Tips: Acclimatization to hike Palcoyo Mountain

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is located in the town of “Palcoyo” at an altitude of 4 900 m.a.s.l. near Ausangate snow capped mountain, in the district of Checacupe, province of Canchis, in the Andes of Cusco.

It takes 1 hour and a half roundtrip to get to Palcoyo Mountain. This time compared to the almost 3 hours that take you to get to Vinicunca, makes Palcoyo more accessible and doable even if you run out of time.

Once you get to Placoyo viewpoint, you can clearly notice the presence of 3 Rainbow Mountains. The colors that outstand more are Pink or Fuchsia, white, purple or lavender, red, green and yellow. You can also observe the Stone forest with rocky peaks formed naturally by the rain and wind.

There is no doubt that that Palcoyo is an excellent hike!

The best season to visit Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season

Climate:

The weather in Cusco is changeable; however, it has two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. 

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). The 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 rain. Average daytime temperatures are higher than the dry season at 18 °C while night temperatures can be as cold as 0 °C

The high parts in Cusco present a cold and windy weather almost every day of the year. Therefore you need to acclimatize to the altitude first.

It is important to visit the doctor and have a check up before you come to Cusco.

What is acclimatization?

Acclimatization (also called acclimation) is the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a change in its environment (such as a change in altitude, temperature, humidity), allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions. Acclimatization occurs in a short period of time (hours to weeks).

Normally when you travel to a higher altitude, you need within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude.

Acclimatization tips:

Here are useful tips that can help you to reduce the risk of suffering from altitude sickness on the Palcoyo hike:

1. Visit the doctor first: It is highly recommended that visitors with cardiac problems have a check-up prior to their trip
2. Take things easy: It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day. Since it takes a couple of days to adjust to the altitude, you can plan some things you can do while acclimating in Cusco.
3. Stay hydrated: The body gets dehydrated quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water during  Palcoyo hike

Inkayni Peru Tours recommends bringing with you any medication that your doctor suggests to take in case of altitude sickness. If you have any allergy, please let the team know about it in advance.

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

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

Fresh Coca Leaves

How to consume Coca Leaves:

1. 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. One common way to consume it among the locals is by chewing it.
2. You can also drink it. It is completely safe to drink 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.

“Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry.” – Jack Kerouac