Altitude and Your Body’s Adjustment
Understanding Altitude Effects
Cusco and the Sacred Valley are located at high elevations where the air contains less oxygen than at lower elevations. Your body must work harder to extract oxygen from the air you breathe. Over several days at high elevation, your body adapts gradually to this lower oxygen availability, a process called acclimatization. Most people experience some physical effects during the first 24 to 48 hours at high elevation before their bodies adjust.
Common Altitude-Related Symptoms
Initial altitude effects may feel similar to mild illness or a hangover. You may experience a headache that ranges from mild to moderate. You may feel tired or fatigued beyond what normal travel would cause. You may notice decreased appetite or reduced interest in eating. Some people experience mild nausea or occasional vomiting. Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur during movement or standing. Sleep may be disrupted because your body is adjusting to the oxygen levels. You may feel short of breath during physical activity, even activity that would not normally cause this effect.
Most of these symptoms remain mild and resolve within 1 to 3 days as your body acclimates. However, if any symptoms become severe or intensify rather than improve, contact our office immediately so we can assist you in obtaining medical attention.
Strategies to Manage Altitude Effects
Allow your body to adjust gradually by avoiding strenuous activity during your first day at high elevation. Move slowly and deliberately when walking, taking frequent rest breaks. Drink water constantly throughout the day and evening. Proper hydration helps your body process oxygen more effectively. Drink coca tea, which has been used for centuries in Peru to help manage altitude effects. The coca plant leaves contain alkaloids that improve oxygen absorption into your bloodstream. This tea is available in Cusco and throughout the region.
Avoid consuming large quantities of alcohol, which increases urination and causes dehydration. Even small amounts of alcohol can intensify altitude symptoms. Avoid excessive coffee consumption for the same reason. Smoking reduces your body’s ability to absorb oxygen and should be avoided entirely during your visit. Avoid sleeping pills, which can cause shallow breathing during sleep and prevent your body from effectively using available oxygen while you rest.
Medication Options
Your healthcare provider may recommend medications to help prevent altitude sickness. Acetazolamide and dexamethasone are medications that can be prescribed to manage altitude effects. If your provider prescribes these medications, begin taking them 2 days before arriving at high elevation and continue taking them throughout your time at high elevation. Discuss medication timing and dosage with your healthcare provider before your trip, and bring sufficient quantities of any prescribed medication.
Weather Patterns and Appropriate Clothing
Seasonal Weather Overview
The Cusco region experiences distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season typically occurs from April through October, during which rain falls less frequently and days are generally clearer. However, rain can occur during any month, even during the dry season. The rainy season typically occurs from November through March, during which rainfall is more frequent and heavier. Cold fronts can bring unseasonably cold temperatures even during the warmer months.
The weather you will experience during your visit depends on the specific month. May through September typically feature clear days and cool nights. December through February typically feature afternoon rains and warm days with cool nights. Weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations where conditions vary throughout a single day.
Temperature Ranges by Month
| Month | Daytime Temperature | Evening Temperature |
| January | 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F) | 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F) |
| February | 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F) | 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F) |
| March | 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F) | 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F) |
| April | 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F) | 6°C to 8°C (43°F to 46°F) |
| May | 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 72°F) | 3°C to 6°C (37°F to 43°F) |
| June | 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F) | 1°C to 4°C (34°F to 39°F) |
| July | 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F) | 0°C to 3°C (32°F to 37°F) |
| August | 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 72°F) | 2°C to 5°C (36°F to 41°F) |
| September | 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F) | 4°C to 7°C (39°F to 45°F) |
| October | 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F) | 6°C to 9°C (43°F to 48°F) |
| November | 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F) | 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F) |
| December | 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F) | 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F) |
Dressing for Multiple Climate Zones
Your tour crosses different elevations and microclimates within the Sacred Valley and up to Machu Picchu. These elevation changes create different temperature and weather conditions within a single day. Layering your clothing allows you to add or remove pieces as conditions change without requiring a complete change of clothes. Begin your day with a lightweight base layer and add heavier layers as needed. The Sacred Valley may be warmer during midday, requiring you to remove layers. Higher elevations at Machu Picchu are consistently cooler, requiring additional layers be worn.
Bring at minimum 3 complete changes of clothing so you can wear clean clothes while other items dry after rain exposure. Include both short-sleeve and long-sleeve options so you can adjust to temperature changes. Include pants made from materials that dry quickly if exposed to water. Include socks designed for walking that wick moisture away from your skin. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and causes discomfort when wet. Choose synthetic or wool-blend materials instead.
Footwear should have a sole designed for traction on wet surfaces, as rainfall makes stone surfaces slippery. Break in your walking boots before your trip by wearing them on several walks at home to ensure they do not cause blisters. Your evening jacket should be a weight that provides warmth during cool nights but can be easily packed during daytime travel. The jacket material should provide wind protection in addition to temperature insulation.
Cultural Practices and Social Interaction
How to Respectfully Interact with Community Members
The communities you visit maintain traditions and ways of living that differ from those in urban areas or developed nations. These differences reflect thousands of years of adaptation to mountain environments and cultural choices made by these communities. Approach interactions with genuine respect and openness rather than with judgment about whether practices differ from what you know.
Ask permission before photographing people or inside homes. Some community members prefer not to be photographed, and respecting this preference is important. If someone indicates they do not want to be photographed, respect this without explanation or negotiation. Photography of children requires particular sensitivity and should only occur with explicit permission from parents or guardians.
Listen more than you speak during community interactions. The purpose of your visit includes learning how community members live, and this learning occurs through observing and hearing from residents rather than through sharing your own perspectives extensively. Community members may ask you questions about where you are from and how you live. Sharing information about yourself builds cross-cultural understanding and makes interactions feel more balanced.
Avoid commenting on poverty or living conditions in ways that suggest judgment. Communities that maintain traditional practices often have deliberately chosen to prioritize cultural preservation over material consumption. Making comments about what people lack rather than what they have demonstrates a limited understanding of their values and priorities.
Accept offerings of food or drink when offered, as this is a form of hospitality and relationship-building. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, politely explain these so you do not offend your hosts.
Community Support Through MACHU PICCHU TEAM
MACHU PICCHU TEAM maintains ongoing relationships with the communities we visit, working to support development projects that residents identify as priorities. A portion of tour revenue is directed toward community initiatives including educational programs, facility improvements, and support for local families. Our guides are often from communities within the region and maintain connections with residents. By participating in this tour, you contribute to these community support initiatives.
Local Food and Dining
Typical Peruvian Cuisine in the Region
Peruvian cuisine incorporates indigenous ingredients that have been cultivated in the Andes for thousands of years. Potatoes are the most basic staple food in the region, with dozens of varieties grown at different elevations. Corn, beans, and squash are essential components of traditional meals. Meats including chicken, guinea pig, and alpaca are used in traditional dishes. Fresh fruits and vegetables are used seasonally based on what grows in the region during each month.
Dishes you may encounter include ceviche, a seafood dish prepared with lime juice and served with potatoes and corn (though fresh seafood is limited at high elevations), lomo saltado, a stir-fried beef dish served with rice and potatoes, ají de gallina, a chicken dish with a sauce made from ground peanuts and peppers, and causa, a dish made from mashed potatoes layered with meat or vegetables. Traditional dishes emphasize fresh ingredients prepared simply rather than complex sauces or techniques.
The meals included in your tour have been selected to showcase local cuisine using ingredients sourced from regional farmers and markets. The restaurants providing these meals employ professional cooks trained in food preparation and presentation.
Dining Options Beyond Included Meals
Additional meals you choose to eat beyond those included in the tour can be obtained at restaurants throughout Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Budget-conscious dining options include small local restaurants called comedores or small food stalls in markets where locals eat meals. These establishments serve traditional food at lower prices than tourist-oriented restaurants. The food quality at these establishments is generally good because locals frequent them and prefer quality food.
Local markets in both Cusco and Aguas Calientes offer fresh produce, prepared foods, and snacks. You can purchase fruits, bread, cheese, and other items at lower cost than restaurant dining. Markets open early in the morning and close by early afternoon. Learning to navigate a local market is an interesting cultural experience and provides affordable meal options.
International cuisine is available at restaurants in Cusco and Aguas Calientes that cater to visitors. These restaurants prepare familiar foods and may be helpful if you experience digestive difficulties from dietary changes. Expect international cuisine to cost more than traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Dietary Requirements and Modifications
If you have specific dietary requirements due to allergies, intolerances, religious practices, or personal preference, inform our reservations team when booking your tour so they can plan appropriate meal options. Vegetarian options can be accommodated with advance notice. Vegan options require more planning but are possible. Gluten-free options can be arranged for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Our team will coordinate with restaurants to ensure appropriate meals are provided.
Free Activities and Low-Cost Experiences in Aguas Calientes
Walking and Exploration
Aguas Calientes is a small town that can be explored on foot. Walking through the town allows you to observe local shops, street vendors, and daily activities of residents. The main plaza (Machu Picchu Plaza) in the center of town serves as a gathering place and is a good place to people-watch and relax. Walking along the main street provides views of shops and restaurants. There is no charge for walking and exploring the town.
Aguas Calientes Thermal Baths
The town of Aguas Calientes is named for its natural thermal hot springs. A thermal bath facility operates in the town where you can soak in warm water. The temperature of the water is warm but not uncomfortably hot. The facility has changing rooms and lockers for storing belongings. The cost is minimal (typically less than USD 5 per person). Soaking in the thermal water is relaxing and the warmth helps relieve muscle soreness from walking.
Market Exploration
The local market in Aguas Calientes operates in the early morning and offers fresh produce, prepared foods, and local products. You can walk through the market to see what local farmers have brought for sale. The experience of seeing how locals shop and what is available seasonally is interesting. Purchasing fresh fruit or snacks from the market is inexpensive and provides quality food.
River Walk
The town sits beside a river where you can walk along the riverbank. The walk is pleasant and provides views of the surrounding landscape. Walking along the river is free and is a good activity for getting exercise and fresh air.
Local Restaurants and Cafés
Beyond the included meal locations, numerous small restaurants and cafés throughout the town serve traditional meals at low cost. Eating at a local establishment frequented by residents provides authentic food experience. Spending time at a café with a beverage and observing the town is an inexpensive way to relax.
Physical Requirements and Health Considerations
Walking Distance and Physical Demands
Your tour involves a total walking distance of approximately 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) during the Machu Picchu visit. This distance is spread across 2 hours and includes both level walking and walking on uneven surfaces with elevation changes. The walking pace is moderate and includes rest breaks during the tour. People with different levels of physical fitness can complete this walk. The primary physical demand comes from the high elevation rather than from distance or pace.
Fitness Requirements
This tour does not require specific fitness levels because it does not involve trail hiking or climbing. The walking occurs on established paths and at a pace designed for people of varying abilities. Older adults and people with mobility limitations can complete this tour with appropriate breaks and support. Young children can complete this tour, though breaks may be needed more frequently. People with arthritis or joint problems may need to move slowly but can complete the walking.
Medical Conditions
People with heart conditions should consult their healthcare provider before traveling to high elevation. The reduced oxygen at high elevation increases the workload on your cardiovascular system, and some cardiac conditions may be affected. Your provider can advise whether this trip is appropriate for your specific condition.
People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or emphysema should consult their healthcare provider regarding high elevation travel. These conditions may be affected by reduced oxygen availability. Your provider can advise whether this trip is safe for your situation.
People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not travel to high elevation without medical consultation. Elevation can cause blood pressure to increase further, and this combination may create health risks.
Pregnancy at high elevation requires medical consultation. The reduced oxygen availability during pregnancy requires discussion with your obstetrician regarding whether this travel is appropriate. Generally, pregnancy at high elevation is possible but should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Pre-Travel Health Preparation
Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned trip to discuss your upcoming travel. Bring information about the elevations you will be visiting and the activities you will be doing. Your provider can advise regarding altitude sickness medications or other preventive measures specific to your health situation. Your provider can provide medications if needed and discuss side effects you should expect.
Ensure that any chronic health conditions you have are well-controlled before you travel. Blood pressure should be at appropriate levels, blood sugar should be managed if you have diabetes, and medications should be stabilized at appropriate doses. Traveling with poorly controlled health conditions increases health risks.
Bring adequate supplies of any medications you take regularly. Bring extra supplies beyond what you anticipate needing in case you need to extend your trip. Bring medications in their original containers with labels showing your name, medication name, and dosage. This documentation helps if customs officials question why you are carrying medications.
Food Safety and Digestive Health
The food provided in your included meals is prepared by professional cooks using fresh ingredients. The water used in preparation is purified, and cooking temperatures eliminate pathogens that might be present in raw ingredients. The included restaurants maintain sanitation standards appropriate for serving international visitors. The risk of digestive illness from included meals is low.
If you eat at additional restaurants or purchase food from street vendors, some risks exist for digestive upset if sanitation standards are lower or if your digestive system is not accustomed to local ingredients and food preparation methods. Eating at establishments where you see local residents eating is generally safer than eating at restaurants that appear to cater only to tourists. Cooking kills most pathogens, so foods that are served hot are safer than foods served cold.
Drink bottled water rather than tap water throughout your stay. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Avoid ice in beverages unless you are certain the ice was made from purified water. Brush your teeth using bottled water rather than tap water.
Eat fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, or that are cooked, rather than raw salads. The peeling process removes potential contamination from the surface. If you eat raw vegetables, ensure they have been washed in purified water.
Logistics and Practical Information
Getting to Cusco
Cusco’s airport operates primarily domestic flights. All international travelers must first arrive in Lima, where they will clear immigration and customs. Even if you have a connecting flight to Cusco on the same airline, you must collect your checked luggage in Lima and recheck it for your domestic flight. Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours in Lima for this process.
Flying from Lima to Cusco takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Major airlines including LATAM, SKY Airlines, and JetSMART offer multiple daily flights. Cusco is at high elevation and mountain weather can cause flight delays or cancellations. Plan buffer time in your itinerary before your tour begins in case weather delays your flight.
Overland travel from Lima to Cusco takes 20 to 22 hours. Comfortable long-distance buses are available through companies including Cruz del Sur and Oltursa, which are known for safety and comfort standards. These buses have reclining seats and onboard service. Traveling by bus takes longer but can be less expensive than flying.
From nearby cities including Arequipa or Puno, bus travel to Cusco takes 6 to 10 hours depending on the starting city.
Luggage Limitations
Train services have luggage size restrictions due to limited storage space. Bags brought to Aguas Calientes must be carry-on size, meaning bags small enough to fit in aircraft overhead compartments. Any additional luggage beyond what you can carry onto the train must remain in Cusco during your train travel.
You can leave extra luggage safely in Cusco at your hotel or with MACHU PICCHU TEAM at our luggage storage facility. Our team will collect your extra bags the morning of your tour and return them to you when you return to Cusco. Label all bags clearly so they can be easily located and returned to you.
Pack strategically so that everything you will need during your 2 days away fits in carry-on sized bags. Toiletry items needed for one night, a change of clothing, medications, and documents should fit in a small backpack or duffel bag.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects your travel investment against unexpected events that might disrupt your plans. Insurance covers costs if you must cancel your trip before it begins, or if you must return home early due to illness or family emergency. Insurance covers medical expenses if you become ill during your trip. Insurance covers lost or delayed luggage.
Obtain travel insurance before you leave home, as this timing provides better coverage than purchasing insurance after you have already begun traveling. Insurance purchased after travel has begun often has limitations on coverage. Travel insurance is not expensive compared to the cost of your tour, typically ranging from 3% to 5% of your total trip cost.
Many travel insurance companies offer policies. Consult reviews and comparisons to select coverage that matches your needs and risk tolerance. Common insurance providers include World Nomads, Travel Guard, and AIG Travel Guard.
Currency and Money Management
The Peruvian currency is the Sol. As of February 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 3.5 to 3.8 Soles per 1 US Dollar. ATMs are available in Cusco and Aguas Calientes where you can withdraw local currency using your debit card. Withdraw money from ATMs in major towns rather than from small locations where ATM density is lower. MACHU PICCHU TEAM recommends having both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles available during your trip.
Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels, but cash is necessary for small purchases at markets, street vendors, and small establishments. Inform your credit card company before traveling that you will be using your card internationally, as they may otherwise block transactions they perceive as unusual.
Tips and gratuities are expected in Peru. A standard tip is 10% of your bill at restaurants. For guide and driver services, tips are appropriate though not required. MACHU PICCHU TEAM staff appreciate tips and view them as recognition of good service.
Communication and Connectivity
Mobile phone service is available in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. International roaming with your home country mobile service provider is expensive. Instead, purchase a temporary Peruvian SIM card for use during your trip. SIM cards are inexpensive and are available at phone shops in Cusco. You can then purchase airtime for data and calls as needed. Internet connection speeds are good in major towns.
Wifi is available at most hotels and restaurants in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, allowing you to use data-based communication applications like WhatsApp or video calling without purchasing local mobile data.
FAQs
