Acclimatising at Cuzco

[RooFlyer]

Am planning to visit Macchu Picchu and was thinking of spending day and a half in Cuzco to start with, then day at MP then fly out of Cuzco next day.

Its been suggested that I should 'ideally' spend a few days somewhere lower than Cuzco to start with (eg Sacred Valley), then do MP and have the last day in Cuzco, as Cuzco is the highest point and I'd be ill from Altitude sickness if I buzzed around there first.

It sorta makes sense, but that was longer overall than I hoped to spend in the area.

Anyone with experience in arriving at Cuzco / strategies for the area? I do like to walk around quite a bit, so Cuzco wasn't intended to be a sedentary 'getting acclimatised' day.

No-one would call me 'fit' but I have no problem walking 10 to 15km a day and of course altitude 'sickness' affects people differently - but the way it was explained t me was if I stayed in Cuzco I'd be in the hotel for the first 2 days.

 

[dajop]

When we went there has basically a day in each, Sacred Valley then MP and then Cuzco (+/- half days), before moving onto Lake Titicaca (and actually getting even higher enroute there). We didn't do it in that order with altitude sickness in mind, just seemed the logical way of doing things. And we survived without any sign of altitude sickness at all ... thankfully.

 

[pyffii]

We spent 2 days in Cusco then a day trip to Sacred Valley before setting off to MP via the Salkantay trail ( over 5000m ) and we had no altitude sickness...guess it was from the copious amount of coca tea that we drank plus the very useful Diomox ( over the counter medication )...take it a couple of days before arriving into Cusco if you can but in any event you should be just fine...Enjoy

 

[kpc]

After a few hours at Cusco, I developed dizziness, shortness of breath and a dull throbbing headache....I just wanted to lie in bed and do nothing! My +1 had absolutely no symptoms; she gets sea sick, I don't. Unless you have been at altitude (Cusco is 3400 metres above sea level) before, you just don't know how your body would react. My suggestion would be to go to Ollantaytambo by taxi (or hotel pick up) as soon as you arrive at Cusco airport. Ollantaytambo is at a lower altitude than Cusco, and most people don't get altitude sickness here; it is the last town you can reach by road before Machu Picchu....you can stay at El Albergue Hotel - Ollantaytambo which is right by the train track (ask for an inside room to avoid train noise), and then catch the train to MP the next am from your doorstep. By the time you get back to Cusco on your return, your body would have acclimatised to the altitude and you should be fine. Most hotels (check before you book) in Cusco have oxygen tanks, and don't be embarassed to ask for it...I wished I had asked for it sooner

 

[avstand]

I had no issues in Cusco so I'm afraid I can't be helpful re altitude sickness!

Some general tips, however:
- I think it's a nice town to explore for at least a day or two - in my view it would be a shame to rush Cusco/Sacred Valley/MP. I spread my trip over four days (Cusco x 2 days, Sacred Valley day trip, Machu Pichu at the end) but wish I'd had longer.
- However you plan it, it's a good idea to stay in Ollantaytambo at least the night before you want to be at Machu Pichu. After you're done exploring the ruin I'd also recommend going for a swim at the natural springs at Agua Calientes - it's a delightful way to relax in the afternoon.
- If you're looking for mid-range/boutique hotels, I recommend the Andean Wings Hotel in Cusco (easy to find good deals on the usual websites). It's around the corner from the main square of town, has lots of character, and lovely service.

Enjoy!