Altitude Survivor

How to complete Altitude Survivor

Cities like Cusco (3,400m) and La Paz (3,600m) sit high enough that arriving and rushing around can trigger headaches, nausea, and sleeplessness. Acclimatizing means giving your body two or three days to adjust so you can actually enjoy the place instead of lying in bed gasping.

1. Arrive and take the first 24-48 hours slow, no hiking, heavy meals, or alcohol
2. Drink far more water than usual and eat light, carb-heavy food
3. Ask a pharmacy or doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) before the trip if you're prone to altitude sickness
4. Sleep your first nights at the city's altitude before climbing any higher
5. Watch for worsening symptoms and descend if a headache turns severe or you get confused or breathless at rest

Tips

• Coca tea or leaves help mild symptoms and are normal locally
• Skip the first-night party; alcohol hits harder and worsens dehydration
• If flying into La Paz, consider a night lower first, like in a valley neighborhood

What counts as done

You've spent at least two nights at high altitude and reached normal daily activity without debilitating altitude sickness.