Altitude

During our program, we will be at elevations ranging from 7,800 to 11,200 feet above sea level. The following are approximate elevations for key cities and areas on our itinerary:

Lima, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Nazca        approx. sea level

Chavín de Huántar                          10,430 feet

Cusco                                              11,200 feet

Urubamba Valley                             9,390 feet

Machu Picchu                                 7,800 feet

If you live at low altitudes at home, you may experience some effects of being at altitude at these elevations. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell.

We recommend that you advise your personal physician that you will be traveling to altitudes of up to 11,200 feet and seek relevant recommendations. This is especially important if you have heart and/or lung problems. Many travel medicine specialists prescribe medication to counter some of the adverse effects of altitude.