Altitude

I mentioned in my post about Machu Picchu that you have to be aware of the altitude while in Cusco. I figured I would talk a little about this because it's something that you don't really think about. LaGrange, Georgia has an elevation of 238 m or 781 ft above sea level. While Cusco's elevation is 3,400 m or 11,200 ft above sea level. That's a huge difference! Everywhere you look there are warnings about when you get to Cusco it will take you some time to adjust. The air is thinner and that can really mess with your body. The usual symptoms include headaches and shortness of breath sometimes even nausea. It takes a few days to get acclimatized so it's suggested that you take it slow the first few days in the city. It is also suggested that you stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals. Some hotels even have ocygen tanks that guests can use for awhile for assisted breathing! There is medicine that you can take that may relieve some of the symptoms but if the symptoms persist you might have to leave the city for one with a lower elevation. One other thing that can be done (that the locals use) is drink mate de coca which helps you adjust to the thin air. I'll talk more about this drink later.

I kind of had to make this picture really big so that you could read it... sorry it looks awkward.