Cusco and the altitude sickness

First week in Peru: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Cusco and Machu Picchu.

I arrived in Peru when Fernanda had 2 free days, so I landed in Cusco, and I went immediately to Pisac where she was. I spent the first day there and the day after we went to Ollantaytambo, where she would spend the next two weeks working. It was beautiful to be together after more than a month apart, even if it was just for a couple of days. Being with her in South America is great, and I can’t wait to travel together on this continent.

Pisac is a charming village near Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Pisac is known for its impressive Incan ruins perched high on a hilltop and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Up on the mountainside is the Pisac Archaeological Park, a sprawling Inca citadel that once served as an agricultural, religious, and administrative centre. The town is also famous for its vibrant market, where you can buy traditional crafts, textiles, and fresh produce.

Ollantaytambo is a historic town and archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, northwest of Cusco. Known for its well-preserved Incan architecture, the city is home to impressive ruins that include massive stone terraces, a ceremonial centre, and the Temple of the Sun. Ollantaytambo also served as a strategic military, agricultural, and religious centre during the Inca Empire. The town's charming cobblestone streets and traditional buildings provide a glimpse into the Andean culture, making it a popular destination. The city has a craft market overflowing with colourful textiles, hats and gloves, and any type of llamas that you can desire.

The day after I left Ollantaytambo for Cusco to reunite with my flatmates, we will be together for the next two weeks until Fernanda finishes work. On the same day, with my friends, I went on a city tour, where we discovered the history of the city between the Incas, Spanish and modern times and the main attractions.

Cusco, often referred to as the "Historical Capital of Peru," is a city rich in history and culture. Once the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved archaeological sites. The city’s colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant markets reflect a unique blend of Incan and Spanish influences. Cusco's heart beats in the Plaza de Armas, a lively square framed by Spanish colonial buildings with their characteristic carved wooden balconies. But Cusco is more than just a museum city, it's a pulsating cultural hub where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. You can witness this fusion in the vibrant festivals that erupt throughout the year, or in the melodic strains of Andean music that fill the air.

The tour guide was very knowledgeable, with interesting facts, but I think he was going too fast, I felt in a rush during the whole tour. Around half of it, I started to feel sick, and I was barely able to finish it, the altitude sickness that I was able to avoid the first two days arrived strong without warning. It attacked mainly my stomach, so for that day and the one after I remained in bed (while my friends went to Rainbow Mountain). I knew about it, but I didn’t know that it can affect your daily life, I thought it was only involved when you are hiking or doing any kind of sports activity.

The day after I had a ticket for Machu Picchu, so even if I wasn’t feeling well I decided to do the trip. We left Cusco at 4 am with a bus to Ollantaytambo, where we took a train to Agua Calientes. From the city, we did the around 2km hike to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

The elevation gain is about 390 meters (1,279 feet), starting from Aguas Calientes at an altitude of around 2,040 meters (6,693 feet) and reaching Machu Picchu, which is situated at approximately 2,430 meters (7,972 feet). The steep ascent involves a series of stone steps and switchbacks, making it a physically demanding but highly rewarding hike. The hike provides an intimate experience with the natural surroundings, offering glimpses of local flora and fauna along the way.

Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, is a 15th-century Inca citadel nestled in the Andes Mountains. Often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas," it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The site features remarkable stone structures, terraced fields, and intricate pathways, all showcasing the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the Inca civilization. Surrounded by lush, tropical forests, Machu Picchu offers breathtaking views and a profound sense of mystery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

In my condition, the hike was very demanding, I arrived up destroyed after almost 2 hours, but the view was something that I had never seen before, probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I am so happy that somehow I made it! On the way back I decided to take the bus, while my friends hiked. Unfortunately, our way back to Cusco was not easy because our train was late, and we had to wait without information at the train station, we were all exhausted and in the end the train was more than two hours late, we got back at 3 am.

For the next two days, I decided to rest, because my altitude sickness was still there and the effort to go to Machu Picchu was big. Because of this, at the moment, I haven’t tried much Peruvian food so I can’t write about it. If you want to know everything about it I suggest you follow

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. Please be careful if you travel around here, altitude sickness can be something serious, so do not underestimate it.

See you soon,

Flavio