altitude question

[mrsmileyns]

So I thought this might be a good place to ask.  I have been to TBF 3 times.  If I recall Telluride is at about 8000 ft or so.  My wife and I are taking a trip this May to Cusco, Peru and then to Machu Picchu.  Cusco is at 11,000ft and Machu Picchu is about 9000.  Our hike will take us from altitudes of 8000-12000 over the course of 5 days.

We live at sea level.  We have never had a problem with altitude sickness in Telluride - felt the altitude - drank a lot of water, ate carbs, we were OK.  I have never travelled to 11,000 ft and was wondering if that is going to be drastically different than 8000.  I know there is medication I can take in advance for altitude sickness but I would prefer not to if I can help it as it has side effects.

I thought someone on this board might have some experience.

Thanks.

[landshark]

The air is thin and yes if possible give yourself an extra day or 2 at that alt before you start your treck. Acclamation is very unique to each indv.. Age, where you live, physical shape, not to mention jet lag, if you are flying in. Rest up, acclamate and then hike if possible.

I live at 9300 climbed to 14000 and yes the air is thin. Medication I do not know about however. Sounds like a great trip!

[Skubes]

Another great website to check out would be 14ers.com.  People post trip reports about excursions like yours, and others, from all over the world.   You'll find a wealth of knowledge about acclimatization and a bunch of other stuff.  Sounds like a great trip!!

[Cindy Lou]

Wow, that does sound like an amazing trip!  How fun, and hopefully no issues with altitude. One thing that works well is ginger.  Ginger ale, ginger like you get with Japanese food, I forget what it is called, ginger snaps, etc. I know I posted something about this before. I'll see if I can find it.  http://www.festivarian.com/index.php/topic,2562.msg20812.html#msg20812

maybe this will take you there?

[The Goat]

My wife and kids and I live in the Denver area and we travelled to Cotopaxi in Ecuador this year. A couple travelling with us were from NYC, so essentially sea level. We got up to about 16,000 ft on the volcano and they had little trouble except for being out of breath and needing to slow it down a ton. I guess the most important thing to be able to do is back off quick if you start having issues. Other than that, have a blast, it sounds like an awesome trip.

 Listening to: Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

[mrsmileyns]

thanks everyone for your replies