5 Tips for Enjoying Altitude In Puno Peru and Staying Hydrated
By: Beth Rush
Managing Editor at Body+Mind
A genuine vacation is a magical, mystical thing that far too few people get to experience. A one-of-a-kind adventure awaits you, and you don’t want to miss it. Puno, Peru is home to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest freshwater lake. It lies several thousand feet higher than several American mountain towns, such as Colorado’s Breckenridge.
Higher altitudes can leave you sick and laid up in your hotel room, and it can take some getting used to, especially if you live near sea level. Here’s how you can enjoy the altitude in Puno, Peru by staying hydrated — and smart.
Altitude In Puno Peru
The altitude In Puno Peru is 12,556 feet above sea level. According to Mountain Medicine, the height of Puno is considered very high altitude.
Altitude In Puno Peru
- Puno Peru altitude - 12,549 ft (3,826 m)
Puno is among the high altitude locations in Peru including Cusco.
Is Puno Higher Than Cusco?
Yes, Puno is higher than Cusco by 1,397 feet.
The Magic of Puno, Peru
Puno, Peru, is like nowhere else on earth. According to Inca legend, the children of the sun, Manco Capac and Mama Oclio, arose from the waters of Lake Titicaca to civilize the masses and establish the mighty ancient empire.¹
Today, the lake is a National Heritage site in Peru and features the floating islands of Uros, Taquile and Amantani, among others. It is a navigable lake, and locals use tortora, a reed growing in its waters, to build boats that coexist harmoniously with nature.
Getting to Puno is an adventure in itself. There is no airport in and out of the site, and those arriving in the country’s capital of Lima have three options for reaching its heights:²
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Plane: Not a popular choice, as you only fly as far as Juliaca. From there, you must still take a bus, taxi or arrange for private transport to Puno.
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Bus: It takes seven hours to travel from Cusco and 20 hours from Lima.
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Train: PeruRail offers a route that takes a little over 11 hours. The Belmond Andean Explorer takes two days but features a private cabin with a bed and a table for your traveling comfort — and is the best choice for those prone to altitude sickness.
Things to Do in Puno, Peru
Stepping into Puno is like traveling back in time. Although you’ll find hotels with modern amenities, many of the locals still follow a more traditional way of life. The weather is constantly pleasantly cool, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s.
Dining in Puno, Peru
Dining is one of the highlights of a trip to the altitude of Puno, Peru. The nation is known for its fine cuisine, and several of its chefs have been named top in the world, including Virgilio Martinez and Pia Leon.³
Pro-tip: Order a dish with plenty of carbs if you are prone to altitude sickness. Although the science is mixed, some evidence supports the idea that carbohydrates reduce oxygen desaturation and improve its delivery.
Adventuring in Puno, Peru
Of course, there’s more to Peru than just food. One of the most popular excursions is to the Uros floating islands, made of the same kind of reeds the locals use to construct their boats. Their daily chores include taking care of chickens and maintaining their island.
Jiron de Lima Street and Parque Pino are must-see destinations. Jiron de Lima Street abounds with markets, cafes, bars and travel information. It connects the plaza to the park, where you can find a bench for a casual picnic lunch. It’s also a great place to interact with the locals.
Lodging in Puno, Peru
Puno is home to multiple hotels, including a five and four-star rated. Some of the accommodations even offer oxygen at check-in, as a nod to how the altitude may affect you.
Places to stay in Puno include:
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GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca: A five-star establishment featuring to-go breakfasts and a hot tub.
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Casa Andina Premium Puno: A four-star hotel with oxygen-in reception, buffet breakfast, restaurant and terrace.
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Uros Titicaca Lodge: A three-star hotel with WiFi, free breakfast, solarium and fireplace.
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Sol Plaza Hotel Puno: A three-star establishment with bidets, allergy-free rooms and blackout curtains.
What Is the Altitude in Puno, Peru and How Can It Affect Your Trip?
Puno, Peru lies more than 12,500 feet above sea level, which is why altitude sickness may affect you.⁴ Altitude sickness can kick in at elevations over 8,000 feet, although some people are more susceptible than others. For example, you may struggle more if you live close to sea level, although individual physiological differences also contribute.
Symptoms of altitude sickness include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Lack of appetite
- Trouble breathing
- Sleep difficulties
5 Tips for Coping With the Altitude in Puno, Peru
One of the best ways to cope with the altitude in Puno, Peru is to acclimate yourself. Expert travelers recommend keeping things low-key the first day, perhaps browsing a shop or two but mainly remaining near your hotel.
Additionally, you can help your body adjust to the altitude in Puno, Peru by taking the following actions.
5 Tips for Coping With the Altitude in Puno Peru:
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make the symptoms of altitude sickness worse. For example, becoming even 1.6% dehydrated increases fatigue, and you may already feel tired.⁵ Take a reusable water bottle with you, set a reminder on your phone to sip often and stay alert to the following signs of dehydration:⁶
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness
Altitude can also contribute to faster dehydration. A good rule of thumb is that you need more water than you think.
2. Try a Chewable Electrolyte Tablet
The locals may offer preparations to help you adapt to the altitude in Puno, Peru. However, you can also take along your favorite electrolyte chewable. These help prevent dehydration by giving your body the right mineral balance to keep fluids in your body’s cells.
3. Mind Your Alcohol Intake
Although no trip to Peru would be complete without trying at least one pisco sour, you should take it easy on the sauce. Alcohol also worsens the symptoms of altitude sickness and contributes to dehydration. If you go out for dinner and cocktails, try alternating each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water.
4. Give Yourself Time to Acclimate
It bears repeating that you should take it easy on your first day as you acclimate to the altitude in Puno, Peru. Additionally, those who are especially sensitive should consider taking the train, especially the Belmond Andean Explorer. While it takes slightly longer to reach your destination, having a bed to lie on when you have a headache and feel nauseous is invaluable.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
A lack of sleep also contributes to altitude sickness. As much as you might want to wring every last drop of adventure out of your vacation, plan your itinerary to allow yourself eight solid hours each night.
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SOURCES:
1. Destination Puno: Where the Inca Empire Was Born.
https://www.peru.travel/en/destinations/puno
2. What to Do in Puno: A Complete Guide
https://www.peruforless.com/blog/puno-peru
3. What Does the Chef of the World’s Best Restaurant Like About India?
https://www.grazia.co.in/lifestyle/food/chef-virgilio-martinez-of-central-on-the-similarities-between-india-peru-12604.html
4. Explore Lake Titicaca: The Highest Navigable Lake in the World and the Animals That Inhabit It.
https://www.peru.travel/en/masperu/explore-lake-titicaca-the-highest-navigable-lake-in-the-world-and-the-species-that-inhabit-it
5. Health Tips About Water
https://bodymind.com/health-tips-about-water/
6. The Benefits and Importance of Drinking Water: 6 Hydration Tips
https://bodymind.com/the-benefits-and-importance-of-drinking-water-6-hydration-tips/
