In late September there is a small group (6 people) going for a trip to South America, one of the highlights is Machu Picchu. We are all looking forward to the walk. One of our concerns is altitude, we all live at or near sea level so we don't get exposed to high altitude often. I have been looking at the "Intermittent Hypoxic training" that is available here but I have had mixed comments on whether it is worthwhile, there is not a lot of real evidence that I can find that it improves peoples ability to avoid altitude sickness. A travel doctor indicated that she new of people traveling to high altitude that said it was better and some that said it made no difference. I would really appreciate feedback on whether people think this is worth it or not?
Reply to this Hi Ian,
Welcome to TravelBlog.
I can't comment on the hypoxic training, but I have done the Inca Trail after only 4 days in Cusco to adjust to altitude (going directly from sea level). Although it wasn't an easy walk I certainly managed without any real issues. I'd suggest time immediately before the start of the walk will be at least as valuable - maybe also take Diamox or similar with you as well.
Reply to this hi there i am going to south america in just under 2 weeks time im 87.5kgs although i am semi fit all my travel doctor said was id be fine and said if i have any troubles when going to machu picchu to just take altitide pills (diamox) if you get a packet on them use it at altitude over 2700m and you should be fine thats all i am doing they work by increasing your heart rate so that you breathe more which in turn you get more oxygen but you should only need to take them for 1 or 2 days until your body naturally adjust will let you know what to expect when i get there ! hope that helps
Reply to this You should be fine Michael - I went Auckland - Lima (overnight) - Cusco. I took a diamox in Lima, and maybe the first day in Cusco. I had them with me on the Trail, but pretty sure I didn't need them.
Ian - I'm sure if you google 'intermittent hypoxic training' there'll be plenty for you to read which will hopefully help you make a decision.
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thanks for the inputs we are all very fit and currently walking20+ kms a week at a good pace. We have also been above 3000 ms in china but this did not include a big walk. We certainly had no problems with altitude there which i gather is a good sign. I would love to be at your weight though.
Reply to this we have 5 days before the walk in lapaz and lake titicaca and we have drugs. Sounds like I should keep the $500 in my pocket
Reply to this The main thing is to take your time on the Trail. Chances are you won't be doing it again, so just enjoy! You see a lot more if you're looking around than going hard out for the sake of it.
Keep the $500 in your pocket and have a 'free' trek :-)
Reply to this We will take our time and have the free trek, my wife is planning her next one in two years time in Italy so we will save the money. We are all looking forward to it, our daughter goes to South America in three weeks, we hopefully will catch up with her at Lake Titicaca, she will have just done the trail and we will be just about to go up there.
Reply to this The highest point on the Inca trail is about 4200m so with 3 or 4 days of acclimitization in Cusco (3300m) you should be fine. If you could spend a few days in Arequipa (2500m) or somewhere of similar altitude before Cusco you'd have the ideal preparation. Hundreds of people walk the Inca trail every day and I think very few of them need Diamox.
Reply to this Drink lots of coca leaf tea too! That's what the locals recommend!
Reply to this make sure they r legal drugs to lol no white powder or anything green with 6 leaves
Reply to this I hope to avoid any free long stays in South American gaols, might interfere with the rest of the trip.
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