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Altitude of Cusco vs Machu Picchu vs the Sacred Valley

Altitude of Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Altitude is an important point because you can have altitude sickness during your visit to this area in Peru. But, what exactly is the Altitude Sickness or “Mal de Altura” in spanish?

What is the Altitude Sickness?

The mountain sickness, very usually called “altitude sickness”, or “apunamiento”, puna or puna sickness is the lack of adaptation of the organism to the hypoxia or lack of oxygen of the altitude. The severity of the disorder is directly related to the speed of ascent and the altitude reached. Conversely, these symptoms usually disappear when descending to lower levels. It normally occurs from 2,500 meters of altitude, up to the so-called death zone at 7,500 meters of altitude. It usually appears from exposure to hypoxia and is more frequent in those under fifty years of age and in subjects who habitually reside at less than 1000 meters of altitude.

The main cause of this affliction is hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the body). Atmospheric pressure decreases with height, which affects the bioavailability of oxygen, since the pulmonary alveoli are not capable of transporting the same amount of oxygen to the blood as in a situation of higher pressure. Although it is known that hypoxia is the cause of Altitude Sickness, the exact mechanism by which it causes it is still unknown.

Machu Picchu and the Altitude Sickness

The archaeological site of Machu Picchu is just below the minimum height at which altitude sickness can occur. So, it´s a great idea. The central point of Machu Picchu is located at about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, which is just below the risk zone which is 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) and above. So if you could magically teleport to the central point of Machu Picchu and spend a few days there, the risk of suffering from altitude sickness would be very low.

The bad news, however, is that you will almost certainly pass through of stay in altitudes above 2,500 meters before visiting Machu Picchu. Most travelers heading to Machu Picchu stay in Cusco for at least a day or two before reaching the Inca citadel, and Cusco is 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. So, you´re over the magic limit of 2500 mts in Cusco. The acclimatization, is still important for anyone heading to Cusco before going to Machu Picchu. Ideally you will want at least one day to acclimatize to Cusco, according to these tips to prevent altitude sickness in Peru.

The Sacred Valley and the Altitude Sickness

And what about the Sacred Valley? An alternative is to stay in a town at a lower altitude, for example Ollantaytambo (2,792 m) or Pisac (2,715 m), both located in the Sacred Valley. Both are slightly above 2,500 meters, but the risk of altitude sickness will be lower than in Cusco. Alternatively you can head to these lower altitude cities if you are struggling with the altitude in Cusco

Altitude: differences betwteen the main destinations in Peru

Check the graphic below, and see the differences between Cusco, Machu Picchu and other main destinations in Peru

As you can see Lima is over the coast, only 161 mts above sea level. Arequipa is also in the coast but altitude is 2335 mts above sea level. The cities of the Sacred Valley of the Incas are between 2715 mts and 2871 mts, and Machu Picchu at 2430 mts. A good idea is to stay in the Sacrey Valley, to avoid the 3399 mts above sea level you will find in Cusco. So, a good idea is to fly to Cusco, and go directly to the Sacred Valley and from there, visit the incredible Machu Picchu. For those interested in the Inca Trail, you have to know that the maximum altitude of the trekking is 4200 in the Death Woman point.

Tours to visit the amazing destinations in Peru

We have some great programs to enjoy these amazing destinations in Peru including the amazing Machu Picchu. Take a look at one of my favorites: #551 – Lima, Nazca Lines, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 7 amazing nights visiting Peru

Other incredible tours to visit Peru

Check some interesting tours to visit Peru

Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu – 5 nights

Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, Titicaca Lake and La Paz – 9 nights

Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Puerto Maldonado – 7 nights

Lima, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, and Nazca Lines – 3 nights

If it´s not what you´re looking for, no problem. We have many other options to enjoy Peru and South America. Check the image below to see the complete list of tours to visit Peru