Camila Aravena
Editora de viajes
It is not only a tourist problem: soroche can affect anyone. Here is what you should know before going up to Cusco, La Paz or the Salar de Uyuni.
Soroche, or altitude sickness, does not discriminate by age or fitness. We have seen marathon runners throw up in Cusco while a grandmother strolled along calmly. What follows is the basic medical information every traveler should have before heading up.
What it is, exactly
Above 2,500 meters, atmospheric pressure drops and with every breath less oxygen enters your blood. The body responds by increasing the breathing rate and producing more red blood cells, but that takes time.
Mild symptoms (normal)
- Headache.
- Unusual tiredness.
- Insomnia.
- Loss of appetite.
They usually appear in the first 12-24 hours and improve with rest, hydration and acclimatization.
Severe symptoms (warning)
- Difficulty breathing at rest.
- Persistent cough with phlegm.
- Confusion, changes in behavior.
- Repeated vomiting.
If any of these appear, you must descend immediately and seek medical attention. This is no time to be stoic.
What does work
Gradual acclimatization (go up slowly), constant hydration (3-4 liters per day), avoiding alcohol for the first 48 hours, and light, carbohydrate-rich meals. Coca tea and muña tea help, but they are not magic.
Acetazolamide
The pill many doctors prescribe to prevent soroche. It works, but it has side effects (tingling in the hands, increased urination). Talk to your doctor before the trip; do not improvise.
At Puttutu we always include at least two nights of acclimatization before any trek above 4,000 meters. It is not optional.