid altitude sickness in Machu Picchu, you should follow some tips for acclimatizing to high altitude, such as ascending and descending gradually, staying hydrated and well-nourished, and taking medication or supplements if needed. You should also consider the best time to visit Machu Picchu for low altitude, which depends on factors such as climate, weather patterns, tourist season, crowds, cost, and availability of flights and accommodations. By doing so, you can make the most of your trip to this incredible destination.
