Are you planning to travel to Machu Picchu? You should know that the Inca Citadel is located 2,430 meters above sea level on the eastern side of the Andes Mountain Range in Cusco, Peru. People who visit the Inca llaqta for the first time can suffer from so-called altitude sickness or soroche. This discomfort is characterized by the presence of nausea, headache and other minor symptoms. In the Wonder of the World, there are also many mosquitoes, whose bites can cause skin irritations. What is health care necessary in the ‘Lost City of the Incas’? And how to fight them to enjoy the perfect trip to this dream destination?

• Health problems before the trip?
• Altitude sickness or soroche
• Mosquitoes in the Inca City
• Fatigue
• Vaccines in Machu Picchu
• To take into account

Health problems before the trip?

Machu Picchu is located on the edge of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. This territory is characterized by abundant flora, fauna and a pleasant subtropical climate for the traveler. This cozy environment considerably reduces the symptoms of altitude sickness or soroche. If the traveler dares to make the incredible treks to the top of the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, he will surely feel the fatigue caused by the physical effort. For the rest, there is no other health problem in the Inca llaqta except for the uncomfortable mosquitoes that abound in some months of the year. There are simple ways to avoid these discomforts. However, if the tourist suffers from some health problems, it is recommended to visit his doctor before the trip. The specialist will surely advise you how to combat the possible evils in the Wonder of the World. For a perfect visit, the following should be taken into account.

• Before visiting Machu Picchu it is advisable to adapt one or two days to the climate of the city of Cusco.
• If you plan to take the hikes to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, it is recommended to do regular exercise at least one week before the visit.
• If you suffer from heart problems or hypertension and plan to take one of the treks to Machu Picchu, consult your doctor beforehand.

Altitude sickness or soroche

The soroche or altitude sickness is a malaise caused by the lack of adaptation to high altitude areas, which have less oxygen. Normally the symptoms occur from 2,400 meters above sea level and become acuter the higher the person is. These are characterized by nausea, headache, difficulty in enhancing physical activity and cardiac acceleration. In the vast majority of cases, these symptoms decrease with the acclimatization of the visitor.

Machu Picchu is located only 2,430 meters above sea level so it is unlikely to suffer from altitude sickness or soroche. The city of Cusco is 3,399 meters above sea level, so these symptoms are more palpable. Because the ‘Imperial City’ is a mandatory point before reaching the Wonder of the World, the following health care needs to be taken into account:

• It is recommended to dedicate the first day in Cusco to acclimatization and adaptation to high altitude.
• Coca tea is a hot drink based on the coca leaf. It was used by the Incas and is highly recommended to combat the discomforts of altitude sickness.
• El mate de coca es una bebida caliente en base a la hoja de coca. La usaban los incas y es muy recomendada para combatir los malestares del mal de altura.

Mosquitoes in the Inca City

Machu Picchu has a different climate than the city of Cusco. This is warmer during the day and less cold at night. This causes the presence of mosquitoes, especially during the dry season (from April to October) when there is less chance of rain. While there are not many cases of diseases caused by the bite of these pesky insects, it is important to take some precautions.

Mosquito bites do not bring diseases apart from some skin irritations. Cusco and Machu Picchu are regions of low risk of contagion of dengue so there is no danger of catching this disease. However, if you plan to visit other areas of Peru, such as the north of the country or the Amazon rainforest, it is advisable to take some precautions. To avoid this and other discomfort caused by mosquitoes, it is recommended to take into account the following health care:

• It is advisable to bring and use mosquito repellent during the stay in Machu Picchu. There are pharmacies and street vendors that offer these products.
• Long pants and polo shirts with sleeves are easy solutions to the threat of mosquitoes in the Wonder of the World.
• Machu Picchu is an area of low risk in the face of the threat of dengue. Check with your doctor if you plan to visit other areas of Peru where mosquitoes abound.

Fatigue

The Wonder of the World offers incredible outdoor adventures such as hikes to the top of the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains. These trekking routes demand a physical effort that can cause fatigue. This mainly because of the important altitude in which the Inca Citadel is located. The symptoms are the exacerbation of fatigue, the acceleration of the heart rate and the discomfort when breathing.

Older adults are the most likely to suffer from fatigue during the ascents to the top of Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu Mountain. These walks demand considerable physical effort. If you plan these adventures in the Wonder of the World, it is recommended to take into account the following health care:

• The ascents to the mountains of Machu Picchu are not a competition. Walk at an appropriate pace for your physical endurance.
• Drink plenty of fluids if you make any physical effort in the Inca City. Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Older adults consult with their doctor if they plan to make the ascents to the peaks of Huayna Picchu and the mountain Machu Picchu.

Vaccines in Machu Picchu

It is not obligatory to undergo vaccines to travel to Machu Picchu. However, if you plan to travel to other parts of Peru it is advisable to prevent some diseases through some vaccines. Unlike other regions of Peru, in Machu Picchu malaria, yellow fever and dengue do not exist. With the exception of dengue, there are vaccines to prevent these diseases.

To take into account

Machu Picchu is one of the best destinations in the world. The possible health problems are minimal. Generally, these do not spoil the long-awaited trip to the Inca City. However, to enjoy the best possible way this adventure must take into account these and other health care. Here are other aspects to take into account:

• There are different types of services in Cusco and Machu Picchu. In the case of restaurants, these usually keep adequate health conditions. Verify that the food is in good condition. That way I could avoid some stomach discomfort.
• Solar radiation in Cusco and Machu Picchu is high and damaging to the skin. Use a hat or hat as well as sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Cusco is a region rich in rivers and lagoons. Avoid drinking directly from these sources, which may be contaminated with some waste or parasite.
• Hypertension, overweight, consult with a doctor.