Don Emmanuel's recommendations are not precisely correct but true in one main statement: "Acclimatization is a requirement not an option". Andean Summits does not take responsibility of clients who are unable to finish a trip or get sick due to improper acclimatization procedures. Acclimatization is essential for high altitude activity. There are no medicines that guard against acclimatizing to the altitude, and fitness is not a substitute (sometimes fit young people tend to have more problems than the rest). Acclimatization is an inevitable and normal process that takes different timing on every individual. As part of the process, the body gradually adapts to the lower atmospheric pressure when traveling to high altitude lands. Coming from sea-level, breathing increases by 50% in order to maintain an adequate oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood upon arrival to elevations above 3.500m (11.480ft). Because of that increase in breathing and perspiration, the body loses water much faster than at sea level. Some people may suffer a mild form of altitude sickness which symptoms are: breathlessness, accelerated pulse, lethargy, mild headache, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite and dehydration. These symptoms should pass in a couple of days, otherwise consult to a doctor. It takes 3 generations to become genetically adapted (if you decide to live here, your grandchildren will be born with high altitude physiological adaptation); however, depending on the individual, around a week should be adequate time for the travelers to adjust and begin physical activities without any health risk. We suggest you to have in mind the following considerations for a successful acclimatization for your holidays in the Andes.

Back to Resources At arrival On the trip Medication HAPE & HACE Don Manuel explained to the people. "You will all be ill for a while because there is less air up here to breathe. If you think you are dying, do not be deceived, you will soon feel better. Each of you must find their own way to deal with it. Some people eat a great deal and drink a lot of alcohol, but for others this only makes the soroche even worse, so they have to eat and drink very little. Again, some people should get used to it by keeping busy, and others should lie in the dark and do nothing." Louis de Bernieres. The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts, 1990.

At arrival

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The way altitude will affect you will depend of the elevation of the airport you are arriving to, for instance:

To reduce the risk of altitude sickness when flying to high places, you should:

Normally after 3-4 days you will be ready to do some hiking or climbing "small" peaks in the highlands, and after 8-10 days you will be ready to go big ones.

If you are planning a trip to the cloud forest or the Amazon basin, in order not to lose acclimatization we suggest you to postpone it for the end of your planned activities at the highlands. If you descent to the lowlands for a long period of time, you will lose your acclimatization and will need to start all over again.

On the trip

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If you are planning to climb mountains over 6,000m (19,680ft), additionally we suggest you to:

Medication

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Painkillers

Since mild headache is relatively normal, mild painkillers like: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Tylenol, can also be used in a prophylactic way.

Drinking some coffee (that contains Caffeine) may also help a little when having some headache.

In some cities of South America you can find a medication called "Sorochi pills" ("Sorochi" or "Mal de Puna" is the local name for the Acute Mountain Sickness), which contains nothing else than Aspirin and Caffeine.

In Peru and Bolivia Coca leaves have been used for centuries as a traditional medicine (this leaves are legally sold on streets and shops). You can try a Coca leave tea, or better, to chew them and reduce a mild headache. Although, this medicine is more psychological, since the amount of "Anesthetic" you will get in just few leaves is practically none existent (some traces can be found only with specialized analysis).

Diamox

Some of our clients (mainly American citizens) are normally suggested to take Diamox (Acetazolamide) when traveling to highlands. This chemical speeds up the acclimatization process, by acidifying the blood, and accelerating the respiration in order to promote better oxygen absorption.

You should consult your doctor for a prescription and possible side effects that occur in some individuals. This drug possesses diuretic characteristics and may also cause dehydration. Some people have reported a prolonged tingling sensation in their fingertips.

HAPE & HACE

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High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Symptoms include: pink saliva and sputum, blue lips, labored breathing, fluid in the lungs. If you suspect the onset of HAPE, descend the victim immediately and consult a specialist. This is a more serious form of altitude sickness.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

Although rare, it can be fatal. Symptoms include: severe headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, disorientation, visual problems, abnormal behavior, and eventually loss of conscience, coma or even death. If you suspect the onset of HACE, descend the victim immediately and consult a specialist.