Altitude Sickness on the Inca Jungle Trek: My Experience & What You Should Know

Before starting the Inca Jungle Trek, one of my biggest concerns was altitude sickness. I had heard stories from other travelers, so I wanted to be prepared — and now, after completing the trek, I can share what it was really like.

Starting in Cusco: Where the Altitude Hits Hardest

When I arrived in Cusco (at 3,400 m or 11,150 ft), I definitely felt the effects: a light headache, shortness of breath, and feeling tired faster than usual. This is where most travelers feel altitude sickness, not during the trek itself.
I stayed two days in Cusco before starting the trek, and honestly, that helped a lot to adjust.

During the Inca Jungle Trek: Easier on the Body

Once the trek started, the altitude actually got lower.

• Day 1: We started biking from Abra Málaga (about 4,300 m), but because the ride is downhill, I didn’t feel bad — and by the afternoon, we were already down in the jungle at much lower altitudes.
• Days 2 and 3: The hiking parts take place around 1,200 to 2,000 meters, which is much easieon the body. I felt stroner and more energetic here compared to Cusco.

Arriving at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu itself sits at about 2,430 m — much lower than Cusco — and I had no altitude problems there. Climbing a few stairs made me breathe harder, but nothing serious.

My Tips to Handle Altitude

• Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimate.
• Drink lots of water.
• Try the local coca tea — I found it helped with the headache.
• Walk slowly, especially during your first days.
• Some travelers take altitude pills (I didn’t need them, but it’s an option).

Final Thought:

If you manage the first days in Cusco well, the Inca Jungle Trek itself is much friendlier in terms of altitude. For me, the hardest part was day one in Cusco — not during the trek!