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Located at an altitude of 3400 m.a.s.l. Cusco is surrounded by impressive mountains that can reach 6000 meters high.

This location contributes to having a marked difference in its climate. Cusco has two different seasons:

Plaza de Armas del Cusco

Plaza de Armas in Cusco

The dry season: From May to October

The weather during this period is predominantly dry, especially in June, July, and August. Days are bright and sunny with a temperature of 16 °C (61 °F) while nights are much colder sometimes with a low temperature of 0 °C (32 °F).

The rainy season: From November to April

During this time Cusco receives a greater amount of rainfall. Average daytime temperatures are higher than the dry season at 18 °C (64 °F) while night temperatures can be as cold as 9 °C (48 °F).

In general, the weather in Cusco is cool due to its altitude and the beautiful sun we always have.

Since the weather in Cusco varies constantly and you may always feel it colder, we recommend coming two or three days before your tour starts to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco. Some people suffer from altitude sickness once they land. You will read more about it below.

Acclimatization:

Once you arrive in Cusco it helps a lot to take it easy on the first days. Try not to do any activity that implies much physical effort.

On the other hand, in order to be ready for the Humantay Lake hike, we recommend coming at least two or three days in advance to acclimatize to the altitude. During these days of acclimating you can do some activities that aren’t high physically demanding and that you can enjoy.

Here you can check those alternative activities you can do in Cusco while acclimating to the altitude.

Es importante realizarse un chequeo médico antes de emprender su caminata en el Cusco

It is important to have a check-up before coming to Cusco

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.
So, 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

You might have:

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

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.

Coca Tea, a home remedy to Altitude sickness

Coca is the best natural medicine to cope with altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its healing powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It is completely safe to drink and a cup or two each day can ease altitude symptoms. Just remember coca is a mild stimulant so don’t go over the top and drink cup loads.

Fresh coca leaves

Health Benefits of the Coca:

Contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, and calcium, among other nutrients
Relieve the pain and nausea that comes with an upset stomach
Revents osteoporosis
Promotes Weight Loss
Protect the liver cells

How can you consume coca?

Coca leaf is fantastic at reducing the unwanted symptoms of altitude sickness, but how can you consume it?

Most people prefer to drink it in a cup of tea, we don’t recommend drinking more than three cups.

If it is not possible to drink it, you can chew it. This works even better. Simply take a handful of leaves, put them in your mouth, and chew them into a soft pulp. Then, tuck the pulp into your cheek, and let it sit there for some minutes.

You should consider that:

Inkayni Peru Tours has designed two perfect tours to enjoy the hike to Humantay Lagoon.

Inkayni

Our Vision:

Provide quality and personalized tours, according to our clients’ requests.
We are devoted to protecting our heritage and legacy given by our ancestors and to fully enrich the elements that contribute to have a wonderful experience during your holidays, making your visit a memorable one.
To be recognized as the leading Tour Agency & Operator in the Cusco Region & one that deeply contributes to the development of the Tourism Sector.

“Investment in travel is an investment in yourself.” – Matthew Karsten