Altitude illness in Peru
There is a point of elevation in this country higher than 2,500 metres. Some example places of interest: Machu Picchu 2,430m, Cusco 3,399m; Inca trail max ~4,200m; Pisac 2,972m; Cerro de Pasco 4,330m; La Rinconada 5,100m; Puno 3,827m
Prevention
- Travellers should spend a few days at an altitude below 3,000m.
- Where possible travellers should avoid travel from altitudes less than 1,200m to altitudes greater than 3,500m in a single day.
- Ascent above 3,000m should be gradual. Travellers should avoid increasing sleeping elevation by more than 500m per day and ensure a rest day (at the same altitude) every three or four days.
- Acetazolamide can be used to assist with acclimatisation, but should not replace gradual ascent.
- Travellers who develop symptoms of AMS (headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and sleep disturbance) should avoid further ascent. In the absence of improvement or with progression of symptoms the first response should be to descend.
- Development of HACE or HAPE symptoms requires immediate descent and emergency medical treatment.