How to avoid Altitude Sickness to hike Mountain Pitusiray?

It is completely normal that when you arrive in Cusco, you experience altitude sickness since Cusco is located at 3339 m.a.s.l. Altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly.

Therefore, Inkayni Peru Tours wants to share some useful tips to avoid “Altitude Sickness on the hike to Snow-capped Mountain Pitusiray in Calca.

Snow-capped Mountain Pitusiray, Calca

Location:

Snow-capped Mountain Pitusiray is located in the province and district of Calca in the department of Cusco. The hike to Snow-capped Mountain Pitusiray takes from 5 to 6 hours approximately.

Altitude:

It is located at an altitude of 4950 m.a.s.l and is part of the Eastern Cordillera.

Temperature of Calca:

Temperature normally varies from 0 °C to 18 °C and very rarely goes down to -2 °C or higher than 21 °C. From November to March it is cloudy with rains or sometimes even hail.

Snow-capped Mountain Pitusiray, Calca

What is Altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly.

The pressure of the air that surrounds you is called barometric pressure. When you go to higher altitudes, this pressure drops and there is less oxygen available.

If you live in a place that’s located at a moderately high altitude, you get used to the air pressure. But if you travel to a place at a higher altitude than you’re used to, your body will need time to adjust to the change in pressure.

Any time you go above 2,500 meters (8,000 ft), you can be at risk for altitude sickness. 

Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude.

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Problems with sleep
• Loss of appetite

Acclimating to the altitude the first 2 or 3 days in Cusco is very important

Tips to avoid Altitude Sickness:

• One of the best things to avoid altitude sickness on the hike to snow-capped mountain Pitusiray is to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco. It takes from 2 to 3 days. Then you will be able to start the hike.
• Stay hydrated. The body gets dehydrated quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco.
• Keep a varied diet rich in carbohydrates. If you have a strict diet, we recommend informing your tour operator avoid your diet so they can prevent any inconvenience.
• To enjoy the hike, we recommend sleeping at least 8 hours the night before the tour. Abstain from drinking alcohol on the first day in Cusco and a day prior to your hike. 
• A home remedy is to drink Coca Tea. Just remember coca is a mild stimulant so don’t go over the top and drink cup loads.

Visiting Hours and entrance fee:

Pitusiray is available 24 hours of the day. However, it is recommendable to visit it during the morning. To access this wonderful mountain, you don’t have to pay anything. The entrance is free.