Every year, millions of travelers fall in love with Peru. With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and epic hiking trails, it is a destination that promises pure adventure. Topping the list of breathtaking attractions is, of course, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
Before you pack your bags and lace up your hiking boots, you need to know a few essential details about Machu Picchu altitude. Peru features a beautifully mountainous landscape, and your body will need a little time to adjust to the increased heights. But don’t let a fear of heights keep you from exploring! With the right preparation, the incredible rewards of visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site far outweigh any altitude challenges.
Read on for everything you need to know about Machu Picchu Elevation so you can plan your dream trip with total confidence.
While the towering green peaks surrounding the ruins make it feel like you are touching the sky, the main citadel actually sits lower than many of the surrounding areas.
Even though the ruins sit slightly lower than the neighboring city of Cusco, the steep surrounding slopes of Huayna Picchu (8,835 ft) and Cerro Machu Picchu (10,111 ft) create a stunning backdrop that makes you feel like you are walking among the clouds.
If you plan to visit the Andes, you need to prepare for a little thing called altitude sickness. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath can put a damper on your adventure if you aren’t prepared.
The threshold for experiencing altitude sickness generally begins around 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). Because the Machu Picchu altitude is just under 8,000 feet, the ruins themselves pose a lower risk. However, because you will likely travel through or stay in Cusco (which is over 3,000 feet higher than the ruins), you are at a much higher risk of feeling the effects of the thin mountain air before you even start your trek.
Hiking to Machu Picchu is a true adventure, making the journey to the Inca Citadel just as rewarding as the ruins themselves. Now that you know exactly what to expect from the mountain heights, let’s plan your dream trip to Machu Picchu!
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All of our tour itineraries are 100% customizable. Just let us know your preferences below and we’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours.
