Can I climb Machu Picchu with asthma?

Show all answers

Trevor Trillion

I have been to Machu Picchu twice in my life. Although I don't have asthma, I remember two things about the climb.
1. Remember that Machu Picchu is at a LOWER altitude than Cuzco. And it is very likely that you will first arrive in cuzco, then take the train to Machu Picchu. You will not have to climb up to the ruins from the railway station, there are little buses or a gondola ride for that.

2. The climb to the top of HUAYNU Picchu (the peak in the background of the ruined city of Machu Picchu) is about a 45 minute leisurely climb. Take your time, there's no hurry. Plenty of handrails and foot stairs to help people of all ages.
I assume if you can run for 30 minutes, you can walk for 45.

3. If you walk the ancient Inca road from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, I've heard this takes 4 days and 3 nights to complete. I am not sure about the elevations and stress. I have never walked this distance.

creativetravelers

I have moderate asthma too, but it get worse in Cusco at 11000 feet specially when it get colder, but i become better in warmer places like Machu pichu at about 8000 feet and the its top 10000 feet. I recommend that you carry your inhaler (salbutamol-ventolin is a good brand).

For other tips about traveling to Peru, such as hotels, hostal, fair tours, budget travel, luxury tours and activities sportsto do read our free News Letters at :
http://www.southamericamyjourney.com/travel/newsletters/newsletters.php?status=1&Id=2

HOla

before you go I think you should check with your doctor..like others said in YA the altitude might be a problem...you might be able to make it but remember there isnt tht much oxigen up there..so the air is thiner..if you bring oxigen with you it will be easier for you to breath...(some hotels now have oxigen in the rooms but their are a little pricey)
again ask your doctor...

DeepDark69

I think it depends where you live. The problem for you isn't going to be your asthma, but breathing normally at 2450 mts over the sea, thats like 8,038 feet. I know I can do it, I live at 2800 mts.
I hope you can adapt to the altitude as soon as possible.

memorex

My stepdaughter had moderate asthma and she's been in many high places throughout Peru. Moderate Asthma is no impediment, not having your inhaler is.

The 4d/3n inka trail is rough so keep training. The first day you go from 8,400 ft to 9,000 ft, the second day from 9,000 ft to 12,600 ft the rest is mostly down hill so you wont have problem there:

http://www.tierra-inca.com/album/dessins/dessins/camino_inca_alt.gif

The good news is that someone else is carrying your stuff, that's why you pay so much. And don't panic for it's normal to feel bad whenever you are going up hill, when it gets weird, just lay down for a while and it'll pass. I recomend you buy some pills in the drug store called SOROCHIPIL take one every morning, it really helps a lot.

kellyinperu63

If you're talking about hiking the Inca trail, you won't be able to unless you already have your reservation.

If you're just visiting Machu Picchu, that shouldn't be much of a problem for your asthma, as stated, there are buses that take you from the town Aguascalientes up to the ruins. There is a lot of walking up and down hill in the ruins themselves, and also as the other person mentioned above, if you decide to hike up Huayna Picchu, that's a very steep climb. Definitely have an inhaler with you, but I think if you're generally in shape, you should be fine.

Fredy S

I`m guide in Machupicchu maybe you have problem if you run, but walking slowly is fine is n`t to high

With 5 years of passionate, personal, non-stop, hands-on, guest-focused leadership, Abroad Trekkers is set to provide you with the best possible active vacation Cusco peru . And should anyone ask, Cusco peru is quick to point out that she hopes to be fortunate enough to carefully control the helm for years to come. No consolidations or mergers for AbroadTrekkers ! Why? The trips wouldnâ€™t be as goodâ€”weâ€™re sure of itâ€”and thatâ€™s what matters!
Cusco peru

Trekking Specialist in & around Cusco Peru,
http://www.abroadtrekkers.com

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: