Ever wondered what altitude sickness really feels like in Cusco?
Let me be your cautionary tale.

Born and raised at sea level in Los Angeles, I knew I might be sensitive to high altitude—but I still wasn’t ready for what hit me. Despite taking prescribed meds ahead of time (hello, past trauma from nosebleeds and fainting in Mammoth Lakes), I ended up sick in bed for two full days when I landed in Cusco. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting … the whole thing.

If you’re heading to Peru for the first time, especially coming from low elevation, here are the 7 mistakes I made that I hope you can avoid if you’re planning to explore Cusco for the first time:

1. Assuming Medication Would Fix Everything

I was prescribed acetazolamide (Diamox) and started it before arriving. I thought I was good to go.

Wrong.

Within hours of landing, I had a pounding headache, nausea, zero appetite, and could barely sit up in bed. Meds help, but unfortunately, they don’t make you immune. Altitude affects everyone differently, and there’s no magic fix.

Affiliate Tip: Pack Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier and a Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter—both with over 4.5★+ reviews—to monitor and stay hydrated.

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2. Booking Full-Day Tours Right After Landing

My plan was to rest a little, and then jump into my Sacred Valley tour the next morning. Turns out, that was a big mistake. My body needed real downtime.

Altitude sickness hit me so hard, I had to cancel everything for two days. Lesson: give yourself at least 48 hours to acclimate when arriving in Cusco—and keep plans light.

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3. Not Researching Hotel Oxygen Access

The hotel I stayed at for the first few nights, Palacio del Inka, was a literal lifesaver. When I started feeling really bad, they offered supplemental oxygen right in the room.

I perked up enough to get out for a couple hours and even visit a museum. This option made a huge difference in my recovery—and it’s something to definitely look for when booking.

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4. Not Having a Clear Arrival Plan

Originally, I planned to head straight to the Sacred Valley when I landed. But after 24 hours of travel from California with no pre-booked transfer or hotel, I was tired, disoriented, and honestly overwhelmed.

I tried walking from the airport to a bus terminal—thinking I could grab a ride to the Sacred Valley—but halfway there I realized I was short of breath and exhausted. What I didn’t know at the time was that the altitude was already affecting me. The bus terminal was chaotic, and no one could give me a clear answer about how to get to where I needed to go.

With my phone dying, I found a nearby hotel online with great reviews and got an Uber to Palacio del Inka. I didn’t have a reservation, but they kindly invited me to sit and book online for a better rate. I ended up staying several nights, which turned out to be exactly what I needed to recover.

In the end, while I didn’t mean to stay in Cusco right away, it ended up being the best thing I could’ve done.

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5. Skipping Coca Tea and Carbs

Locals know best: coca tea is offered everywhere for a reason. Drinking it regularly and eating light, carb-rich meals helps your body adjust faster.

Honestly, I didn’t take this seriously until I was already in the thick of it. Don’t make my mistake—sip slowly and often!

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6. Underestimating How Fast You Get Dehydrated

High altitudes = faster fluid loss. Between flights, dry air, and being sick, I was severely dehydrated.

I recommend packing hydration tablets or oral rehydration salts and keeping a refillable water bottle with you always.

Affiliate Tip: My go-to bottle because it’s like impossible to loose is the Bling Water Bottle, over 4.5★. I took the middle one on my trip, see image below.

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7. Not Planning for a Late Departure Day

After recovering, I finally got back on my feet—just in time to check out. My flight wasn’t until 11 PM, and most hotels require check-out by 11 AM.

Instead of splurging another night at a fancy hotel, I booked a private room at Samay Wasi Hostel for my last day. Budget-friendly, safe, and gave me a place with a fantastic view to rest before the long flight home.

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My Hotel Breakdown

• Palacio del Inka: Historic city center, luxury, oxygen access, great for first few days of recovery.
• Atoq San Blas: Beautiful boutique hotel in artsy San Blas neighborhood. Great vibe once I felt better.
• Samay Wasi Hostel: Budget option for day-use or late checkout workarounds.

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Final Thoughts

Altitude sickness in Cusco is real, and it doesn’t care how much you planned ahead. Still, with the right expectations, gear, and hotel choices, you can enjoy your trip—even if things don’t go exactly as planned.

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Planning your own trip to Cusco?

Save this post so you don’t repeat my mistakes—and if you’ve ever struggled with altitude, drop your tips in the comments below. Let’s help each other breathe easier!

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