Altitude and acclimatising

Will the altitude affect you in the Sacred Valley?

Q: Is the Sacred Valley higher or lower than Cusco?

The valley floor is lower: Urubamba at 2,871 m and Ollantaytambo at 2,790 m, against 3,350 m in Cusco. Up on the plateau, Chinchero (3,762 m), Moray (3,500 m) and Maras (3,385 m) sit a little higher.

Q: What is the highest point of the tour?

Chinchero, at 3,762 m, on both routes.

Q: What is soroche?

It is the Andean name for altitude sickness: headache, tiredness, shortness of breath or nausea when you arrive at high altitude.

The valley floor sits about 500 m lower than Cusco; the plateau a little higher. Here are the metres for each site and how to prepare.

Altitude profile

The metres at each site

Highest on the tour: Chinchero, 3,762 m. Lowest: Ollantaytambo, 2,790 m.

3,350 m

Cusco

3,762 m

Chinchero

3,500 m

Moray

3,385 m

Maras

3,250 m

Pisac

2,871 m

Urubamba

2,790 m

Ollantaytambo

Site	Altitude	Vs Cusco	On the route
Cusco	3,350 m	0 m	Starting point
Chinchero	3,762 m	+412 m	Classic & VIP
Moray	3,500 m	+150 m	VIP only
Maras	3,385 m	+35 m	VIP only
Pisac (Inca site)	3,250 m	−100 m	Classic & VIP
Pisac (town)	2,972 m	−378 m	Classic & VIP
Urubamba	2,871 m	−479 m	Lunch
Ollantaytambo	2,790 m	−560 m	Classic & VIP

What soroche is

In the Andes, altitude sickness is called soroche. It shows up when you reach high ground without acclimatising, usually as headache, tiredness, breathlessness when walking, little appetite or nausea. It is almost always mild and eases with rest.

Why the valley is a good start

Cusco sits at 3,350 m. The Sacred Valley drops to 2,790 m at Ollantaytambo, and the middle of the day (lunch in Urubamba and Ollantaytambo) happens below the altitude of the city. That is why many travellers choose it as their first excursion.

Bear in mind the route also crosses the plateau: Chinchero, Moray and Maras sit slightly higher than Cusco. On the VIP they come in the morning; on the Classic, Chinchero is the last stop.

The Sacred Valley sits lower than Cusco, so breathing is easier

Sacred Valley · 2,790–3,762 m

Prevention

How to handle the altitude

Take it slowly

Walk gently on the climbs, especially at Pisac and Chinchero.

Stay hydrated

Carry water and drink often through the day.

Eat light

A light breakfast and no heavy meals help you feel better.

Ask your doctor

If you have a heart or lung condition, or you are pregnant, check before travelling.

During the tour: if you feel unwell, tell the guide. We carry a first aid kit on board. This information is general and does not replace medical advice.

Altitude

Questions about altitude

The valley floor is lower: Urubamba at 2,871 m and Ollantaytambo at 2,790 m, against 3,350 m in Cusco. Up on the plateau, Chinchero (3,762 m), Moray (3,500 m) and Maras (3,385 m) sit a little higher.

Chinchero, at 3,762 m, on both routes.

Many travellers do it that way, because much of the day is spent below the altitude of Cusco. Even so, take it slowly, drink water and listen to your body.

It is the Andean name for altitude sickness: headache, tiredness, shortness of breath or nausea when you arrive at high altitude.

Tell the guide straight away, rest and drink water. There is a first aid kit on board. If you have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before travelling.