Dream vacations can be derailed by unexpected illnesses. From questionable water to pesky mosquitoes, the new stresses of unfamiliar locations can leave even the fittest travellers sluggish or bedridden. No one wants to miss out on all the things their carefully crafted trips have to offer, so it is prudent to understand how to avoid or manage medical roadblocks. Here's Aracari's advice on how to manage altitude sickness in Peru. Preventing Altitude Sickness in Peru One of the most common afflictions in Andean areas is altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or Soroche. The thin oxygen at high elevations causes rapid breathing, which leads dehydration as more water is lost through exhaling than is gained through inhaling the dry mountain air. Different travelers have different levels of susceptibility to altitude sickness, but most symptoms begin occurring at altitudes around 6,000 ft. Travelling at altitude Some of Aracari’s most beautiful destinations sit at dizzyingly high altitudes, including Machu Picchu (2,430 m/8,000 ft), Cusco (3,400 m/11,500 ft), and La Paz (3,6000m/11,800 ft). Not all travelers suffer from altitude sickness, but it is better to be informed rather than allow the possibility deter you from traveling to these spectacular locales. Prepare yourself with our handy Q&A on properly detecting and handling altitude sickness, with information from Dr. Dante Valdivia of the Centro de Investigación de Medicina de Altitud (CIMA). What are the symptoms of altitude sickness in Peru? Generally, altitude sickness manifests itself in heart pounding shortness of breath, which can cause headache, nausea, and dizziness as dehydration progresses. Some travellers also report feelings of extreme tiredness, insomnia, or loss of appetite. How do I deal with altitude sickness in Peru? There are a number of measures that can be taken to combat the perils of altitude sickness. BEFORE ARRIVAL: Plan your