Ausangate Trek Altitude Sickness

This information is taken, in part, from this site, The Outdoor Action Guide to High Altitude
It should not be considered informed medical advice - for this see a doctor!
When reading this, remember that Cusco city has an altitude of 3399 metres!

Since few people have been altitude, it is hard to know who may be affected. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don't, and some people are more susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) with minimal effect. If you haven't been to high altitude before, it's important to be cautious. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude without problems as long as you are properly acclimatized.

At elevations over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), 75% of people will have mild symptoms. The occurrence of altitude sickness is dependent upon the elevation, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Many people will experience mild AMS during the acclimatization process. Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and begin to decrease in severity about the third day. The symptoms of Mild AMS are headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, disturbed sleep, and a general feeling of malaise. Symptoms tend to be worse at night and when respiratory drive is decreased. Mild AMS does not interfere with normal activity and symptoms generally subside within 2-4 days as the body acclimatizes. As long as symptoms are mild, and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a moderate rate. When hiking, it is essential that you communicate any symptoms of illness immediately to others on your trip.

Prevention of altitude illnesses falls into two categories, proper acclimatization and preventive medications. Below are a few basic guidelines for proper acclimatization.

• If possible, don't fly or drive to high altitude. Start below 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and walk up.
• If you do fly or drive, do not over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.
• If you go above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), only increase your altitude by 1,000 feet (305 meters) per day and for every 3,000 feet (915 meters) of elevation gained, take a rest day.
• "Climb High and sleep low." This is the maxim used by climbers. You can climb more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) in a day as long as you come back down and sleep at a lower altitude.
• Keep in mind that different people will acclimatize at different rates. Make sure all of your party is properly acclimatized before going higher.
• Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4 quarts per day). Urine output should be copious and clear.
• Take it easy; don't over-exert yourself when you first get up to altitude. Light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of the symptoms.
• Eat a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates) while at altitude.
• The acclimatization process is inhibited by dehydration, over-exertion, and alcohol and other depressant drugs.

Ausangate Trek Packages

Ausangate Trek Peru 5 Days / 4 Nights	Ausangate Circuit Peru 6 Days / 5 Nights	Ausangate Sibinacocha 7 Days / 6 Nights
An amazing trek surrounding the Sacred Mountain (“Apu”) of Ausangate (6.372m/20900ft) that takes you over mountain passes, awesome mountain scenery, remote Andean communities, hot springs and diferent colours lakes. ... More Information	Ausangate Circuit Peru, This is an unforgettable and amazing hike recommended for lovers of mountain trekking searching for an intense experience in remote areas and wild nature, Real Sustainable Trekking in the Andes ... More Information	This alternative route to the classical circuit around Ausangate Peak still offers the most spectacular and incredible views of the Sibinacocha Lake, In this trek you will have the most beautiful experience in the andes. ... More Information

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