Let’s Talk Altitude: What You Should Know Before Travelling to Peru

Where You’ll Feel the Altitude on the Plotpackers Itinerary

Here’s a breakdown of how altitude appears across your Peru trip:

Lima (Sea Level)

You’ll fly into Lima, which is at sea level. You’ll explore the city, sample world-class food, and ease into the pace of Peruvian life. No altitude worries here – just time to settle in.

Cusco (3,400 metres / 11,150 feet)

This is the biggest elevation jump of the trip. Flying into Cusco means you’ll gain height quickly, so it’s common to feel a bit light-headed or short of breath when you arrive. That’s why we don’t rush the itinerary here. You’ll have guided walking tours, slow-paced sightseeing, and time to rest before moving on.

Sacred Valley (2,800 metres / 9,200 feet)

You’ll descend slightly from Cusco to reach your glamping site in the Sacred Valley, where the air is a bit richer in oxygen and altitude symptoms tend to ease. You’ll spend a few nights here, sleeping in comfort with panoramic views of the Andes, enjoying yoga, cultural activities, and local food – all at a more manageable elevation.

Machu Picchu (2,430 metres / 7,970 feet)

Machu Picchu is the highlight of your trip, and it’s actually lower than both Cusco and the Sacred Valley. By this point, most travellers are fully acclimatised, and since you’re arriving by train, not hiking, your body won’t be under physical strain. This allows you to fully enjoy one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world without worrying about altitude getting in the way.

No Trekking, No Problem

One of the biggest advantages of this Plotpackers trip is that you don’t need to trek to reach Machu Picchu. Many people assume that hiking the Inca Trail is the only way to see it – but in reality, taking the train offers a scenic, comfortable, and low-impact route.

You’ll ride the Vistadome panoramic train, which glides through dramatic mountain passes, cloud forests, and tiny Quechua villages. It’s a relaxed journey that gets you to the site without putting your body through the extra stress that high-altitude hiking demands.

If you’re someone who’s curious about treks like the Inca Trail or Lares Trek, those are amazing experiences – but they’re not part of this itinerary. Some travellers do choose to extend their trip independently to attempt one of these hikes before or after the main Plotpackers adventure. If that’s something you’re considering, we recommend arriving several days early to properly acclimatise in Cusco and always booking with a reputable local trekking company.

But if you’re sticking to the Plotpackers route (as most travellers do), you’ll still experience high-altitude landscapes, epic views, and meaningful connection to Andean culture.

What Plotpackers Does to Help You Adjust

We’ve run this trip many times, and we know what works. Here’s how we’ve designed the itinerary to help you adjust comfortably:

• Gradual elevation changes: After flying into Cusco, we head down into the Sacred Valley for a few nights. This gives your body time to acclimatise before heading back up to Cusco.
• Free time and slow pacing: We keep the early days in Cusco light, with optional walking tours, plenty of rest time, and group support.
• Wellness options: Your Sacred Valley glamping base includes optional yoga sessions and fresh, nourishing meals, which support your body as it adjusts.
• Transport assistance: No long hikes or heavy bags – all key journeys are done by vehicle or train, making the trip physically manageable even if you do feel the altitude.

What You Can Do to Prepare

Altitude affects everyone differently, regardless of age or fitness level. While most people on our trips adjust quickly with no issues, it’s worth taking a few precautions before and during your time at elevation:

• Hydrate well: Drink water consistently in the days leading up to and during your time in Cusco.
• Avoid alcohol on arrival: Give your body a chance to settle in before diving into the pisco sours.
• Eat light and often: Heavier meals can make nausea worse if you’re feeling off.
• Take it slow: Don’t plan to sprint up the Cusco cathedral steps on day one.
• Consider altitude medication: If you’ve had issues in the past or are concerned, speak to a travel doctor about medications like acetazolamide (Diamox), which some people take as a preventive measure.

What If You Still Feel It?

If you do start to feel symptoms, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Our guides are trained to recognise signs of altitude sickness and will check in with you regularly. If you’re unwell, we can arrange rest time or make transport adjustments to ensure you’re safe and supported.

In extreme (but very rare) cases, travellers may need to descend temporarily – but since our itinerary flows between different elevations, that’s usually manageable without major disruption. Again, most cases are mild and pass with rest, hydration, and time.

You’ve Got This

Thousands of Plotpackers travellers have explored Peru safely, joyfully, and confidently – even if it’s their first time at altitude. The secret? Awareness, flexibility, and a little support.

We’ve designed the trip to be accessible and balanced, with glamping comfort, local food, guided insight, and a pace that respects your body’s natural limits. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker or a mountain warrior. You just need curiosity, openness, and a sense of adventure.

Altitude doesn’t need to be scary – it just needs to be respected. And that’s exactly what we do at Plotpackers. From the first moment you arrive in Cusco to your final selfie with Machu Picchu in the background, we’ve got your back.

So whether you’re glamping in the Sacred Valley or strolling through ancient cobbled streets, know that we’ve built this experience with care – for your comfort, your connection to the place, and your safety.

See you at the top (with a coca tea in hand).