Machu Picchu Altitude: Comprehensive Guide (And 6 Tips)
Machu Picchu, the legendary ruins in the Andes Mountains of Peru, sits at a concerning altitude for visitors. As a company with years of high altitude experience, we’ll review everything you should know about Machu Picchu altitude, including six tips to combat altitude sickness.
What Is The Altitude Of Machu Picchu Peak?
Machu Picchu altitude sits at 7,972 feet above sea level at its peak. This is around a 3180 foot difference than the city of Cusco, another high altitude destination.
Machu Picchu Altitude:
- Machu Picchu altitude - 7,972 ft (2,430m)
For travelers coming in from out of the country and not used to these elevations in Machu Picchu, it can be a struggle or even a major setback.
Huayna Picchu Altitude
Right next to Machu Picchu is Huayna Picchu, which stands higher at 8,835 feet. This iconic mountain gives the tall look in the background of Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu Elevation:
- Huayna Picchu altitude - 8,835 ft (2,693 m)
If you’re daunting on a hike up Huayna Picchu, you’ll want to be even more prepared.
Is Machu Picchu Considered High Altitude?
Yes, Machu Picchu is considered high altitude.
At 7,972 feet, Mountain Medicine categorizes this as high altitude.³ It’s estimated to be about 23% less oxygen at this height than found at sea level.⁴
Is Machu Picchu At A Higher Altitude Than Cusco?
No, Machu Picchu is not higher in altitude than Cusco.
With 3180 feet in difference, Cusco is higher than Machu Picchu, sitting at 11,152 feet.
Altitude of Cusco vs Machu Picchu:
- Cusco altitude - 11,152 ft (3,399 m)
- Machu Picchu altitude - 7,972 ft (2,430m)
While a big jump in altitude from Machu Picchu to Cusco, they both are considered high altitude and proper precautions should be taken.
Is Machu Picchu Higher Than Denver?
Yes, Machu Picchu is higher than Denver, by 2692 feet.
Altitude of Denver vs Machu Picchu:
Denver altitude - 5,280 ft (1609 m)
Machu Picchu altitude - 7,972 ft (2,430 m)
Even at Denver’s heights, visitors are affected by the altitude, which further confirms the worse effects you could have visiting Machu Picchu.
Is Machu Picchu Higher Than Kilimanjaro?
No, Machu Picchu is not higher than Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro is much higher than Machu Picchu, sitting at 19,341 feet above sea level.
Altitude of Kilimanjaro vs Machu Picchu:
- Kilimanjaro altitude - 19,341 feet (5,895 m)
- Machu Picchu altitude - 7,972 ft (2,430 m)
Kilimanjaro will take significantly more preparation with its elevation as it’s considered very high altitude in comparison to Machu Picchu.
Will I Get Altitude Sickness At Machu Picchu?
Yes, you will likely get altitude sickness at Machu Picchu.
At 10,000 feet they estimate 50% of people experience altitude sickness, and Machu Picchu’s elevation is not that far off.⁵
You should be well prepared for altitude sickness when visiting Machu Picchu, make sure to read our best combatting tips below.
Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness
Machu Picchu altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can affect visitors due to the low oxygen levels.
With physiological problems, including oxidative stress, issues including headaches and nausea can kick in.
Symptoms of Machu Picchu altitude sickness may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Extreme fatigue
- Reduced performance
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling ill
These symptoms can usually show up within 6-24 hours of altitude exposure. Follow our tips below to help combat the physiological stress.
Do You Need Altitude Tablets For Machu Picchu?
Yes, we’d recommend altitude tablets for visiting or climbing Machu Picchu.
In the US there’s medicine including Diamox that’s known for helping altitude. While locally in Peru, Sorojchi is a popular option, which is essentially a mixture of Aspirin, salophen, and caffeine. Another local remedy is coca leaves.
For natural altitude supplement support, our Zaca chewables are made to help with antioxidants and amino acids to aid with oxidative stress, hydration, and recovery.
6 Tips To Combat Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness
At high altitude, Machu Picchu can pose challenges for many travelers.
As a high elevation company, we have expert tips so you can take the proper preparations.
Here's 6 Tips To Combat Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness:
1. Acclimate First
If you acclimate to the higher altitude for a few days before climbing Machu Picchu, you’ll be much better off. This gives your body the ability to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
Aguas Calientes is one of the best places to stay before doing Machu Picchu. It sits at 6,692 feet, just below the elevation of Machu Picchu, and is only a short 30 minute bus ride away.
Some people will stay at Cusco (11,152 ft) or Secret Valley (9,000 ft) before, however, you’ll have to stay much longer to adjust to the altitude.
2. Take It Slow
Pace yourself when hiking Machu Picchu. Hike slowly and take frequent breaks, so you don’t overexert yourself and cause more stress on your body than there already is from the elevation.
The Inca Trail can take anywhere from 4-7 days, while if taking the train to Aguas Calientes, it’s only a few hours. Either way, pay attention to how you feel and adjust accordingly.
3. Prioritize Hydration
Dehydration can become a major problem at Machu Picchu. High altitudes can increase fluid loss by twice the speed than sea level.⁸
Drink plenty of water before and during your Machu Picchu explorations, shoot for at leas 2-4 liters of water per day.
TIP: To enhance your hydration, add sea salt (containing natural minerals) to your water or food, and take Zaca to aid in water absorption and replenishment.
4. Avoid Alcohol
Especially if staying in Cusco, you might be tempted to drink the famous local Pisco Sour, or other drinks to enjoy your trip.
The problem with alcohol is it will exacerbate issues with altitude sickness, and leads to similar struggles such as dehydration, headaches, and nausea.
Avoid alcohol before you climb Machu Picchu, you’re better holding off and enjoying some drinks afterwards, and at least waiting until you fully acclimate.
5. Maximize Your Sleep
Maximizing your sleep can help aid recovery, and is even shown to increase blood flow and oxygen in the body.⁹
Ensure you get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your visit, and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep when doing Machu Picchu.
TIP: To help enhance your sleep, get plenty of natural sunlight during the day which will boost melatonin production at night, overall helping sleep quality.
6. Take Antioxidants
Oxidative stress is caused by lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, and antioxidants can be your best weapon.¹⁰ Research has proved glutathione to be depleted at high altitudes, which is the body’s master antioxidant.¹¹
Taking antioxidants can help your body combat oxidative stress, and ones such as glutathione can even help recycle other nutrients such as vitamins C and E.¹²
By following these expert tips, you can better prepare your body for the altitude at Machu Picchu!
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SOURCES:
1. How High is Machu Picchu? Altitude At Machu Picchu
https://landedtravel.com/machu-picchu-altitude/
2. Machu Picchu Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu
3. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
4. Altitude To Oxygen Chart
https://hypoxico.com/pages/altitude-to-oxygen-chart
5. Patient education: High-altitude illness (including mountain sickness)
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-altitude-illness-including-mountain-sickness-beyond-the-basics/print#
6. How Many Days in Machu Picchu? Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu You Won’t Forget
https://www.apus-peru.com/blog/how-many-days-in-machu-picchu
7. How long does it take to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
https://www.quora.com/How-long-does-it-take-to-walk-from-Aguas-Calientes-to-Machu-Picchu
8. The Importance Of Drinking Water At High Altitude
https://summitoxygen.net/drinking-at-high-altitude/
9. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recover
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
10. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
11. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
12.. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
13. Huayna Picchu Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huayna_Picchu
