Cusco sits at around 3,400 metres above sea level, and most visitors adjust comfortably with a gentle first day and a few simple habits.
Plan an easy start
The Sacred Valley is roughly 600 metres lower than Cusco and Machu Picchu lies at about 2,430 metres, so many itineraries begin in the valley and reach Cusco later. Either way, keep the first day light and leave big hikes for after you have adjusted.
Simple habits that help
- Drink plenty of water and eat light meals
- Enjoy coca tea, served in hotels and cafés across Peru, and take it slowly with alcohol on the first evening
- Walk at a relaxed pace and rest when you need to
- Ask your doctor whether preventive medication suits you before you travel
Enjoy the rewards
After a day or two, Cusco’s stone lanes, colourful markets and Inca walls are wonderful to explore, and Sacsayhuamán and Ollantaytambo feel especially memorable.
Our Peru itineraries are paced for comfort, with acclimatisation days built in before the big highlights.
