Question about Peru, sickness altitude in Sacred Valley, San Salvador

[Sandalwood3]

Wondered if anyone had been to Peru and experienced bad altitude sickness in the mountains...if so, how long had it lasted?

Following, I'm going soon.

DD and DH felt the altitude in Cusco. They trekked the Inca Trail and DH was not himself by the end, although he did complete the trek. They both used Diamox, although I know it is not always recommended.

Yes, I got it while staying in Lake Titicaca, but I probably brought it on myself by moving far too fast up a hill. I had a horrible night (esp as we were on an island and I knew there was no hospital option) and I thought I was going to die but I was grand the next day. Drank a ridiculous amount of maté tea.

We went on to Cusco and did the Inca trail but took my time aclimatising in Cusco first over three days and there was no issue. Just take it easy in terms of activity until you aclimatise.

Hi, I lived in Cusco for a few years. It’s at 3300m, the Sacred Valley is lower 2700m and warmer. For the majority of people altitude sickness is no more than a headache for a few days, and breathlessness going uphill/upstairs. If you are sensible, take it easy for a couple of days, keep hydrated and stay off the alcohol you should be absolutely fine.
Diamox I’d say is unnecessary unless you’re experiencing vomiting and blinding headaches. But in this scenario, a taxi ride down to the valley would pretty much stop all symptoms faster than drugs. I got a private prescription for it from the uk for my first visit but never used it. It brings peace of mind though if you are trekking to higher altitudes. It can be purchased over the counter in Peruvian pharmacies.
Altitude sickness is random, so you might not experience it for 9 trips then get it on your 10th. Age and fitness does not determine if you’ll get it.
Make sure your travel insurance covers you for altitude, as bog standard ones will only cover you to 2000m. Consider adding helicopter evacuation, as you’re probably a day’s travel from a hospital if you’re trekking.
Generally you’ll be fine for The Inca Trail. It’s busy, there’s plenty of guides and support staff if you get into difficulty. Thousands of visitors to Peru do not get into difficulty.

I struggle with altitude, I always end up being sick, I had to abort a summit attempt on Mt Fuji (I was a bit silly with this one as didn't acclimatise at all), again I was sick when we were trekking to see Gorillas in Rwanda. Peru was my first experience of altitude sickness, we flew from Lima to Puno, I was sick a few times during the night on the evening we arrived at Lake Titicaca, but came round fairly quickly and the next day and was able to go on the overnight stay on the lake and was subsequently fine in Cusco. Acclimatisation is key, and for me the sickness has always stopped reasonably quickly, also Diamox didn't really help. May be worth a try though if you can get a private prescription.

We acclimatised ourself slowly. Flew into Lima, then Aruiqipa (sp?!), then Lake Titicaca (that was tough) then Cusco which is lower. Did the 4 day trek and it was fine.

DD and I both had altitude sickness. A hotel room with pumped oxegyn helped.

Honestly, it really varies from person to person. I was pretty much fine throughout a month in Peru, including at Lake Titicaca and during the Inca Trail. My DH was suffering a lot more than me and had headaches, felt nauseous etc. We did all the right things but some people do feel it more than others. My advice is plan to take it slowly, acclimatise and look after yourself. Unless you’ve been at altitude before it’s hard to predict how you’ll feel.

Are you flying straight to Cusco from Lima or are you travelling overland? It's advisable to acclimatise gradually if possible. If you're doing the Inca Trail I'd give yourself at least a few days before starting off and take it easy, but if it's just sightseeing by road and train then you hopefully won't suffer more than a headache and breathlessness.

The few times we've been at high elevation though, both DH and I also suffered upset stomaches with frequent toilet trips, which stopped the moment we were at lower elevation. Could just be coincidence but it happened on two separate trips to different countries.

As an aside, if you plan to do any adventurous activities, read the wording carefully to make sure your travel insurance covers you up to that elevation. Some do not cover activities like hiking above 2000 or 3000m unless you pay extra.