When you travel to mountainous Peru, you may feel a bit nervous about altitude sickness. After all, the country’s average elevation is more than 5,000 feet (1,555 meters). Fear not, this article will tell you the altitudes you can expect when visiting various sites and common travel destinations in Peru, including major cities like Lima and popular tourist attractions such as Machu Picchu.

How Altitudes Are Measured

City altitudes tend to be taken from the city center. Lima, for example, is about 505 feet (154 meters) above sea level at the Plaza de Armas (the main plaza), while Cerro San Cristóbal (the highest point in Lima) rises up to 1,312 feet (400 meters). Therefore, while certain cities may have low elevations listed, expect to change elevations as you travel. The following information includes altitudes for some of Peru’s most popular tourist attractions, measured from their centers.

Preparing for Altitude Sickness

In terms of altitude sickness, the starting height for most cases is 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level. Nevertheless, individuals more susceptible to altitude sickness can experience symptoms at elevations of 5,000 feet (1,500 meters). If you are traveling to an area at this height or above, you will need to take some precautions and acclimate carefully.

Altitude sickness symptoms include:

• Headache
• Feeling Dizzy
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Disorientation

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness

Being aware of the altitude at which you personally start to feel effects is a good start. If you live at a high altitude, you will have a head start in acclimating to the elevations in Peru. However, if you are sensitive to high altitudes or live close to sea level, you’ll benefit from spending several days getting used to the altitude or starting your trip in a town at a lower elevation before gradually heading up to your high-altitude destination.

It’s recommended to keep hydrated. Drink 3 to 4 quarts of water daily and eat a diet rich in carbohydrates. Moreover, avoid using tobacco and alcohol while acclimating, and remember that the effects of alcohol are stronger at higher altitudes. Check with your doctor regarding medications you take that might affect you differently at high altitude. Individuals with respiratory issues should also consult their doctor to ensure that high-altitude walking or hiking will not pose any problems.

If you experience altitude sickness despite your preparations, the symptoms (which often begin soon after reaching a high altitude) should dissipate in one to three days. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention and move to a lower elevation once able.

Altitudes of Popular Peruvian Destinations

The following table is divided into locations above and below the 8,000-foot mark. For a quick visual impression of altitudes across the country, consider checking a physical map of Peru.

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