Also known as acute altitude sickness, it is basically a consequence of lack of oxygen. It usually occurs with non-acclimatized people who ascend above 2,000 masl. In less than 1 or 2 days, the tourist who arrives in Cusco by plane is the most likely to suffer from “Soroche”. It also happens to the Cusquenians when we leave for a while. And when we return, we feel a bit dizzy (it’s the climate change). If you do not feel dizzy, nauseous or want to vomit everything is fine. Remember that everything is in the mind, if you come with the idea that something will happen to you, it is very likely to happen to you, DO NOT THINK, JUST TRAVEL.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

  • Feeling of drowning.
  • Cough.
  • Agitations.
  • Headache (head pain).
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Anorexia (lack of appetite).
  • Physical exhaustion.
  • Sleep disorders. That can be either drowsiness or insomnia.

Recommendations for altitude sickness:

  • Before traveling to Cusco, take pills such as “Soroche Philis” or “Gravitol”, these two are the most common before taking it, consult your doctor.
  • Rest as much as you can on the first day.
  • Avoid doing too much physical effort on the first day.
  • Eat enough, but avoid heavy foods. Preferably eat foods easily digested.
  • Hydrate yourself constantly, at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day, since the height can cause dehydration.
  • Avoid tranquilizers or sleeping pills, these can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
  • The hot coca tea is one of the best natural remedies to fight altitude sickness, you can also consume coca candy but it is not recommended to take it before going to bed because you cannot get sleep because this plant contains alkaloids that act as energizers.
  • The “muna tea” is another natural remedy highly recommended to combat altitude sickness.

Medicinal Plants of the Incas

Coca Leaf - X Travel Peru

Coca Leaf – X Travel Peru

Coca leaf: Sacred leaf of the Incas is one of the most important food sources for the population that inhabits and for centuries has been used by the inhabitants of the Andes to have a better breath is the plant called “coca”, which does not It is a drug at all, even though one of its compounds can be concentrated and converted into a narcotic drug. The coca leaf has proteins, vitamins and minerals that make it not only an excellent nutritional option, but also a way to cure various diseases, especially in infusions for altitude sickness or “Soroche” to have a better blood circulation and breathe better.

Muna Leaf - X Travel peru

Muna Leaf – X Travel peru

“Muna Leaf”: It has special properties to cure “Soroche”, dizziness and other annoying symptoms of altitude sickness. With the wisdom of being his homeland, he simply gave it to me to smell. I know that candies and muna leaves prepared to prepare infusions are sold, so if you have to go through the same, I hope this advice serves you.